Aquatic Technician/ Storm Water Operator

Aquatic Weed Control Technician/Stormwater Operator

Application process: Prospective employees MUST submit an employee application and resume. Please visit our website at and email your application, resume, and any other licenses/certificates.

The North Springs Improvement District is seeking an Aquatic Weed Technician/Stormwater Operator with experience operating boats, lawn equipment, applying herbicides, and other chemicals to the waterways. Individual must be willing to obtain their aquatic license. Valid Florida Driver's License required and must pass a pre-employment drug test.

We offer Excellent benefits, including health, life, disability, dental, vision, the Florida Retirement System Investment Plan (FRS), and the 457 Savings Plan. Pay is based on experience and licenses. Pay is based on experience and licenses.

Pay: $41,600-$54,000 p/y.

General Job Description

Under general supervision, performs duties and technical work focused on vegetation control activities involving chemical and other eradication methods for surveillance and abatement of weed, aquatic weed, and invasive plant control within the District. Incumbent holds all required licenses to perform vegetation control assignments and possesses an advanced understanding of chemicals used and modes of action. The incumbent applies chemicals, following approved techniques, to maintain effective vegetation control and prevent damage to adjacent vegetation or harm to animal or marine life.

Incumbents have knowledge of and the ability to troubleshoot and repair basic mechanical and electrical malfunctions and can perform routine preventive maintenance. Incumbents assist in monitoring water elevations and operations of pump stations.

SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES

Receives direction from the Drainage Supervisor and the Drainage Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are typical for this classification. Depending upon the assignment, the employee may not perform all the listed duties and may be required to perform additional or different duties from those below to address business needs and change business practices. Management retains the right to add, remove, or change duties at any time. Therefore, this list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Not in any hierarchical order. Other duties may be assigned).

• Follows a daily sequence of tasks as assigned and responds to assignment changes during the shift, ensuring all appropriate activities are completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Assists in various aspects of stormwater management, including the operation of pump stations.
• Perform semi-skilled manual work, performed alone or as part of a crew, involving stormwater system inspections, maintenance, and repairs.
• Operates/utilizes various equipment or tools associated with activities, including trucks, boats, mini excavators, stormwater monitors, diagnostic instruments, cameras, global positioning system, manhole cover puller, measuring devices, hand tools, and cement. Monitors assigned areas for vegetation control purposes.
• Mechanically harvests aquatic plants in the District's waterways; manually removes vegetation when conditions permit.
• Operates vegetation control and herbicide application equipment, utilizing proper abatement techniques.
• Performs chemical/mechanical control of aquatic weeds in mitigation areas.
• Selects and mixes appropriate chemical agents considering environment and vegetation.
• Operates spray equipment using proper application techniques and procedures.
• Operates and maintains equipment used in chemical treatment operations, including trucks, boats, motors, and various types of spray apparatus.
• Clears fogging trains to allow truck access to sites.
• Prepares and submits daily and weekly activity reports.
• Maintains a safe work area, including: place and remove cones, barricades, warning devices, and/or directs traffic at work sites to ensure the safety of the work crew and public; cleans up work sites upon completion of the job; picks up all tools and equipment; secures the job site if returning later; washes vehicles and equipment as needed; cleans up shop areas; maintains tools and equipment in safe and operable condition; safely use, mix, and dilute all chemicals according to direction labels; and when operating a motor vehicle, observe safe driving principles and practices.
• Wears and uses proper personal protective equipment; performs all tasks within safety standards and adheres to safety regulations and protocols.
• Ensures and maintains compliance with all applicable local, State, and Federal regulations.
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with coworkers, other District employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Responds to citizen complaints and concerns.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of procedures, techniques, and equipment used for vegetation and/or weed, aquatic weed, and invasive plant control.
• Knowledge of aquatic weed biology and the ability to identify desirable and undesirable species.
• Knowledge of chemicals used in herbicide applications.
• Knowledge of common indigenous aquatic plants, invasive plants, and undesirable weeds.
• Knowledge of general water and air pollution standards.
• Rules, regulations, and codes applicable to District maintenance, operations, and construction functions.
• Knowledgeable in and ability to interpret Federal, State, and local laws and regulations regarding District administrative operations.
• Modern office methods, procedures, equipment, computer software, and database programs, including Microsoft Suite of Programs.
• District policies and regulations regarding establishing and maintaining services.
• Geography of the District and the location of District facilities.
• Techniques and principles of effective interpersonal communication.

ABILITY TO

• Ability to safely, effectively, and efficiently use, operate, and/or apply assigned materials, supplies, tools, equipment, and vehicles.
• Ability to read product labels, safely and properly mix or dilute various chemicals and cleaning products, and learn applicable safety requirements.
• Ability to coordinate hands and eyes using specialized and office machinery; to operate motor vehicles.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and complete records, logs, and reports.
• Ability to be constantly alert, aware of the hazards involved, and apply safety practices and principles in reporting and preventing accident.
• Ability to carry out duties according to federal and State laws and administrative regulations; city ordinances; Departmental policy, procedures, directives, rules, and regulations; and external directives.
• Ability to observe and analyze situations quickly and objectively and, using good judgment, determine an effective and efficient course of action to be taken with due regard to the task, hazards, situation, and circumstance.
• Ability to handle complex and emergency situations in an effective, safe, timely, and legal manner.
• Ability to recognize safety hazards and apply appropriate safety precautions during spray operations.
• Ability to do heavy manual labor for extended periods, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to work effectively as an individual and as a team member.
• Ability to use small office equipment and computers.
• Understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances affecting the Department's activities.
• Initiate and maintain effective safety practices related to the work's nature.
• Follow oral and written directions.
• Represent the District positively and professionally at all times.
• Maintain tactful and good relations when working with the public regarding District services.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Pass pre-employment physical, drug, and alcohol examination, and background check.
• Work under emergency conditions, day or night, and be willing to work when called any time during a 24-hour period.

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

• Equivalent to a high school diploma or GED, supplemented by one (1) year of experience in performing maintenance, construction, repair, and operations work for a water district or in performing water treatment functions and plant operations, or;
• One (1) year of experience in weed and/or pest control spraying or abatement, industrial, or commercial chemical spraying; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATES

• Valid Florida Driver's License and proof of good driving record as evidenced by freedom from severe or multiple traffic violations or accidents for at least five (5) years.
• Active Aquatic Pest Control License
• Incumbent must complete the designated number of contact hours (i.e., continuing education/training requirements) to maintain the required certifications as a condition of continued employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The North Springs Improvement District promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment through mandatory pre-employment drug testing.

The conditions herein represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Travels frequently by automobile in conducting District business.
• Must be able to perform the essential physical life functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, and lifting
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally assist in lifting and/or moving up to 100 pounds.
• The employee must be able to detect the smell of smoke, natural gas leaks, and other hazardous odors.
• Occasionally, remain in uncomfortable physical positions
• Occasionally work in confined spaces as narrow as thirty-six (36) inches in diameter, or in the water fountain pit
• Stands and walks for extended time periods and on uneven terrain.
• Works outdoors as needed in all weather conditions with exposure to dust, dirt, water, and significant temperature changes between cold and hot conditions.
• Must wear CalOSHA-approved protective footwear with a minimum ANSI I/75 or equivalent ASTM rating.
• Communicates frequently with District management staff, coworkers, and the public in one-to-one and group settings.
• Regularly uses a telephone for communication.
• Occasionally may be required to change working hours.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $41, $54,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person