Environmental Services Field Assistant

United Water Conservation District • Los Angeles, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The work of the District’s Environmental Services Department centers on supporting the District’s efforts to achieve its mission to manage, protect, conserve, and enhance the region’s water supply in an environmentally balanced manner. Under direct or general supervision of the Environmental Scientists and Field Technician, the Field Assistant performs a variety of ecological monitoring tasks to support the operation and maintenance of the District’s facilities located at Santa Felicia Dam, Lake Piru, the Freeman Diversion on the Santa Clara River, and other facilities and waterways within the District. The Field Assistant is an entry-level position and requires little or no related job experience or college-level course work, however relevant experience or education is desirable.

Requirements

• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• No previous experience is required, incumbents will receive on-the-job training for all essential duties.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License is required upon hire.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to operate and maintain monitoring equipment, read meters, valves, and gauges to collect needed information.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings and diagrams.
• Ability to operate vehicles, boats and equipment.
• Ability to maintain complete and accurate records and electronic databases.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, contractors, and others.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to learn and follow safety rules, practices, and procedures in all aspects of work, including: chemicals, tool usage, vehicle and equipment operation and general field operations.

Nice To Haves

• Coursework or a degree from an accredited college or university in an environmental-related field (e.g. biology, environmental studies, fisheries science) is highly desirable.
• Previous work experience in a similar environment is also desirable.
• Knowledge of methods, materials, and tools used in the repair and maintenance of equipment.
• Knowledge of general work safety practices.
• Knowledge of general understanding of standard office equipment; computers, tablets, printers, copiers; Microsoft Office software sufficient for effective performance of maintenance and recordkeeping tasks.
• Knowledge of standard English sufficient to reading, writing and understanding written instructions, manuals, and procedures; and keep a variety of records.
• Knowledge of principles of ecology, biology, hydrology, geomorphology, and water resource management highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Perform or assist in a variety of research and monitoring projects in both field and laboratory settings.
• Assist monitoring efforts at Lake Piru and Santa Felicia Dam, especially related to quagga mussels. This includes collecting water quality information, water samples, mussel growth and recruitment samples, as well as conducting laboratory analysis of these samples including microscopy.
• Assist monitoring efforts at the Freeman Diversion and its fish migration facilities to ensure their effective operation, especially as they relate to fish passage. This includes monitoring flows, checking and maintaining monitoring equipment, and reviewing video and DIDSON footage.
• Check flow conditions in the Santa Clara River, tributaries and at the estuary to determine whether flows are adequate for steelhead migration.
• Keep records of all activities using standardized datasheets; enter data into the electronic database.
• Perform or assist in a variety of research and monitoring projects.
• Adhere to District safety procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED