Watershed Operator 2 - Watershed Fire Security and Emergency Seasonal - 2 Positions available

Summary

This position carries out a number of general and specialized labouring tasks as well as ongoing watershed protection and maintenance activities. The 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 is wildfire management and 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 fire crews and 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 wildfire suppression initial attack activities; takes initial attack crew leader role in accordance with policies and procedures, as directed.
• Provides information to and educates unauthorized GVWSA entrants about water supply area regulations as required in a positive, courteous and professional manner. Assists with bylaw enforcement by investigating and reporting bylaw infractions, and issuing warning tickets and Municipal Ticket Information tickets.
• 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.
• Provides field assistance in carrying out a broad variety of watershed protection assessments, surveys, activities, projects and initiatives.
• Performs day-to-day GVWSA protection and maintenance functions and regular operational work.
• Operates a variety of power equipment, fleet vehicles, trailers and boats engaged in regular watershed protection operation activities.
• Identifies, monitors and assesses conditions of natural and built assets and provides information, and makes recommendations.
• 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.
• 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), AND, WFX-FIT fitness test for initial attack: please see WFX-FIT Test https://ciffc.ca/standards/wfx-fit for more information and training plans. The fitness requirements may be used as initial screening requirements.

Key Skills & Abilities

• Excellent communication (verbal and written), interpersonal and customer service skills are required.
• Basic crew leader level of knowledge and experience with the application of forest fire suppression methods and equipment including pumps, water delivery systems and chain saws.
• Demonstrated experience in the methods, techniques, materials, tools and equipment commonly used in a forest management and wildfire management setting such as wildfire initial attack, silviculture, landscaping and general maintenance activities.
• Demonstrated experience in a watershed, forest management or an equivalent technical environment with demonstrated experience in field data collection and reporting.
• Demonstrated fireline experience in a wildland setting, including routine crew direction and guidance, and the equivalent of 30 - 40 fireline days, which may include a relevant mix of large and small fires.
• Demonstrated ability and experience in safe operation of four-wheel drive vehicles, trailers, boats and to work safely with power driven forestry equipment such as chain saws, brush saws, fire pumps and other potentially hazardous hand tools. Demonstrated chainsaw experience in an operational environment.
• Demonstrated ability to perform a variety of skilled manual tasks requiring the use of independent judgement and action.
• Demonstrated experience working independently and as part of a crew while demonstrating initiative to provide practical solutions to operational problems that arise.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain routine records and logbook entries related to work activities.
• Experience with routine forestry field data collection methods and tools. Mapping and map interpretation skills and ability to accurately and neatly record and plot field notes. Knowledge of characteristics and survey methods for forest fuels, forest soils, hydrology, forest ecosystems (BEC system), regeneration and wildlife.
• Demonstrated ability to provide basic guidance and direction as well as demonstrated organizational abilities.
• Basic knowledge of public relations, education and CRD bylaws as well as bylaw enforcement.
• Ability to effectively deal with and resolve conflicts including those that may have the potential to involve aggression.
• Knowledge of natural resource management pertaining to watershed management and stewardship.
• 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 relevant safety practices.
• Excellent physical fitness and able to perform heavy manual outdoor work in all types of weather conditions.

Qualifications

Certifications