Environmental Technician I

Job Description Summary:

Salary: $25.31 - $37.97 per hour

Collect water quality samples from District reservoirs and associated watersheds, and the Fort Worth floodway system. Maintain equipment necessary for sampling. Assess and analyze water quality data collected.

Job Description

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this position.

• Weekly calibration and maintenance of water quality analyzers on pipeline systems
• Maintain equipment and supplies necessary to insure data reliability of water quality analyzers
• Collect water and soil samples of lakes, pipelines, tributaries, and treatment wetland systems
• Deliver samples to laboratory for analysis
• Calibration of water quality sondes
• Assist with monthly UST inspections and annual TCEQ registration
• Assist with weekly sampling and laboratory analysis of samples from wetland projects
• Assist in operation and maintenance of wetland systems including valve manipulation, weir gate adjustments, and flow measurements
• Prepare and manage equipment necessary for sampling and analysis
• Perform data analysis and updates using water quality data
• Investigate pollution concerns, collect samples, and document findings
• Track and document data from collection through final electronic storage
• Requires the ability to spot pollution problems and respond accordingly
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Assist in hazardous material investigations
• Scan environmental documents for records management
• Maintain familiarity with strategic District levels of service
• Continuous improvement monitoring and innovation efforts
• Perform other duties as required

Required Experience:

• Less than one (1) year of related experience
• The ability to communicate effectively with public and local contacts during office and field work to represent the District accurately
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office with basic knowledge of Word and Excel
• Proficiency in water quality sampling and current SWQM procedures within one year of starting this position

Desired Experience:

• Experience hauling a boat trailer
• Boat operation experience
• Experience with in-situ water quality analyzers
• Water laboratory techniques and procedures
• Experience using water quality sondes
• Knowledge and experience working in Microsoft Access

Required Education/Certification/License:

• Bachelor’s Degree – preferably in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or related field. Three (3) years of experience in water sampling plus an Associate’s Degree may substitute for the B.S. Degree
• Valid Texas driver’s license

Desired Education/Certification/License:

• None

Success Factors/Job Competencies:

• Self-motivated - This position requires the ability to work independently and accomplish assigned tasks in a timely manner
• Critical Thinking - This position requires the ability to identify erroneous or problematic values and readings in the field and be able to identify potential causes and solutions
• Productivity - This position requires sampling events to be completed according to a schedule and assigned projects be completed in a timely manner
• Detail-Oriented - Collection of accurate, reliable data is the goal of this position. There are specific guidelines for collection and storage of samples that need to be followed every time. There is a lot of numeric data collected, and attention to detail throughout data entry and analysis is critical for successful understanding of the data collected
• Mechanical Inclination - In this position, there are various types of equipment that are required in order to complete the required work. It requires attention to the care and use of the equipment and the ability to identify equipment malfunctions and resolve in the field if possible
• Communication - This position requires communication with internal District personnel and the general public
• Teamwork -This position often requires teamwork in order to complete the required field work. It is important to be able to work and communicate with others in order to achieve common goals

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: While performing duties of job, employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hand to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; kneel; squat; bend; talk and hear. Employees must repeatedly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Requires ability to swim and walk on uneven terrain for extended periods.
• Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee typically conducts fieldwork that will expose the employee to weather conditions prevalent at the time and will occasionally reside within an office or cubicle. A sizable portion of fieldwork will require driving 150 miles in a day.