Watershed Ecologist I

Job Closes: July 21, 2024

GENERAL SUMMARY

Maintains, monitors and builds an array of water quality stations for stormwater runoff sampling and water quality data collection. Interprets stormwater data and plans future collections and site locations. Assesses the biological diversity of instream, riparian and terrestrial communities and analyzes the overall ecological health of the watershed.

Safety is #1 at the River Authority: We expect every employee: to 1) Strictly follow safety policies, rules, and safe work methods. 2) Promptly correct or report safety hazards or unsafe conditions. Immediately report injuries for prompt diagnosis and treatment. 3) Make regular suggestions for safety process improvements to support continuous safety improvement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Prepares automated monitoring equipment and constructs, assembles, and dismantles automated water quality and stormwater platforms as required.
• Collects ambient and stormwater quality samples, conduct calibrations, downloads, and calculations in accordance with Quality Assurance Project Plans.
• Identifies organizational and watershed knowledge gaps and assists in the development of projects or efforts to address those gaps to inform watershed management decisions.
• Conducts research on wildlife and habitat preservation/restoration throughout the watershed with a focus on River Authority property.
• Downloads and processes water quality and stormwater related data. Compiles 15-minute field parameter data, 5-minute flow and level data, 1-minute flow, level, and rain data.
• Installs, calibrates, maintains, operates, troubleshoots, and tests all department automated water quality and stormwater monitoring equipment. Documents results from maintenance and nonconformance issues that may affect data associated with water samples.
• Monitors local weather radar for qualifying precipitation events on a rotational basis and initiates field collection crews and activities.
• Collaborates with River Authority personnel, other agencies, consultants and the public on special studies, stormwater activities, pollution investigations and environmental site assessments.
• Completes and reviews all pertinent field data forms for accuracy and completeness while adhering to QA/QC protocols and assists with records retention.
• Performs surface water quality monitoring, flow measurements, biological and habitat assessments, and invasive species management activities.
• Interacts with stakeholders, constituents and media outlets and participates in outreach and education events to promote natural resources stewardship.
• Performs related work as required.

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS

• This position may supervise seasonal interns.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience

• An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Ecology, or a related discipline, and six (6) months of progressively responsible environmental field experience is required; or a combination of experience and education that results in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• None

Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Knowledge of:

• Environmental sample handling, sample hold time and preservation requirements
• Non-conformance reporting
• Basic electrical work
• Data ethics
• Water quality monitoring
• Aquatic and terrestrial organisms of Texas
• Microsoft Office

Skills and Abilities:

• Constructing, installing, and maintaining stormwater platforms
• Communicating orally and in writing
• Using hand and power tools
• Ability to swim
• Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and SARA Core Values of Stewardship, Integrity, and Excellence.

San Antonio River Authority is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity.