Watershed Technician at City of Fort Collins in Fort Collins, Colorado

Job Description:

POSITION TITLE: Watershed Technician (Hourly)
REQUISITION #: req7915
DEPARTMENT: Ut Water Quality Services Div
LOCATION: WATER TREATMENT FAC
BENEFIT CATEGORY: Variable Hourly View Classifications & Benefits
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Part-Time Regular
DURATION: March 30, 2025 to December 31, 2025
HOURS/WEEK: 15-30 hours per week depending on project needs (flexible work schedule, but established sampling schedules must be adhered to)
HOURLY RATE: $24.00 per hour
SELECTION PROCESS: Application deadline is 3:00 p.m. MT on 1/15/2025.

The City of Fort Collins is a bias-conscious employer. We ask that you please avoid the use of photos when submitting a resume and/or an application for employment. You will receive an email acknowledgment when you have successfully submitted an application. Your completed application will be forwarded to the hiring manager. You will be notified if you are selected for further testing or interviews. Please keep your contact information up-to-date. The status of your application will be updated in your applicant profile. Post-offer background check required .
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. The City may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

To learn more about The City of Fort Collins and Our Community, please read Our Community and Our Organization Brochure

SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Watershed Program Manager, the Watershed Technician will be responsible for assisting with various aspects of the City of Fort Collins Utilities Watershed Program. Primary duties are related to the routine collection of water quality samples and field data from rivers, lakes and reservoirs; routine calibration and maintenance of monitoring equipment; and various data tasks and projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all inclusive.

-Collect surface water quality samples from rivers and reservoirs using established sampling methods and field sampling equipment
-Conduct field measurements of various chemical, physical and biological characteristics related to surface water quality and watershed health
-Perform routine calibration and maintenance of field sampling equipment
-Perform quality assurance and quality control checks on field sampling equipment and field data following sampling events
-Organize, manage, and query water quality data
-Review and update standard operating procedures (SOPs)
-Assist with various data and reporting tasks, including data entry, data analysis, and data management

City Competencies

• Demonstrated cultural competence to effectively interact, work, and develop meaningful relationships with people of diverse identities, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds.


• Strong learning orientation. Leverages all resources and is creative in ways of learning for self to continue adapting to changing issues and trends.


• A desire and ability to understand the diverse needs of internal and external customers, and to create experiences and deliver services that exceed their expectations.


• A desire and ability to utilize digital tools for organizational information, individual, and teamwork.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is required to stand; walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch; and wade in rivers and streams.

Employee must be able to sit at a desk and work at a computer for up to 2 hours at a time. Employee must be able to participate in field activities that can include hiking in rough, mountainous terrain, wading rivers and streams, and sampling lakes and reservoirs from a boat; field activities may take place during adverse weather conditions, including strong wind, rain, freezing conditions, and snow.

QUALIFICATIONS
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the necessary functions of this position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
-Knowledge of field data collection and management
-Knowledge of basic statistical methods used in data analysis and graphic presentation
-Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
-Knowledge of watershed science, ecology, chemistry, and/or water quality related fields
-Ability to work outdoors, sometimes in adverse weather conditions
-Ability to conduct basic laboratory measurements and procedures according to established methods
-Ability to communicate and work effectively with customers, City staff and program partners

EDUCATION
A minimum of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in watershed science, ecology, natural resources or other related field of study.
The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs and activities and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call (970) 221-6535 for assistance.

Notice Regarding Medical and/or Recreational Marijuana Use:
Because the possession and use of marijuana, whether for medical use or otherwise, constitutes a federal offense and because the City is a drug free workplace, the City will not accommodate the medical use of marijuana and enforces written policy prohibiting working for the City while marijuana is in the body. The fact that state law recognizes medical marijuana as a prescribed, or otherwise permitted, medication does not alter or otherwise change this policy.

The City of Fort Collins is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered for positions for which they have applied without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, sexual orientation (including perceived sexual orientation), gender identity and expression, disability, age 40 years or older, pregnancy or related condition, genetic information, and, in certain specific circumstances, marriage to a coworker or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

POST OFFER BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIRED.

Note: Some information in your application may be public information under the Colorado Open Records Act.SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Watershed Program Manager, the Watershed Technician will be responsible for assisting with various aspects of the City of Fort Collins Utilities Watershed Program. Primary duties are related to the routine collection of water quality samples and field data from rivers, lakes and reservoirs; routine calibration and maintenance of monitoring equipment; and various data tasks and projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all inclusive.

-Collect surface water quality samples from rivers and reservoirs using established sampling methods and field sampling equipment
-Conduct field measurements of various chemical, physical and biological characteristics related to surface water quality and watershed health
-Perform routine calibration and maintenance of field sampling equipment
-Perform quality assurance and quality control checks on field sampling equipment and field data following sampling events
-Organize, manage, and query water quality data
-Review and update standard operating procedures (SOPs)
-Assist with various data and reporting tasks, including data entry, data analysis, and data management

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