Wetlands Ecologist

General Description

The District:

Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Corporate Values
Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.

The Position

Under general direction of the Natural Resources Manager, operates, monitors, provides analysis for, and maintains the District’s natural wetland treatment systems, urban runoff diversions, including the San Joaquin Marsh. Incumbent exercises no direct supervision over staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Wetlands Ecologist is distinguished from the Senior Wetlands Ecologist by the narrower responsibilities and scope of duties. Wetlands Ecologists are responsible for smaller, less complex assignments and projects, and more routine daily monitoring tasks. This classification may compile smaller reports and assist in the preparation of larger more complex reports and documents.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. The deadline for the first review of applications is 8:00 AM on Monday, January 27, 2025. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early. Candidates who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Participate in the treatment of surface water using natural and constructed wetlands and biofilter treatment facilities.

Assist in the preparation of reports on the status of the District’s wetland operations and prepare proposals for changes and improvements in those operations.

Coordinate the District’s wetland operations with various regulatory agency staff, including but not limited to the US Army Corps of Engineers, US Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Coordinate vector control activities with the Orange County Vector Control District and oversee the operation of the District’s wetlands in a manner that minimizes vector production or related problems.

Participate in the management of a comprehensive environmental compliance and monitoring program.

Assist in the establishment or restoration of various habitat types associated with the District’s wetland operations.

Assist in any mitigation work and related monitoring of environmental projects associated with the District’s wetlands operations.

Assist in the design and establishment of new natural treatment wetland sites throughout the District’s service area.

Conduct regularly scheduled site inspections of District wetland locations.

Develop various forms and filing systems to document the operation and maintenance of the District’s wetlands.

Read and interpret construction plans.

Perform various manual field labor tasks, including but not limited to raking, shoveling, lifting and adjustment of weir boards.

Operate various pieces of field equipment, including but not limited to water valves, pumps, powered hand tools, generators and specialty vehicles.

Operate various pieces of scientific equipment, including but not limited to field test kits, automated samplers, GPS units and analyzers.

Provide input on the preparation of the annual capital and operating budgets associated with the operation and maintenance of the District’s wetlands.

Understand and review specifications and contract documents associated with the operation and maintenance of the District’s wetlands.

Coordinate work with other District departments, in particular various Operations groups.

Assist in the inspection of the work of contractors related to habitat establishment and landscape maintenance; and on engineered capital projects to establish and/or wetlands construction projects.

Assist in the identification of various plants, animals and other biota in Southern California natural habitats. Differentiate non-native species from native species.

Assist in plant and animal surveys and assess the viability/health of various habitats associated with Southern California wetland and upland environments.

Prepare purchase requisitions and review invoices prior to approval.

Comply with District work-related safety practices and attend relevant safety training.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

Minimum Education, Training and Experience

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education :

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, ecology, environmental science, civil/environmental engineering or related field. For degrees obtained outside the U.S., an official equivalency evaluation is required.

Experience:

One (1) year of related experience is required.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Valid Class ‘C’ California Driver’s License is required.
  
• California Scientific Collection Permit and fishing license will be required within six (6) months from date of hire.
  
• Professional Certification as a Wetland Scientist, an Ecologist or Wildlife Biologist is highly desirable.
  

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of operating surface water and pumped water systems.
• Principles and practices of natural surface water treatment.
• Operation of various types of valves used in the water industry.
• Plant and animal species and identification techniques.
• State and federal water quality and endangered species laws and regulations.
• Safety policies and procedures related to wetlands operation and maintenance.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to:

• Ability to adapt to changing work conditions and circumstances such as working in field conditions and later using a computer to make precise calculations in the same day.
• Communicate effectively with all levels of office/field employees and management.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Represent the District in a professional manner when dealing with regulators and the public.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well-established policies, procedures and standards, as well as the ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple and difficult requests from others.
• Understand and able to work with mathematical concepts including statistics and the fundamentals of algebra and geometry, especially the ability to calculate removal rates and removal efficiency.
• Use good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job function.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to sit, walk, bend, stoop, stand, lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 80 pounds with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff. on a routine basis. Ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees primarily work in an environment with exposure to possible levels of unknown concentrations, malodorous, chemical or other materials in the field. Work outdoors in natural areas under varying conditions including rain, heat, cold, fog; and in areas with natural hazards such as ticks, snakes, biting and stinging insects, poison oak, stinging nettles, etc.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION

All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.

New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Oral Interview Examination: will evaluate the candidates' experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.

IRWD offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; anda variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status. This benefits overview is intended to be a summary, is not intended to be all-inclusive,and may not be applicable to all employees.

Retirement
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013:
The District, in compliance with the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2012 (PEPRA), implemented a third tier for new employees hired on or after January 1, 2013. New employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have not been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system within 6 months of hire date will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at a 2 percent at age 62 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefits of 2.5 percent at age 67. Final compensation calculations will be based on the highest three-year average of regular recurring pay. The District pays the employer's share of these costs. The employee share of the pension cost of 7.50% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula.

Employees hired on or after September 29, 2012 or "Classic" PERS members hired on or after January 1, 2013:
On September 24, 2012, the IRWD Board of Directors approved the addition of a second tier to the CalPERS retirement benefits. New employees hired on or after September 29th through December 31, 2012, and employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system, will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at 2 percent at age 60 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefit of 2.418% at age 63. The District pays the employer share of these costs and the employee share of the pension cost of 7% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula. Final retirement compensation calculations are based on the highest three-year average of regular, recurring pay.

IRWDdoes not participate or pay into Social Security except for the Medicare portion.

Medical Insurance
IRWD contracts with CalPERS for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from a variety of PPO and HMO plans. The employee and District contribution for health insurance varies by plan.Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Dental Insurance
IRWD contracts with Delta Dental for dental coverage.IRWD pays 100% of the premium for dental coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Vision Insurance
IRWD contracts with the EyeMed for vision coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for vision coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Life Insurance
Elgible employees are provided with life insurance coverage equal to three or four times their annual salary, depending on their level of compensation. Eligible dependents are also covered for a flat benefit amount. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Deferred Compensation
Participation in adeferred compensation plan is available through Empower Retirement. Enrollment is voluntary and contributions are employee-paid and subject to IRS limits. The District matches employee contributions up to 3% of base pay after 1 year of employment.

Paid Vacation
Eligible employees begin accruing vacation benefits at the rate of 80 hours per year for the first 5 years of employment. Employees accrue 120 hours per year after 5 years of employment and 160 hours per year after 10 years of employment.

Paid Holidays
The District offers 11 scheduled paid holidaysplus one personal holiday per year.

Sick Leave
Eligible employees accrue 96 hours of sick leave annually.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Eligible employees may elect to participate in the District's Flex Advantage program. This program allows employees to deposit pre-tax dollars into special accounts to be used for a variety of purposes, including paying for qualified miscellaneous health care expenses and dependent care expenses. IRWD contracts with a third party administer to process payments from employee accounts using claim forms or a Flex Spending debit card.

Educational Assistance
The District will share in the pre-approved educational costs of tuition and books for employees who wish to attend college or take certification classes.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

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• Irvine Ranch Water District

• (949) 453-5360

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