Watershed Operator 1 - Watershed Operations Seasonal

Summary

The Watershed Operator carries out a number of general and specialized labouring tasks as well as ongoing watershed protection and maintenance activities. This position secures the Greater Victoria Water Supply Area by patrolling, reporting and taking action on unauthorized access, wildfire starts, spills and other minor emergencies that may occur.

The focus of this position will be forest fuel management (brushing and clearing), vegetation and invasive species management around facilities and roads (brushing), wildfire and security patrols, other watershed protection activities and responding to watershed emergencies. This position is a hybrid of routine labouring and patrol/security work. In the event of an emergency on GVWSA lands these positions will be deployed to emergency response crews, as required. Operational needs, weather and other operating restrictions will influence the nature of the work and assignments.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs weekday, weekend or after-hours wildfire and security patrols and related duties as assigned.
• Monitors, reports and takes action when unauthorized access, wildfire starts, spills or other minor emergencies occur; carries out fire watch and waters down worksites and carries out other wildfire prevention measures.
• Carries out basic wildfire suppression activities under direction and in accordance with training, policies and procedures.
• Provides information to and educates unauthorized GVWSA entrants about water supply area regulations as required in a positive, courteous and professional manner. Assists with routine reporting, attending to and recording bylaw violations.
• Conducts watershed protection division activities using appropriate tools for the activity (such as chainsaw, brush saw, line trimmer and manual tools such as loppers and pruners) including:
  • vegetation management (brushing, mowing);
  • road maintenance (inspecting and conducting maintenance of drainage structures, road clearing, sign maintenance);
  • silviculture and forest fuel management (cutting, brushing, clearing, juvenile spacing, pruning, manual piling or scattering of woody debris, burning);
  • invasive species management (cutting, brushing, pulling).
• Responsible for routine clean-up of GVWSA facilities, assets, grounds and vehicles; maintains and cleans washroom facilities and re-stocks as required.
• Completes basic watershed protection related assessments and surveys as required. Ensures accurate and timely completion of various recording and reporting forms.
• Performs day-to-day GVWSA protection and maintenance functions and regular operational work.
• Ensures assigned activities are carried out in a manner that protects water quality as the prime objective. Notifies supervisor of any potential environmental risks and takes immediate action when necessary.
• Assists other staff as needed or directed.
• Operates a variety of CRD vehicles, trailers and equipment.
• Follows all policies, procedures and standards of the CRD.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Additional Information

• Must be physically able to pass the Arduous Pack Test (3 miles with 45 lbs in 45 minutes). The fitness requirements may be used as initial screening requirements.

Key Skills & Abilities

• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills are required.
• Knowledge and ability in the methods, techniques, materials, tools and equipment commonly used in a forest management setting such as silviculture, landscaping, wildfire prevention and response, and general maintenance activities.
• Demonstrated experience working in a forested environment.
• Demonstrated ability and experience in safe operation of four-wheel drive vehicles. Knowledge and aptitude to work safely with power driven forestry equipment such as chain saws, brush saws, pumps and other potentially hazardous hand tools.
• Ability to perform a variety of skilled manual tasks requiring the use of independent judgement and action.
• The ability to work independently or as part of a crew while demonstrating initiative to provide practical solutions to operational problems that arise.
• Ability to maintain routine records and logbook entries related to work activities.
• Basic knowledge of and ability to use various computer word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.
• Knowledge and understanding of WorkSafeBC guidelines, Workers' Compensation Act and OHandS Regulations and other safety practices.
• Excellent physical fitness and able to perform heavy manual outdoor work in all types of weather conditions.

Qualifications

Certifications