Watershed Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description This position performs technical engineering and/or environmental work related to compliance with the City Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit, as well as work in the design, development and implementation of City storm drainage projects; and performs related work as required. The incumbent works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision The work is considered moderate-to-difficult in nature and involves walking or standing virtually all of the time and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis, or considerable skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs in tasks involving close tolerances or limits of accuracy. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: fingering, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Investigating City streams in steep, thickly vegetated terrain in hot and humid conditions is also involved. There is a potential for exposure to biting or stinging insects, as well as other wildlife. Work environment may involve exposure to bright / dim light, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, dusts and pollen, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic, toxic / caustic chemicals; and is dynamic that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

Essential Job Functions Writes and updates Watershed Management Plans to stay in MS4 compliance as well as apply for 319 grants; Attends watershed and environmental meetings related to compliance and citizen outreach as needed; Attends technical conferences and trainings as needed; Delineates streams and wetlands; Manages Stormwater utility fee / impervious area programs, including GIS updates for impervious areas in the City, provides guidance to other GIS users in making impervious area determinations, and answers questions to customers regarding utility fee billing; Performs outfall identification and environmental assessments for streams within City limits or jurisdiction; Coordinates and monitors the work of engineers, developers, contractors, and Army Corps of Engineers to ensure all storm water management facilities and construction work is in accordance with plans, specifications and regulations; Attends and participates in pre-construction meetings; Responds to citizen inquiries, complaints, and requests for assistance regarding the operation and maintenance of storm water management facilities and other drainage issues; Analyzes and interprets problems and develops solutions for operational or technical problems associated with the environmental compliance of the City's storm water structures; Coordinates with City staff, other agency staff, consultants, and contractors to resolve on-site deficiencies; Inputs, manages, and utilizes inspection and other data and communications using database and Geographic Information System (GIS); Reads plans and specifications to evaluate consistency with actual construction; Schedules inspections, communications, and follow-up investigations for stormwater management to all construction within the City for verification with compliance, as needed; Reviews, processes, and conducts investigations concerning alleged storm water violations as well as implements and maintains stormwater tracking with multiple departments staff; Reports and coordinates verbal and/or written reports with respect to enforcement activities and significant problems promptly to the Stormwater Manager; Maintains records relative to inspections, enforcement activities, and field data collection, both electronic and paper; Performs a variety of field and office work necessary to implement and ensure compliance with the City's Stormwater Management Plan, ordinance and state and federal water quality requirements, as it relates to the operation and maintenance of storm water facilities and the quality/quantity of storm water runoff; Creates, implements, and presents violation abatement programs related to the use of best management practices (BMP's), such as sediment and erosion control training and education programs (alternative enforcement); Performs general administrative work as required, including attending meetings, preparing records and reports, entering and retrieving computer data, etc.; Attends meetings, training, seminars, etc., as necessary to maintain and enhance job knowledge and skills and to remain current on regulatory requirements; and Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK: Associate's degree in engineering, environmental science or closely related field; Four (4) years of relevant prior experience; One (1) year of experience directly related to Watershed management planning, impervious audits, or 319 grants; Valid South Carolina Class "D" Driver's License; Must have or be able to obtain a South Carolina Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Inspector (CEPSCI) certification within one (1) year from date of hire or promotion. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of basic algebra involving variables and formulas and/or basic geometry involving plane and solid figures, circumferences, areas and volumes, and/or computing discounts and interest rates; Ability to gather, organize, analyze, examine or evaluate data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information; Ability to speak or signal to people to convey or exchange information of a general nature; Ability to handle or use machines, tools or equipment requiring moderate instruction and experience, such as fire hydrants and testing equipment; Ability to perform skilled work involving rules/systems with almost constant problem-solving; Ability to read technical instructions, procedures, manuals and charts to solve practical problems; composing routine reports and specialized reports, forms and business letters with proper format; speaking compound sentences using normal grammar and word form; Ability to perform clerical, manual or technical tasks requiring a wide range of procedures and requiring intensive understanding of a restricted field or complete familiarity with the functions of a unit or small division of an operating agency; requires normal attention with short periods of concentration for accurate results or occasional exposure to unusual pressure; and Ability to guide others, requiring frequent decisions affecting co-workers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures but with many variations from the routine.