DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is technical work supporting the watershed unit by supervising field staff and seasonal technicians, assisting with the watershed and facility planning and, overseeing day-to-day operations, maintenance, and work activities on the Albany Water Department (AWD) properties and watershed lands.

Additionally, the technician will be responsible for developing maintenance and work planning activities as well as coordinating activities from direction of the watershed unit staff. The Watershed Operation Technician will be a working supervisor of one or more small crews responsible for completing a variety of tasks. These tasks may include the supervision, maintenance, operation, rehabilitation, improvement, or construction of department infrastructures and facilities; including buildings and grounds, recreation facilities, environmental protection projects, trail and road systems, water access sites, reservoirs and forestlands activities, and wildlife management. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Watershed Manager in carrying out the objectives associated with watershed unit.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative Only)

• Develops strategies for watershed operations to meet the units water quality goals, forestland operations, infrastructure integrity, and conservation goals; to ensure
  agency regulatory and department compliance;
• Inspects, collects and organizes environmental and facility conditions and data, ability to keep electronic logs;
• Works alongside work units providing facility maintenance and light construction;
• Operation, maintenance and calibration of a variety of power driven, self-propelled mechanical, watercraft equipment and technical equipment;
• Responsibilities may include establishing work schedules, observing work in progress, procurement of quotes for supplies and materials, tracking supplies, materials, and equipment to ensure they are used properly, accurate and timely submission of schedules, reports and work orders;
• Provides objectives for the field staff and facilities;
• Performs reservoir, forest health and invasive species inventory and assessments;
• Organize digital and paper files;
• Assist with drone program;
• Assist with pesticide applications;
• Utilizing GIS/GPS;
• Performs related work as required.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Good knowledge of the practical application of science and technology, including applying methods, principles, techniques and procedures;
• Good knowledge of principles of equipment and facility maintenance, monitoring and operations;
• Exceptional organization skills and self-motivation;
• Good knowledge of personal computers and office equipment;
• Ability to follow oral and written directions;
• Dependability;
• Able to negotiate difficult terrain, work in remote areas and in adverse weather conditions;
• Able to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds;
• Pre-employment physical and drug screening.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college or one accredited by the NYS Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Bachelor’s Degree (or higher)
in Resource Management, Environmental Science, or a related field and one (1) years full-time paid experience in natural resource management or a related field; OR
B. Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college or one accredited by the NYS Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate’s Degree in Natural
Resource Management, Environmental Science, or a related field and two (2) years full-time paid experience in natural resource management or a related field; OR
C. High school diploma or GED and five (5) years full-time paid experience in natural resource management or a related field; OR D. Any equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A), (B) and (C) above.