Watershed Aide (fairfax)

POSITION DESCRIPTION There are two (2) openings for full-time temporary Watershed Aides. The assignment is for up to six (6) months in duration, 40 hours per week. The work shift is 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and may include weekends, holidays and shift changes. To be considered, interested persons must submit a completed District application, supplemental questionnaire responses, and original DMV 10-year driving history (Form H-6) to the Human Resources Department. DEFINITION Under direct supervision, participates in the District's watershed management programs in the areas of Natural Resources Management, Vegetation Management, Watershed Protection and Fisheries Management. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS These are unrepresented seasonal positions. Incumbents are expected to work a flexible schedule, which may include weekends and holidays. Job duties are in the areas of physical labor, maintenance, technical, scientific and clerical assignments. Watershed Aides are assigned to Natural Resources, Vegetation Management, Watershed Protection, and/or Fisheries Management. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES Tasks within area of assignment may include, but are not limited to, the duties listed below. In addition to the listed duties, each employee assigned to this classification may perform additional duties pertinent to the area of assignment. NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (Vegetation and Wildlife, and Watershed Maintenance workgroups) • Assists regular staff with the maintenance and restoration of watershed lands; • constructs fuel breaks; • removes exotic species and plants native vegetation; • constructs fish habitat improvements; • installs erosion control structures; • works on a crew preparing for and conducting prescribed burns; • maps watershed features including facilities and natural resources using a global positioning system; • enters data into watershed geographic information system and the work order maintenance program; • conducts natural resource field surveys including habitat assessments, rare plant surveys, and permanent vegetation plots; • supports heavy equipment operation and maintenance used in vegetation management; • may work with Marin County Adult Offender Work Program participants; and • other duties as assigned. FISHERIES MANAGEMENT • Assists regular staff with conservation activities for endangered coho salmon and threatened steelhead trout, and other aquatic species; • may perform snorkeling and electrofishing surveys for juvenile salmonids • may perform spawner surveys for adult salmon; • enters and analyzes survey data; • assists with installation of erosion control structures, riparian revegetation, and stream habitat enhancement; • performs survey work on both public and private lands in Marin County; • writes technical reports; and • conducts miscellaneous tasks and other duties as assigned. PROTECTION • Assists regular staff with visitor services; • maintains good relations with watershed visitors; • educates public regarding watershed regulations and environmental protection; • may act as fire lookout • observes and reports suspected illegal activity; • maintains signs, roads, trails and recreation areas including cleaning restrooms and picking up trash. ALL AREAS • follows safe work practices and observes safety rules and precautions to ensure a safe work environment; • drives light trucks to and from various locations throughout the watershed to conduct District business; • operates construction equipment and a variety of hand and power tools in the maintenance of watershed lands and facilities; and • educates and assists the public by answering questions regarding the watershed. QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: • Basic methods and procedures used in natural resource maintenance and restoration; • basic use of hand and power tools related to the work; • common native plants; • basic safety procedures related to the work; • customer service policies and techniques for dealing with the public; and • basic computer applications related to the work (Word and Excel); • principles, practices and methods of fishery and wildlife management; and • techniques for conducting scientific study and biological investigations of fish and wildlife resources are desirable. Ability to: • Perform routine landscape, parks and open space operations and maintenance work; • use and maintain hand and power tools used in park facility, resource and grounds maintenance; • make field observations and accurately record and maintain scientific data; • learn watershed landmarks, facilities and trail system and MMWD Land Use Regulations; • utilize safety procedures and equipment, recognizing and reporting potential safety hazards; • follow oral and written directions; • act appropriately in emergency situations; • establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work; • perform heavy physical labor safely under difficult environmental conditions; • work varying shifts including weekends and holidays; • learn, interpret and apply pertinent subject matter, procedures, precedents and policies; • use good judgment in choosing among available alternatives, recognizing scope of authority, seeking assistance, and making referrals; • use a personal computer with related software applications; • organize own work, set priorities and meet deadlines; • communicate and deal effectively with the public, in person and over the telephone; • drive a vehicle; and • swim depending upon job assignment. TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE Any combination of training and experience that would be likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities would be: • Successful completion of the 12th grade or equivalent. The following education, experience and abilities are desirable: • Some direct experience or college level education in landscape maintenance, park operations, environmental resources; biology, natural resource management or similar field. • experience dealing with the public; • experience with fish identification and electrofishing; • proficiency using Microsoft Word and Excel; • ability to operate a personal computer; • care and maintenance of power and hand tools. OTHER REQUIREMENTS • Driving is an essential function of this position. Employees who drive on District business to carry out job-related duties must possess an appropriate California driver's license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles and meet insurability requirements of the District including review of recent driving history and maintain a satisfactory driving record; • per California Government Code, Title 1, Division 4, Chapter 8, Section 3100 "all public employees are hereby declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law"; • completion of a wildland fire academy or its equivalent (for natural resource management assignments) during the course of employment; • willingness to work on weekends, holidays and varying shifts, as the operation requires; • wear appropriate attire as provided; and • acquire safety/fire boots that meet District specifications. APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must submit the following information to the Human Resources Department: a. Properly completed District application. Clearly state the title of the position for which you are applying. b. Supplemental questionnaire responses for the position. The attached page of supplemental questions will be a primary tool in evaluating qualifications for this position. The responses will be evaluated along with the completed application form. Applications received without completed Supplemental Responses will not be considered. c. An original California DMV form H-6 printout provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (current within 30 days of application) showing a 10-year driving history. A resume may be included but does not substitute for a completed application. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement in the selection process. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to show that he/she meets the minimum qualifications in this job announcement. All applicants will be notified of the disposition of their application. Based upon information provided in the application documents, the applicants presenting the best job-related qualifications will be invited to continue in the process. This position is temporary, seasonal, hourly, and nonexempt, and individuals hired in this position can be terminated at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice, at the option of either the District or employee. An application packet may be obtained online at www.calopps.org or by calling 415-945-1433 or in person at MMWD/HR, 220 Nellen Avenue, Corte Madera, CA 94925. Candidates whose qualifications and experience best meet the needs of the position will be invited to participate in the interview process.