Wetlands Ecologist

The Position

Under general direction of the Natural Resources Manager, operates, monitors, provides analysis for, and maintains the District’s natural wetland treatment systems, and urban runoff diversions, including the San Joaquin Marsh. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Wetlands Ecologist is distinguished from the Senior Wetlands Ecologist by the narrower responsibilities and scope of duties.  Wetlands Ecologists are responsible for smaller, less complex assignments and projects, and more routine daily monitoring tasks. This classification may compile smaller reports and assist in the preparation of larger more complex reports and documents.

Summary of Duties:

• Participate in the treatment of surface water using natural and constructed wetlands and biofilter treatment facilities.
• Assist in the preparation of reports on the status of the District’s wetland operations and prepare proposals for changes and improvements in those operations.
• Coordinate the District’s wetland operations with various regulatory agency staff, including but not limited to the US Army Corps of Engineers, US Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
• Coordinate vector control activities with the Orange County Vector Control District and oversee the operation of the District’s wetlands in a manner that minimizes vector production or related problems.
• Participate in the management of a comprehensive environmental compliance and monitoring program.  
• Assist in the establishment or restoration of various habitat types associated with the District’s wetland operations.
• Assist in any mitigation work and related monitoring of environmental projects associated with the District’s wetlands operations.
• Assist in the design and establishment of new natural treatment wetland sites throughout the District’s service area.
• Conduct regularly scheduled site inspections of District wetland locations.
• Develop various forms and filing systems to document the operation and maintenance of the District’s wetlands.
• Read and interpret construction plans.
• Perform various manual field labor tasks, including but not limited to raking, shoveling, lifting and adjustment of weir boards.
• Operate various pieces of field equipment, including but not limited to water valves, pumps, powered hand tools, generators and specialty vehicles.
• Operate various pieces of scientific equipment, including but not limited to field test kits, automated samplers, GPS units and analyzers.
• Provide input on the preparation of the annual capital and operating budgets associated with the operation and maintenance of the District’s wetlands.
• Understand and review specifications and contract documents associated with the operation and maintenance of the District’s wetlands.
• Coordinate work with other District departments, in particular various Operations groups.
• Assist in the inspection of the work of contractors related to habitat establishment and landscape maintenance; and on engineered capital projects to establish and/or wetlands construction projects.
• Assist in the identification of various plants, animals and other biota in Southern California natural habitats. Differentiate non-native species from native species.
• Assist in plant and animal surveys and assess the viability/health of various habitats associated with Southern California wetland and upland environments.
• Prepare purchase requisitions and review invoices prior to approval.
• Comply with District work-related safety practices and attend relevant safety training.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education:

• A combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Ecology, Environmental Science, Civil/Environmental Engineering or related field is required.  Work experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis. For degrees obtained outside the U.S., an official equivalency evaluation is required.

Experience:

• One (1) year of related experience is required.