Water Agency Resource Programs Technician II

Position Information

Join the Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) as a Water Agency Resource Programs Technician II and contribute to improving our environment! Two positions available!

In addition to salary, these positions include a cash allowance of $600/month added to the salary and a competitive total compensation package.*

Note: Currently, available positions include an on-going, full-time position and a time-limited, full-time position that is funded through January 31, 2025.

Working in the Environmental Resources Division of Sonoma Water, Water Agency Resource Programs Technician IIs work in the field and office to study, assess, and report on natural resources, environmental conditions, and fish and wildlife populations throughout the Russian River watershed. One of the positions will focus on water quality and provide support for studies of Cyanobacteria, which are not well understood, while helping to identify new study approaches for these organisms. The other position will support a multi-faceted fish population monitoring program designed to inform the recovery of salmon and steelhead populations in the Russian River watershed.

The ideal candidates for these positions will bring strong communication, organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills; flexibility to address changing priorities; a collaborative, team-oriented work-style; and a curiosity about the living and non-living world around them.

Water Quality Technician

This position collaborates with local, regional, state, and federal regulatory agencies to coordinate sampling efforts and meet permit requirements. Responsibilities include:

* Sampling water quality in rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs using a variety of standard methods including grab samples and using various probes and datasondes
* Collecting discrete water, plant, and algae samples for laboratory analysis
* Operating, calibrating, and maintaining field equipment
* Identifying algae genera present in samples
* Recording, analyzing and summarizing test results
* Preparing data for regulatory reports
* Working with standard water quality equipment, related computer software, and compound microscopes
* Working with the State of California and Environmental Protection Agency water quality testing protocols and chain of custody requirements
* Identifying freshwater algae species, and knowledge of basic algae biology

The ideal Water Quality candidate will also have excellent analytical skills and completed coursework/training in biology, chemistry, geology, and/or hydrogeology.

Fish and Wildlife Technician

This position assists professional staff in the planning, developing, organizing, and implementing fish monitoring programs. Responsibilities include:

* Installing and operating passive integrated transponder (PIT) detection systems
* Coordinating and conducting electrofishing surveys, snorkel surveys, spawner surveys, and fish trapping which includes leading one or more entry-level project staff
* Installing and maintaining electronic data loggers
* Collecting and compiling data using Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and related software
* Producing written reports of findings for review by senior staff
* Providing technical assistance to the public and other governmental agencies on a variety of fish and wildlife issues

The ideal Fish and Wildlife candidate will also possess education and experience related to fish and wildlife biological or ecological projects and an understanding of the methods used in natural resources studies.

What We Offer

Working at Sonoma Water offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

* A hybrid telework schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on assignment
* Eligibility for a salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
* Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
* County paid 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
* An annual Staff Development/Wellness Benefit allowance of up to $500 and ongoing education/training opportunities
* County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
* Retirement fully integrated with Social Security
* May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment

About Sonoma Water

Sonoma Water is a special district formed by the California State Legislature in 1949 and is responsible for providing a safe and reliable water supply to its customers in Sonoma and Marin counties. Sonoma Water also maintains 75 miles of flood control channels and provides sanitation services. Employing approximately 250 employees, Sonoma Water consists of seven divisions including Engineering and Resource Planning, Environmental Resources, Community and Government Affairs, Water/Wastewater Operations, Maintenance, Emergency Management and Security, and Administrative Services. Sonoma Water supports the concept of environmental sustainability, focusing on renewable power sources, and strives to be a leader in its water use efficiency and fishery restoration programs.

Please note: Employees of Sonoma Water are employees of a special district and are not subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Ordinance of the County of Sonoma.

* Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Memorandum Of Understanding (SEIU MOU) and our Employee Benefits Directory.

This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience: Any combination of education, training, and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, this would include some course work in planning, engineering, water related science, environmental studies, environmental law, natural resource or watershed management, education, political science, communications, public relations, or a closely related field; and one year of experience working with water-related programs in one or more of the following areas: community relations, public outreach, media, water transmission systems, water treatment systems, water reclamation and recycling, wastewater sanitation, water use efficiency, biological monitoring or surveying, teaching methods consistent with state-wide educational standards, and/or legislative processes at the federal and state level.

License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Working knowledge of: principles and practices and methods of water and natural resources management; methods of biological monitoring and surveying; methods of field restoration and habitat enhancement; methods of water use efficiency program implementation, best management practices, and savings verification and monitoring; methods of water efficient landscape and irrigation design; communication theory and environmental education concepts; principles of graphic design and production; establishing and maintaining effective public relations; fundamentals of public speaking; techniques and methods of research; English grammar, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and composition; and office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Some knowledge of: environmental principles and operation of water supply facilities and distribution systems; methods of water treatment and recycling, landscape and restoration design and installation practices; California Water Codes and related laws; group dynamics as it relates to public organizations; basic statistics and their application in analysis.

Ability to: assist professional staff in the planning, development, organization and implementation a wide variety of water-related programs; speak effectively and persuasively before diverse groups; establish effective working relationships with persons possessing a wide variety of divergent views; write and edit written materials; compile concise reports, letters, newsletters and other outreach materials; help coordinate educational and informational seminars and workshops; prepare and disseminate information to media and others; operate office equipment including computers, copiers, and fax machines.

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

* Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
* You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
* You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
* Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

* Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.

Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst: AK

HR Technician: KK