MONTEREY PENINSULA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

WATER RESOURCES ASSISTANT

Limited-Term Position

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

The Water Resources Assistant aids District staff in the implementation of various aspects of the fisheries and aquatic resources program on the Carmel River, Monterey County. The Water Resources Assistant will collect ecological and physical information on the fisheries resources of the Carmel River, assist in seasonal fish rescues during spring and summer, maintain field equipment used in the fisheries program, and assist District staff in the construction, operation and maintenance of steelhead restoration projects. Responsibilities will also include assisting staff in groundwater and surface water monitoring and vegetation monitoring around the Carmel River Lagoon.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives immediate supervision from higher level District staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENT

Under staff direction, this position is responsible for accomplishing monitoring tasks in the MPWMD Fisheries Mitigation Program, including:

1) Collection of field data on water temperature, fish population numbers distribution, vegetative distribution, percent cover, groundwater and surface water levels, and other ecological parameters.

2) Maintenance of technical equipment for fish rescue activities.

3) Entering and retrieving data using computer database.

4) River reconnaissance and habitat surveys.

5) River cross section and profile surveys.

The Water Resources Assistant will also work, as needed, on fisheries restoration projects, general maintenance, and other special projects.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Basic computer database management technique

Biological sciences

Physical sciences

Basic principles of field data collection

Ability to:

Participate in a variety of biological and environmental work and studies

Record clear and accurate field notes

Perform work which involves lifting, pushing and /or pulling and of objects which may weigh approximately 50 to 100 pounds

Assist with river management and fisheries restoration projects

Understand and follow oral and written instructions

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Maintain mental capacity which allows for effective interaction and communication with others

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading, writing and operating assigned equipment.

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities

Experience and Training Guidelines

Experience:

Some experience in field biology and data collection and reporting is desirable

Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade, supplemented by at least two years of college level course work in environmental science, biology, ecology, forestry, the physical sciences, or a related field.

License or Certificate:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver’s license

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Environmental Conditions:

Office and field environment; work in and around water; exposure to electricity and atmospheric conditions

Physical Conditions:

Essential functions of the job require maintaining physical condition necessary for moderate to heavy lifting and carrying; standing and walking for prolonged periods of time; operating motorized equipment and vehicles.

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