Watershed Management Technician

SJWD Water District; South Carolina; On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

SJWD Water District is seeking a Watershed Management Technician to support permitting, buffer management, and watershed outreach. You will prepare correspondence, maintain data, analyze compliance trends, and assist with enforcement actions.

Responsibilities include coordinating reviews with the Engineering Department, inspecting buffers and reservoirs, and participating in outreach programs while upholding SJWD policies and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience in watershed management or a related environmental field.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must obtain American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED within six months.
• Must obtain FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (sUAS) within six months.

Responsibilities

• Ensures the protection of water quality by administering SJWD Water District Policies and Procedures Governing Water Supply Reservoirs.
• Conducts all aspects of land permitting programs, including docks, shoreline stabilization, vegetation, and related activities.
• Monitors and inspects buffer areas and other sites to ensure compliance with SJWD policies and laws.
• Inspects activities within buffer areas and on reservoirs for adequacy and compliance with permits.
• Investigates complaints from industrial users, other customers, and the public.
• Operates systems for issuing permits and maintains accurate records.
• Collects operational, process, discharge, and environmental information for classifications and enforcement actions.
• Provides assistance with departmental activities and presents information related to watershed management issues.
• Prepares Letters of Violation and other enforcement-related correspondence.

Skills

Watershed management

Environmental regulations

Field inspections

Recordkeeping

Data analysis

Time management

Written & verbal communication

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

GPS equipment

Spectrophotometers

Oxygen meters

Boats

Job description

Under general supervision, the Watershed Management Technician performs work activities related to permitting (except boats), buffer management, watershed outreach, and related programs.

This position also performs related duties, including preparing correspondence, maintaining data and databases, analyzing compliance trends, preparing information for classification, permitting and enforcement activities, and participating in outreach programs as directed.

Decision‑making is performed within District policies and procedures. Supervision is available.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The responsibilities listed below represent the majority of time spent in this position. Management may assign additional duties as needed.

• Ensures the protection of water quality by administering the SJWD Water District Policies and Procedures Governing Water Supply Reservoirs.
• Conducts all aspects of land permitting programs, including docks, shoreline stabilization, vegetation, and related activities.
• Monitors and inspects buffer areas and other sites to ensure compliance with SJWD policies and procedures and applicable local, state, and federal laws.
• Inspects activities within buffer areas and on reservoirs for adequacy, operation, and compliance with applicable permits and regulations.
• Investigates complaints from industrial users, other customers, and the public.
• Operates systems for issuing permits and assists with maintaining accurate and complete records.
• Collects operational, process, discharge, and environmental information for use in classification, permitting, and enforcement actions.
• Participates in inspections of buffer lands and associated corrective actions.
• Provides assistance with and participates in various departmental activities, attends meetings, and presents information related to watershed management issues.
• Prepares Letters of Violation and other enforcement‑related correspondence as directed by the Watershed and Rights‑of‑Way Manager.
• Coordinates reviews by the Engineering Department of engineering reports, plans, specifications, planting plans, and related materials for potential new and existing customers applying for permits and/or existing customers requesting approval to alter permits.
• Receives, reviews, prepares, and processes various forms and documents as directed by the Watershed and Rights‑of‑Way Manager.
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals, including senior management, department managers, supervisors, federal regulators, state regulators, state engineers, SJWD legal counsel, vendors, consultants, contractors, and others.
• Operates a variety of machinery and related equipment, including computers, samplers, oxygen meters, spectrophotometers, boats, GPS equipment, cameras, turbidimeters, and other equipment.
• Performs other related duties as required.
• Promotes SJWD's Mission, Vision, and Values.
• Ability to tolerate changes in outdoor temperatures during winter and summer seasons.
• Ability to tolerate dust, pollen, wind, and rain conditions.
• Excellent attention to detail and sense of urgency, with the ability to prioritize work while emphasizing quality and accuracy.
• Ability to multitask and effectively manage time to meet deadlines.
• Ability to walk on uneven or steep ground.

Core Competencies

• Knowledge of watershed management, water quality protection, and environmental practices.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations, permitting requirements, and compliance procedures.
• Ability to conduct field inspections and accurately document findings.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and recordkeeping.
• Ability to collect, organize, maintain, and interpret environmental and operational data.
• Strong organization, time management, and prioritization skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate with customers, contractors, regulatory agencies, and the public.
• Ability to identify compliance concerns and assist with appropriate corrective and enforcement actions.
• Ability to safely and effectively use field equipment, GPS technology, and related monitoring equipment.
• Ability to work independently in field environments and collaboratively with internal departments and external stakeholders.
• Sound judgment and problem‑solving skills within established District policies and procedures.
• Commitment to teamwork, professionalism, environmental stewardship, and SJWD's Mission, Vision, and Values.
• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in watershed management or a related environmental field.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must obtain American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED certification within six (6) months of employment.
• Must obtain an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (sUAS) within six (6) months of employment.

Beneficial Skills & Experience

• Ability to multitask and monitor several projects daily.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage time effectively.