Watershed Protection Specialist I - EXAM

City of Columbus•Varies by position, OH

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for performing source water protection activities and monitoring/securing City watershed properties. This role involves patrolling land and water areas, responding to public inquiries, participating in source water protection activities, and assisting with public education and outreach programs. The specialist will also provide field and technical support, including natural resources and land stewardship management, and may facilitate activities with emergency services and other agencies. Additionally, the role may involve monitoring and recording land and water data, and performing light maintenance on equipment.

Requirements

Significant college coursework (eighteen (18) quarter or twelve (12) semester hours) in natural resources, environmental science, forestry, park management, wildlife management, or a closely related field.
One (1) year of field experience in natural resource conservation, protection, or restoration; wildlife management; park maintenance; watershed maintenance; or providing security within a park or facility may be substituted for the required education.
Possession of a valid driver’s license.
By the completion of the probationary period, must possess a valid Ohio Boaters Education Certificate.
Must successfully complete all phases of the testing process.
Must complete one or more interviews.
Must pass a criminal background check.
Must pass a pre-employment drug test.

Responsibilities

Monitors public utilization of City watershed properties, park land, and associated facilities to ensure water protection, public safety, health, and welfare.
Identifies hazardous, unlawful, and unauthorized use of City watershed properties by patrolling land and water areas with City vehicles and boats, walking property boundaries, and securing facilities and equipment.
Responds to public inquiries concerning the utilization of City watershed properties, the location of City property boundaries and easements, and applicable laws and regulations.
Participates in source water protection activities to include inspections of City watershed properties, meeting with landowners adjacent to City property, and investigating pollution sources as necessary.
Compiles reports of investigations, issues warnings, records statements, and collects findings for action taken and/or recommended.
Uses hand tools or other equipment to assist in the maintenance of City watershed properties and facilities as needed.
Assists with the creation, development, and implementation of public education and outreach programs.
Provides field and technical support to include natural resources and land stewardship management activities and some manual labor.
May facilitate activities conducted on watershed properties with emergency medical services, law enforcement, or other regulatory agencies.
May use instruments and read gauges to monitor and record land and water data, including position, elevation, temperature, precipitation, or other water quality indicators.
May perform light preventative and corrective maintenance on City vehicles, boats, and water-analysis instruments to ensure safe and efficient operation.