Urban Technician

he Union County Soil & Water Conservation District is seeking a motivated and community-minded Urban Technician to join our team. This full-time position plays a key role in protecting and enhancing the county’s water resources through planning, education, and collaboration.

Under the general supervision of the District Administrator, the Urban Technician will:

Develop and implement plans, projects, and programs that promote water resource protection and improved water quality.

Engage residents, landowners, and the local industrial community to increase awareness of watershed health and conservation practices.

Review, maintain, and update existing Watershed Action Plans to ensure they reflect current conditions and community needs.

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual passionate about environmental stewardship and public service to make a lasting impact in Union County.

QUALIFICATIONS

An example of acceptable qualifications:

Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Natural Resources, Environmental or Agricultural Science, or a related field; one (1) or more years of related experience and/or training; experience implementing conservation practices preferred; experience in a natural resource or environmental field will be considered in lieu of education; or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must be proficient, or willing to become quickly proficient in the technical and personal relations aspect of local water resource protection, including implementation of pollution control and water quality improvement projects. Selected candidate must undergo Ohio and federal background checks.  Final offer of employment will be contingent on the findings of these checks.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:  
Must possess a valid Ohio driver's license and maintain insurability under the SWCD vehicle insurance policy.

EQUIPMENT OPERATED:  The following are examples only and are not intended to be all inclusive:
Computer, computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Outlook, other applicable computer software), printer, copy machine, calculator, fax machine, other standard business office equipment, motor vehicle, a wide variety of small power and hand tools, pickup truck.

INHERENTLY HAZARDOUS OR PHYSICALLY DEMANDING WORKING CONDITIONS:  
Employee has exposure to chemical compounds found in an office environment (e.g., toner, correction fluid, etc.); is exposed to environmental conditions which may result in injury from fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, and/or poorly ventilated work areas; employee may be required to lift, carry, push, and pull objects; the employee may be required to occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; this is considered sedentary work and the employee must demonstrate the ability to perform the physical demands required of the position in accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor's physical demands strength ratings.
 
In cases of emergency, unpredictable situations, and/or department needs, may be required to lift, push, pull, and/or carry objects heavier than D.O.L. strength ratings recommend.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

For purposes of 42 USC 12101:

15% (1) Builds public support for the protection/restoration of local water resources (e.g., creates an education/awareness program for the water quality of Union County with focus on civic organizations, local industries, adults, and school age children; builds wider support for tackling local water resource issues; helps secure local and/or grant support to finance water resource protection and/or restoration efforts, etc.).

15% (2) Identifies water resource concerns and develop solutions to improve water quality (e.g., works with local landowners, government agencies, and industries to solve water quality problems such as drainage and outlet concerns; helps local landowners determine proper locations for drainage outlets; assists with identifying needed water quality BMPs and implements with survey and design of these practices, etc.).

20% (3) Assists the Drainage Maintenance Supervisor with administrative tasks related to ditch maintenance. These include but are not limited to: 1) Maintaining and updating records of stormwater assessments; 2) Reviewing construction plats and attending relevant meetings involving them; 3) Preparing relevant maps or other documents using GIS software.

20% (4) Provide assistance to landowners, other staff, and/or public officials in carrying out activities associated with statewide programs such as LAEPP, H2Ohio, or others.

25% (5) Provide educational presentations/materials as requested with the focus on water quality.

(6) Maintains required licensures and certification, if any; continues proficiency in subject areas through professional continuing education.

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

(8) Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

5% (9) Performs other related duties as assigned

(10) Attends staff meetings as assigned.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE CHARACTERISTICS

(*indicates developed after employment)

Knowledge of:  *County, Department, and Division goals and objectives; *County, Department, and Division policies and procedures; *personnel rules and regulations; English grammar and spelling; public relations; computer software (including, but not limited to, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Access) and willingness to learn new applications; AutoCAD and ArcGIS; technical and personal relations aspect of local water resource protection, including implementation of pollution control and water quality improvement projects.

Skill in:  computer operation; use of modern office equipment; organization; GIS or willing to develop.

Ability to:  develop and maintain effective working relationships; perform job safely; interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, picture, or schedule form; work efficiently; maintain accurate records; prepare accurate and concise reports; exercise independent judgment and discretion; communicate effectively; maintain confidentiality; travel to and gain access to jobsite; be a highly self-motivated individual; work alone or as part of a team; write and keep good records of activities; perform mathematical computations for assessments; operate a PC computer using a MS Windows environment; operate field equipment (survey equipment, GPS data collector, digital camera, etc.); be a personable individual; have common sense; work well with a variety of individuals/entities; write and/or edit documents; prepare and deliver speeches and presentations.

POSITIONS DIRECTLY SUPERVISED:
None.