Water Quality Coordinator

Application Deadline: 4/17/2026
Starting Salary Range: $26.33 - $31.60 per hour, commensurate with qualifications and experience 
Location: Main Office
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Classification: Full-time
Safety Sensitive: Yes

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Coordinates the water quality sampling programs of the MWCD and responds to questions and concerns of the public regarding water quality. Develops, presents, and promotes environmental education programs for the general public and partner agencies. Communicates with internal staff, including park and marina management, and other partners to keep them informed and updated on water quality activities and findings.

EQUIPMENT AND/OR SOFTWARE OPERATED/USED: The following are examples only and are not intended to be all inclusive:

Flat-bottom boat; water quality sondes and related field testing equipment; microscopes; bench-top laboratory instruments; autoclave; motor vehicles; Microsoft Office Suite; ESRI GIS software, EXO Sonde program, Light Deck software; Hummingbird sonar software, Google Earth.

INHERENTLY HAZARDOUS OR PHYSICALLY DEMANDING WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Ascends and/or descends ladders, stairs, or scaffolds; is exposed to environmental conditions which may result in injury from fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, and/or poorly ventilated work areas; is exposed to possible injury from hazardous gases, chemicals, flammables, or air contaminants; is exposed to possible injury from hazardous waste; is exposed to possible injury due to unclean or unsanitary conditions; has exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy weather conditions; has exposure to hazardous driving conditions.

Note:  In accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor physical demands strength ratings, this is considered medium work.

JOB DESCRIPTION

AND WORKER CHARACTERISTICS:

JOB DUTIES in order of importance

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

60% (1)

Coordinates aquatic vegetation management for MWCD lakes and leads the development of lake management plans. Manages water quality sampling for MWCD in cooperation with the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), United States Geological Survey (USGS), Ohio Lake Management Association (OLMS), Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA), and other partner agencies. Responds to public questions and concerns related to water quality. Duties include wading in lakes, ponds, wetlands and streams; performing habitat and site assessments; and operating and working from boats during sampling and field assessments.  

Works in coordination with the Conservation Technician to maintain the MWCD water quality laboratory, including laboratory equipment, water quality testing instruments, and associated quality-control procedures. Responsible for procuring necessary equipment and supplies, maintaining proper calibration of field and laboratory instruments, and ensuring operational readiness of all water quality testing equipment

The role also involves writing grant proposals; developing contracts, Request for Proposals (RFP), and Request for Qualifications (RFQ); permitting; preparing and reviewing project documentation; applying knowledge of Nonpoint Source Implementation Strategy (NPS-IS) documents; interpreting fluvial geomorphic assessments; understanding restoration designs; and working collaboratively with lake groups and watershed partners. Develops informational and educational material for MWCD communications. Creates and delivers presentations at workshops, outreach programs, partner meetings, and conferences. 

Attends related board and community meetings to promote MWCD conservation and environmental programs related to water quality, watershed education, and watershed conservation practices. Works with other MWCD Departments to support the implementation of conservation and environmental-related projects, practices, and programs. Assists in preparing the water quality portion of the annual budget, tracks expenditures, and advises the Chief of Conservation on water quality activities, projects, opportunities, and initiatives.    

25% (2)

Maintains accurate records, performs data entry and tracking, interprets data related to the position, prepares data analysis summaries, and reports sampling results.

10% (3)

Addresses concerns of the public about water quality and other ecological issues. 

Maintains required licensures and certifications, if any.

Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable safety standards that pertain to essential functions.

Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

5% (4)

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Attends meetings, as directed; attends training and seminars, as directed.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE CHARACTERISTICS: (*indicates developed after employment)

Knowledge of: Computer software; basic algebra; working in aquatic environments (rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, reservoirs), MWCD policies and procedures*.

Skilled in: A deep understanding of reservoir and lake limnology, watershed science, freshwater aquatic ecosystems, public speaking; water quality standards; writing; boat operation; flora and fauna ID.

Ability to: Manage large water quality datasets and interpret, analyze, and present results and findings at a collegiate or professional level. Communicate effectively; work well with the public; interpret relevant data; use basic hand tools; work in a variety of weather conditions.

POSITIONS DIRECTLY SUPERVISED:

Water Quality Intern.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree and three (3) or more years of related experience, with five (5) years of experience preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: 

Must possess a boater’s license and driver’s license valid in the State of Ohio and must be insurable by MWCD fleet insurance.

Salary : $26 - $32