Water Resources Specialist
Sublette County Conservation District-located in Pinedale, WY
Do you have an interest in a holistic approach to natural resource management? If so, join an interdisciplinary team to aid in monitoring and managing watersheds throughout Sublette County, WY!
The Sublette County Conservation District (SCCD) aims to promote and maintain healthy rangelands, clean water and air and maintain premier wildlife and habitat. The SCCD Water Resources Specialist will work closely with state and federal agencies and private landowners to promote watershed health through riparian area management and watershed level-based projects. This position will be responsible for gathering hydrologic data, including chemical and biological in-stream sampling, riparian monitoring, and assessment, as well as will have a part in identifying and implementing watershed improvement projects. The Watershed Specialist will aid in the
management and understanding of watershed health and water quality within Sublette County.
GENERAL DUTIES:
- Follows the plans and directives of SCCD to protect water quality, soils, livestock, wildlife, and range.
- Coordinates with the federal, state, and county agencies and landowners as needed to perform duties.
- Develops written reports, reviews proposals, organizes assignments, and prepares documents or presentations as directed.
- Writes and oversees grants to help landowners and land managers implement watershed-based projects.
- Assist with other district programs as needed.
Watershed & Riparian Health
- Assists with riparian health assessments and riparian monitoring according to PFC, MIM, Winward Greenline, SVAP protocols (or other protocols as necessary).
- Identifies, investigates, and evaluates potential restoration and watershed sustainability projects.
- Collaboratively designs and supports efforts to enhance and apply the scientific knowledge of ecological, social, and economic factors that influence upland, riparian, and aquatic ecosystem health.
- Provides technical guidance, outreach and education to communities, private landowners, associations, federal, state, and county agencies regarding best management practices and stewardship of waters within Sublette County.
Water Quality
- Performs in-stream chemical, physical, and biological sampling according to the SCCD Sampling & Analysis Plan (SAP). Works with supervisor to (1) evaluate and refine monitoring priorities and workplans, (2) meet quality controls for monitoring, (3) interpret data and identify restoration and stewardship strategies, (4) evaluate and meet equipment needs, (5) conduct field work necessary to meet program goals.
- Maintains digital and paper files. Correctly enters collected data into database and keeps information current.
- Gathers, interprets, analyzes, and uses this data to determine the need to maintain or improve water quality and watershed health.
- Maintains field sampling and laboratory equipment including calibration and cleaning.
Policy
- Coordinates activities with state and federal programs relating to streamflow, aquatic ecosystems, and watershed-based ecological planning, protection, restoration, mitigation, and stewardship.
- Represents SCCD at interagency meetings, commission hearings, task forces, boards, conferences, and state and non-government committees as needed to share information and develop guidelines, recommendations, and policies.
- Presents at professional conferences.
- Coordinates review of various laws, regulations, policies, plans and other actions affecting water quality and quantity. Drafts policy and regulatory positions and comment letters for SCCD.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum a bachelor’s degree related to Watershed Science, Watershed Ecology, Watershed Hydrology, Water Resources, or related field. Professional field experience in wetland/river ecology and hydrology is beneficial, but not required.
- Knowledge and experience using current approved chemical and biological sampling techniques for water quality. Familiarity with developing research in your field, evaluating results, and integrating findings into planning and decision-making.
- Knowledge and experience with terrestrial and aquatic community interaction, including an understanding of multiple-use and its influence on watershed health and function.
- Knowledge of riparian plant ID.
- Knowledge of agricultural use of water in the intermountain west.
- Proficient in ArcGIS or similar programs.
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills. Excellent written and verbal skills. Proven ability to exercise sound judgement, problem-solve, forge, and maintain partnerships, and develop and implement collaborative solutions. Proven ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment on multiple tasks with varying deadlines. Ability to work independently and with self-initiative, while having a keen sense of when to ask questions and seek input.
- Computer, software, and technological knowledge and skills expected of natural resource professionals.
- Enthusiastic about promoting sustainable natural resource management and being a part of a dynamic team of conservation-minded individuals.
Full-time year-round position
Salary Range: $19.99-32.87 per hour depending upon qualifications and experience.
Benefit package includes: Retirement (Wyoming Retirement System), Health Insurance, Dental Insurance (optional), Vision Insurance, Paid Holidays, Vacation & Sick Leave
REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS STARTS November 30, 2022.
For more information contact Michael Henn at 307-367-2364
Complete applications must include a letter of interest, resume, two (2) letters of reference submitted to mhenn@sublettecd.com or PO Box 647, Pinedale, WY 82941. Incomplete applications will not be
considered. Applicants are encouraged to submit a project report which displays competency in water quality data collection and analysis, watershed management, policy, and/or riparian health.
Learn about the Sublette County Conservation District at www.sublettecd.com. Learn about the area at www.pinedaleonline.com