Water Resources Technician

at  St Clair Region Conservation Authority

ST. CLAIR REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY – JOB POSTING

Position Title: Water Resources Technician
Job Type: Full-time Permanent, with 6-month probation period
Department: Water Resources
Immediate Supervisor: Coordinator, Flood Forecasting and Warning
Competition Number: WM100
Salary: $31.26 to $36.81 per hour
Hours: 35 hours per week, with some evenings and weekends during flood events

POSITION SUMMARY:

The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority is accepting applications for a Water Resources Technician with the Water Resources Department. The successful candidate will report to the Coordinator, Flood Forecasting and Warning, and will be responsible for field work and providing technical support to all aspects of the flood, drought, groundwater and Drinking Water Source Protection programs.
The ideal candidate possesses a high level of self-motivation and ability to work unsupervised, strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills, and comfortable making decisions independently in high-stress situations.

CREDENTIALS AND EXPERIENCE:

• University degree or a diploma from an accredited College in environmental science, geography, civil, environmental or water resources engineering, or equivalent.
• One or more years of experience in water resources or a related field.
• Knowledge and experience in hydrogeologic principles; hydrologic and hydraulic modelling, land surveying, and the use of GPS systems are considered an asset.
• Working knowledge of use and deployment of monitoring equipment for water levels and meteorological data.
• Basic knowledge of legislation, policies, and procedures related to the workplace environment, and knowledge of Conservation Authorities, watershed ecosystems, and watershed planning processes are an asset.
• Well-developed networking and communication skills, including drafting and editing written material and articulating ideas clearly and concisely to various audiences.
• Computer literacy with a proficiency in Microsoft Suite programs; experience with KISTERS software programs is also considered an asset.
• Essential: Ability to work in both an independent and team environment with little to no supervision, with ability to adapt to changing tasks and priorities on short notice, and ensure work is completed in a safe manner. Decisions in this role have an element of public safety relative to the flood forecasting and warning program, the successful candidate must be able to independently and confidently make operational decisions and work in emergency situations.
• Self-motivated, possesses initiative, and able to work with minimal supervision with the capability to balance competing priorities and manage inexplicit situations.
• Mechanical aptitude and experience utilizing hand tools and hardware is considered an asset.
• Ability to work in inclement weather conditions, on varying terrain, alone or with a partner, and comfortable working at heights.
• Ability to lift and/or carry objects weighing up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
• Valid G class driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

• Assist with the coordination and implementation of the flood forecasting and warning program by maintaining the data collection network (i.e. stream gauges, tipping buckets, data loggers, etc.), acting as Flood Duty Officer, and flood contingency planning.
• Assist with water quantity programs, such as Ontario Low Water Response, Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network (PGMN), ice surveys, river watching, and snow course surveys.
• Assist with the inspection, operation, and maintenance of water and erosion control structures and equipment.
• Responsible for the acquisition and QA/QC of data, summarizing and reporting on historical and current data trends, and working with large sets of digital data.
• Use GPS equipment to document extents of flood waters during flood events.
• Liaise with all levels of government, First Nations, Canadian Coast Guard, local CEMCs, public and private organizations and individuals to achieve the objectives set out in the SCRCA Strategy, Flood Warning Plan, and Ice Breaking Plan.
• Provide support to Risk Management Services as it relates to the Drinking Water Source Protection program.
• Assist the Superintendent, McKeough and Watershed Services Lands, with the inspection, maintenance, and repairs of the McKeough Dam and Floodway, as well as upstream, county, and SCRCA Foundation properties, and install and monitor erosion control, species at risk, pollinator, and/or prairie grass projects.
• Assist other staff with the delivery of various programs, projects and services, and provide expertise to other Authority departments and the public as required.
• Prepare and present reports to community groups, municipal councils, and SCRCA Board of Directors.
• Clerical tasks including minute-taking, filing, archiving historical documents, and organization of paper and digital records.
• Assist with funding applications.
• Responsible for working safely as outlined in legislation and SCRCA safe work procedures and practices.
• Other duties as assigned.