EXHIBIT 4-A

MONTEREY PENINSULA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

FIELD BIOLOGY ASSISTANT

Part-time 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 Field Biology Assistant assists in implementing various aspects of the riparian corridor restoration program on the Carmel River, Monterey County. The Field Biology Assistant will collect and analyze ecological and physical information on the riparian resources of the Carmel River, will prepare written reports, and will be responsible for assisting District staff in the planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of river restoration projects. The Field Biology Assistant will also provide general project support to Planning and Engineering and Water Resources Division staff.

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 Riparian Mitigation Program, including:

1) Collection of field data on soil moisture, vegetation moisture stress, plant growth, vegetation distribution, percent cover and other ecological parameters.

2) Maintenance of photo documentation.

3) Entering and retrieving data using computer database. Developing computer spreadsheets to tabulate data.

4) Assists with river cross section and profile survey.

5) Assists in the grant application process by creating Geographical Information Systems maps, writing project task descriptions, and researching costs.

6) Assists with public education and outreach projects.

7) May assist with streamflow monitoring, under the direction of the Hydrography Programs Coordinator.

8) May assist with water system permit processing.

The Field Biology Assistant will also work, as needed, on irrigation, weed control, water use reporting, general maintenance of restoration projects, and on the identification of riparian protection ordinance violations. Special projects may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Biological sciences

Physical sciences

Basic principles of field data collection

Basic scientific research principles and report writing techniques

Basic knowledge of computer database management techniques, word processing, spreadsheet and Geographical Information Systems mapping software

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

Assist with streamflow monitoring 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, 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 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.

Vision:

See in the normal visual range with or without correction; specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision, color perception and depth perception.

Hearing:

Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

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