BELMONT COUNTY SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

CAPTINA CREEK WATERSHED COORDINATOR

JOB DESCRIPTION

Description of Position:

The Captina Creek Watershed Coordinator is responsible in part for assisting with the organization of a public watershed groupwith the goal of preserving and protecting water resources within the Captina Creek watershed. The Coordinator is also responsible for the development of a watershed action plan for Captina Creekusing input from the watershed group, technical committee, stakeholders and interested individuals. Once the plan is endorsed, then implementation of the plan’s goals would commence. The coordinator will bechallenged to network with federal, state and local agencies as well as non-profitorganizations and local citizens to develop effective watershed managementstrategies for Captina Creek.Also, the coordinator will be responsiblefor seekingsustainable funding from various entities for continued support of the position. Additionally there is a watershededucationcomponent to the positionwith the goal of promoting best managementpracticesfor maintaining clean lakes, rivers and streams.Benefits of effective watershed planning include improved surface and ground water quality, reduced risk of flooding, enhanced recreation potential, and improved community health. An effective watershed coordinatorexhibits anoutgoing, friendlypersonality, is excellent at communicating ideas to different audiences andenjoys networking between different agenciesfor support.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Complete the draft copy of the Captina Creek Watershed Action Plan on behalf of the Belmont Soil & Water Conservation District and County Commissioners, and submit the document to Ohio Department ofNatural Resources for endorsement.
  • Submit endorsed Watershed Action Plan to local governing bodies for approval.
  • Work with local government entities to endorse the Watershed Action Plan.
  • Prepare grant applications to secure funding for carrying out watershed projects, including project implementation and oversight, record keeping and reporting.
  • Develop local support and partnershipto ensurelong-term sustainability of the watershed coordinator position.
  • Assist local watershed partnership in developing fund-raising strategies to supportthe watershed coordinator position.
  • Serve as primary liaison between theFriends of Captina watershed group, state and local agencies, watershed protection groups, landowners, watershed stakeholders, scientific community, and other interests throughout the watershed.
  • Help promote and implement urban/agriculture/forestry conservation practices to support the goals outlined in the watershed action plan.
  • Develop and implement a watershed-focused education/information program including public speeches, newsletter publications, distribution of press releases, school presentations andspecial promotional events for the watershed.
  • Attend relevant watershed training opportunities including Ohio Watershed Academy and OWLS conference.

Qualifications

The qualified watershed coordinator shouldpossess the following:

  • A Bachelor's degree in Environmental or Agricultural Sciences orCommunications.
  • Some familiarity with issues affecting water quality in the Captina Creek watershedincluding:water quality, erosion and sedimentation, agricultural/forestry/urban BMPs, stream morphology, wetland development and preservation, etc
  • Experience with managing public relations and, organizing and leading public meetings.
  • Training or experience writing and researching grant proposals
  • Effectively coordinate a complex multi-organizational project using team-building skills and multi-tasking.
  • Must be able to type proficiently, to read and understand technical documents, to write and keep records, and to communicate well, both written and orally, with individuals, landowners, staff, agency personnel, government officials.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Professional software including Excel spreadsheets/database; Experience with ArcView GISa plus.
  • Pass random drug and alcohol testing.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license andproof ofautomobile insurance.

Supervision & Training

TheCaptina Creek watershed coordinatoris directly responsible to the Belmont SWCD Board of Supervisors and shall be subject to carrying out duties assigned by the Board. Day-to-day activities are under the supervision of the Belmont SWCD District Program Administrator. The Captina Watershed Coordinator will be responsible for developing his/her daily, weekly, and monthly schedules with a minimum of assistance. Schedules will be coordinated with other District personnel at weekly staff meetings.

Direction and Supervision from the Belmont SWCD Board will be provided through regular and special meetings, oral and written instructions. The coordinator's work shall be reviewed through meetings, monthly reports, and observations to determinethe quality/effectiveness of his/her work. The District Program Administrator and Board of Supervisors will conduct semi-annual evaluations and quarterly updates.

Salary and Compensation

Starting salary range iscurrently $26,000 to $30,000 with time remaining on the Captina Creek Watershed Coordinator Grant until November 30, 2013. Funding for this position is grant based.

Benefit package consists of District paying:

  • Health Insurance Coverage and Prescription Drug Coverage with your contribution paid on pre-tax basis

Or

  • A cash option up to $1000 per year in lieu of medical coverage.

Additional benefits include:

  • Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance protection of $15,000.
  • Delta Dental Insurance Plan
  • VSP Vision Service Plan
  • Public Employment Retirement System(The District will contribute 14% and the employee will contribute 10% of their earnable salary).
  • Medicare
  • Workers Compensation
  • Unemployment Compensation
  • Eleven Paid Holidays per calendar year
  • Annual leaveof 2 weeks for first 8 years, 3 weeks through 15 years, 4 weeks through 25 years, and 5 weeks beyond 25 years.
  • Sick leave accumulating at 4.6 hours for each 80 hours of service.
  • Compensatory Time (1.5 times) for hours worked beyond 40 in a week.