The Belmont County Water Quality Coordinator is responsible in part for the facilitation of watershed protection and restoration goals within Belmont County. The coordinator will be challenged to network with federal, state and local agencies as well as nonprofit organizations and local citizens to develop effective watershed management strategies for Belmont County.  Also, the coordinator will be responsible for seeking sustainable funding from various entities for continued support of the position. 

Additionally, there is a water quality education component to the position with the goal of promoting best management practices for maintaining clean lakes, rivers and streams. An effective water quality coordinator exhibits an outgoing, friendly personality, is excellent at communicating ideas to different audiences and enjoys networking between different agencies for support. 

Duties & Responsibilities

• Complete updates to the Captina Creek Non-Point Source Watershed Plans on behalf of the Belmont Soil & Water Conservation District and County Commissioners, and submit the document to Ohio Department of Agriculture for endorsement. 
• Prepare grant applications to secure funding for carrying out water quality projects, including project implementation and oversight, record keeping and reporting.
• Develop local support and partnership to ensure long-term sustainability of the water quality coordinator position.
• Serve as primary liaison between the Captina Conservancy, state and local agencies, watershed protection groups, landowners, watershed stakeholders, scientific community, and other interests throughout the county.
• Help promote and implement urban/agriculture/forestry conservation practices to support the goals outlined in the Non-Point Source Watershed Plans
• Develop and implement water quality-focused educational & informational programs: including public speeches, newsletter publications, distribution of press releases, school presentations and special promotional events for water quality.
• Attend relevant watershed training opportunities including but not limited to Ohio Watershed Academy and OWLS Conference.
• Partner with the Health Department for septic improvements.
• Partner with JB Green Team to assist with refuse pollution remediation along waterways throughout the county.
• Improve water quality of streams, creeks and rivers in Belmont County affected by acid mine drainage.
• Work with Belmont County Emergency Management Agency to assist with projects aimed at reducing flooding
• Assist landowners with nutrient management to reduce nutrient run off from agriculture activities.
• Improve wildlife habitat for the Eastern Hellbender as well as other species of greatest conservation need within our county’s lakes, streams, creeks and rivers.
• Assist co-workers with events and programs as directed by the Administrator.