Water Resources Technician

POSITION TITLE: Water Resources Technician, Grade III
REPORTS TO: Water Resources and Fisheries Manager 
STATUS: Full time, non-exempt (from Fair Labor Standards Act) 
SALARY: $51,062.44 – $76,736.74

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:
The Water Resources Technician, Grade III, will work directly under the Water Resources and Fisheries Manager to provide technical support and assistance to the RPBCWD as it relates to the protection, improvement, and management of water resources. This position will, under the direction of the Water Resources and Fisheries Manager, be responsible for the supervision of seasonal and other staff to implement the district wide monitoring program for lakes and streams. This will include the installation and maintenance of equipment, as well as the collection, analysis, and reporting of data on water quality, fisheries, aquatic vegetation, and invasive species management within the district. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in planning, coordinating, and conducting RPBCWD’s streams and lakes water quality and hydrological data monitoring program following quality control protocols to ensure efficient and effective data collection
• Assure that the water quality and hydrologic data monitoring is completed accurately and in a timely manner within the guidelines of the RPBCWD’s water quality monitoring program and other recognized professional standards
• Assist in the collection of biological data in lakes and streams including aquatic invasive species, fish, macroinvertebrates, and aquatic vegetation
• Managing large water quality data sets and interpretation of the data for various audiences
• Provide direction and supervision to seasonal staff and interns
• Assist in preparation of an annual water resources report
• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of the RPBCWD’s operations and policies
• Provide superior customer service and interaction in a friendly, professional manner
• Collaborate and assist other watershed staff with various programs and initiatives
• Perform miscellaneous office duties as required
• Assist with special projects and other responsibilities as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, conservation biology, plant ecology, fisheries, limnology or another applicable field with at least three (3) year of directly related professional experience; OR an associate’s degree or equivalent in natural resource management, environmental science, biology, ecology, fisheries, or similar with at least five (5) years of directly related professional experience;
• Strong understanding of watershed management or aquatic ecology;
• Ability to conduct fieldwork under adverse weather conditions;
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to back a trailer;
  

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and QUALIFICATIONS:

• A working knowledge of the installation, operations, and maintenance of data collection equipment such as Flowtracker, YSI sonde, as well as the AS950 or ISCO autosampling units as well as associated software;
• The ability to operate a motorized watercraft
• Demonstrated ability to oversee field projects as well as to train and direct the activities of other field staff
• A working knowledge of electrofishing equipment and techniques
• Course work or experience in water quality monitoring and chemistry
• Strong organizational, written, and oral communications skills
• Proficiency with entire MS Office Suite
• Knowledge of ArcGIS and other ESRI software
• Self-motivation and ability to work independently without close supervision
• Willingness to travel throughout the project area

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of statistical software applications such as R, python, etc.
• Ability to speak publicly to various interest groups and stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative attitude
• Flexibility to attend evening/weekend events
• Working knowledge of Trimble GPS equipment
• OSHA confined space training or equivalent training
• Ability to read and interpret civil and mechanical engineering plans and specifications

ACTIVITY AND FIELD WORK COMPONENTS:

• Ability to trailer, launch, and operate a motorboat, john boat, and canoe
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and to carry as much as 25 pounds over uneven surfaces and slopes
• Working outdoors, year-round, under all weather conditions
• Installation of equipment in the field and in the water
• Comfortable handling and processing large numbers of fish
• Ability to use power tools and other mechanical equipment;

SALARY RANGE AND BENEFIT OVERVIEW:
The salary range is $51,062 to $76,737. 
In addition, the RPBCWD offers the following benefits: 

• Life, ST/LTD, health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Employer contribution to Health Savings Account
• PERA retirement fund
• Reimbursement for qualifying education and training
• Eleven recognized holidays
• Flexible hybrid work schedule