Watershed Coordinator

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, include the responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics listed below. This list of responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Summary
Under general supervision, the Watershed Coordinator serves as the coordinator of Watershed Protection Plan initiatives and acts as a facilitator of the Plan and related community activities to restore water quality and quantity in Cypress Creek and the Blanco River Basin. The work involves treating a variety of problems, questions, or situations in conformance with established criteria. This position represents the shared interests of five collaborating entities and is dedicated to advancing the goals of The Blanco Cypress Watershed Protection Plan (BCWPP).Responsibilities
• Develops procedures that result in effective operations as it relates to the Watershed Protection Plan.
• Coordinates field inspections and interacts with citizens, property and business owners, and contractors to resolve questions and/or problems.
• Develops a project work plan, manages costs, facilitates communications, and allows for prompt implementation and execution of the plan.
• Performs data collection and water quality monitoring.
• Develops and implements best management practices and protection of surface water and groundwater to address nonpoint source pollution from agriculture and urban sources, adequate spring and stream flows, and outreach and education.
• Coordinates and communicates with landowners, business owners, and neighboring jurisdiction.
? Provides leadership in implementing and adapting a watershed management plan through the collection and analysis of land use, water quality and groundwater data and resource information, identification and clarification of stakeholder concerns, establishment of goals, and supporting locally initiated strategies.
? Ensures that the Watershed Protection Plan and associated activities align with the EPA’s nine elements for a Watershed Protection Plan.
? Provides technical assistance and education to citizens, community and special interest groups, and developers on the Watershed Protection Plan.
? Inspires the community and local stakeholders to become lifelong stewards of their watershed.
? Communicates with state and county agencies in reference to regulatory matters.
? Educates and inspires stakeholders and community members about the science, water quality, quantity challenges and opportunities for the implementation of best management practices for watershed health and sustainability.
? Maintains appropriate relationships and serves as a liaison between professional entities, public and local governments, Groundwater Conservation Districts, and social service groups (i.e., Hill County Conservation Network, Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, No Dumping Sewage Coalition) and other regional entities to advance public policies that advance groundwater and surface water protection.
? Educates and increases awareness of Watershed Protection programs and local-regional water issues through science and engagement and collaborative interests.
? Establishes and maintains a positive working relationship with landowners and surrounding communities.
? Advocates for and implements Best Management Practices (BMPs) including One Water implementation projects across the Texas Hill Country region.
? Provides public educational opportunities or outreach opportunities (a minimum of 4 annually) through workshops, school programs, tours, publications, and other creative means.
? Develops marketing materials and works with the Executive Committee to promote educational opportunities to the general public.
? Recruits, trains, manages, and oversees restoration projects and volunteers for cleanups, planting, monitoring activities, and other stewardship events.
? Conducts regular stakeholder meeting, including BCWPP Executive Committee, Steering Committee and Work Groups, throughout the watershed to gather and incorporate local input and encourage citizen participation.
? Updates and maintains the Watershed Protection Plan website content.
? Develops and disseminates outreach materials, including newspapers, newsletters, factsheets and other related material and website content to promote and communicate watershed efforts to stakeholders at venues such as community stakeholder meetings and networking among agencies, organizations, and individuals.
? Collaborates with the Communications Department of the Watershed Association to update the project’s website, prepare press releases, and publish associated analysis of scientific data and relevant reports.
? Works with county Grant Writers to research and identify grants and other financial opportunities to increase resources for the BCWPP.
? Tracks cost share information, maintaining and reporting financial records necessary to manage grants and keep projects on time and on budget.
? Provides counties, cities, and other partners and stakeholders within the Cypress Creek and Blanco Watershed with regular updates on progress and seek their input and recommendations on needed activities.
? Prepares reports, maps, presentations, and other materials to document watershed activities and communicate with stakeholders.
? Works to map watershed land use, stormwater structures, erosion sites, and other features using GIS.
? Participates in relevant training, conferences, and professional organizations to stay current on watershed management best practices.
? Manages the installation of site specific BMPs that will serve as demonstration projects on their effectiveness, including preventative, stormwater, and low impact development (LID) measures (storm water controls, rainwater capture, rain gardens, and bio-filtration systems).
? Works to review existing ordinances to assist the cities and county in quantifying their effectiveness on maintaining water quality.
? Works to improve the reliability and enhance the capability of the Blanco Cypress Decision Support System to calculate potential water quality impacts of site scale development.
? Attends and/or conducts public meeting or hearings that require a high level of representation to address issues or to present sensitive material.
? Represents Hays County and the Commissioners Court when interacting with federal, state, and municipal officials regarding the Watershed Protection Plan.
? Performs all other duties as assigned.Education and/or Experience
? Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or related field required.
? 3 years of experience in watershed management, natural resource management, or water quality management.
? Each additional year of required experience may substitute for one year of required education.Other Qualifications, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
? Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License

Salary : $56,373 - $58,666