Water Quality Coordinator

Application Deadline: Posted until filled.
Starting Salary Range: $25.56 - $30.68 per hour, commensurate with qualifications and experience 
Location: Main Office
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Classification: Full-time
Safety Sensitive: No

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Coordinates the water quality sampling programs of the MWCD and responds to questions and concerns of the public regarding water quality. Prepares, presents, and promotes environmental education programs for the general public and outside agencies. Communicates with internal staff including park and marina management staff and other partners to keep them updated on the water quality program.

EQUIPMENT AND/OR SOFTWARE OPERATED/USED: The following are examples only and are not intended to be all inclusive:

Flat bottom boat, water quality sonde, microscopes, bench top lab equipment, autoclave, motor vehicles, Microsoft Office Suite, EXO sonde program, light deck software, hummingbird sonar software, google earth.

INHERENTLY HAZARDOUS OR PHYSICALLY DEMANDING WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Ascends and/or descends ladders, stairs, or scaffolds; is exposed to environmental conditions which may result in injury from fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, and/or poorly ventilated work areas; is exposed to possible injury from hazardous gases, chemicals, flammables, or air contaminants; is exposed to possible injury from hazardous waste; is exposed to possible injury due to unclean or unsanitary conditions; has exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy weather conditions; has exposure to hazardous driving conditions.

Note:  In accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor physical demands strength ratings, this is considered medium work.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND WORKER CHARACTERISTICS:

JOB DUTIES in order of importance

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

60% (1)

Coordinates the aquatic vegetation management program for MWCD. Coordinates the water quality sampling programs of the MWCD in cooperation with the USACE, USGS, OLMS, OEPA and other agencies and organizations and responds to questions and concerns of the public regarding water quality. Duties include wading in lakes, ponds, wetlands and streams and will require working in and operating  boats for sampling. Works in coordination with the Conservation Technician to maintain the MWCD water quality lab including the associated equipment and quality control measures; procurement of necessary equipment and supplies, to maintain proper equipment calibration.

Develops informational and educational material for MWCD website, newsletter, and related media regarding water quality, environmental education, watershed education, and water conservation. Creates and presents presentations at workshops, community outreach programs, conferences, and seminars. 

Attends related board and community meetings to promote MWCD conservation and environmental programs including but not limited to water quality, watershed education, water conservation and sustainability.

Works with other MWCD Departments on the execution of conservation and environmental focused practices and educational programs. Assists in preparing the water quality component of the budget and tracks expenditures. Advises the Chief of Conservation on related water quality activities, programs, opportunities, and initiatives.    

25% (2)

Maintains accurate records; interprets data related to the position.

10% (3)

Addresses concerns of the public about water quality and other ecological issues. 

Maintains required licensures and certification, if any.

Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable safety standards that pertain to essential functions.

Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

5% (6)

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Attends meetings, as directed; attends training and seminars, as directed.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE CHARACTERISTICS: (*indicates developed after employment)

Knowledge of: Computer software; basic algebra; working in aquatic environments (rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, reservoirs), MWCD policies and procedures*.

Skilled in: A deep understanding of reservoir and lake limnology and freshwater aquatic ecosystems, public speaking; writing; boat operation; flora and fauna ID.

Ability to: Manage large water quality datasets and interpret, analyze, and present results and findings at a collegiate or professional level. Communicate effectively; work well with the public; interpret relevant data; use basic hand tools; work in a variety of weather conditions.

POSITIONS DIRECTLY SUPERVISED:

Water Quality Intern.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree and three (3) or more years of related experience; or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: 

Must possess a boater’s license and driver’s license valid in the State of Ohio and must be insurable by MWCD fleet insurance.