Green Infrastructure Technician

JOB TITLE: Green Infrastructure Technician DEPARTMENT: Public Works and Transportation DIVISION: Water Protection SALARY: $19.74471/hr ($41,069/yr) CLOSING: Open until filled Job Summary and Scope: Green Infrastructure Technician (45%) The City of St. Joseph utilizes green infrastructure to manage stormwater. Practices such as rain gardens, infiltration swales, constructed wetlands, and other methods keep rainwater close to the point of origin and prevent runoff. Many of the City-owned green infrastructure projects are located across divisions (Parks, Fire, Water Protection, Etc.). Therefore, one point of contact is required to keep these systems functioning and aesthetically pleasing. The green infrastructure technicians will be responsible for tracking these structures, maintaining the vegetation both density and variety and correcting any system problems such as erosion or clogged pipes. Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) Inspector (35%) The ESC Inspector will be responsible for providing construction oversight (inspection and documentation) for land disturbance activities and various stormwater/wastewater and green infrastructure construction projects throughout St Joseph. Construction projects will typically consist of new construction and/or rehabilitation of existing structures that may include stormwater distribution, green stormwater infrastructure, and other related structures. The ESC Inspector will function as the City's representative and be required to observe, inspect, and document construction progress, quality, safety, workmanship, and compliance with State Land Disturbance regulations and City Codes and ordinances. CSO Diversion Maintenance (20%) The employee is responsible for the cleaning and removal of debris from the headworks and outfalls of both the Whitehead Creek and Blacksnake Creek facilities. This involves removal of vegetation, trash, trees, and other debris that are deposited. The employees are also responsible for cleaning and maintenance of the Blacksnake Creek Jules Street screen. Provide support for maintenance operations as needed. Assists with snow removal on Water Protection properties and outstations during inclement weather. No supervisory or budgetary responsibilities. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Care for established green infrastructure and greenways including constructed wetlands, raingardens and basins by aerating, weeding, mowing, grubbing, removing thatch and dead vegetation. Plant seed, bulbs, plugs, flowering plants, grass, ground covers, trees and shrubs. Monitor and remove invasive species in managed wetlands, rain gardens and woodlands Mix and spray or spread fertilizers, or herbicides, per best practices. Monitor green infrastructure areas for soil erosion and maintain as needed. Use hand tools such as shovels, rakes, pruning saws, saws, hedge trimmers, brush trimmers, and axes. Operate powered equipment such as mowers, tractors, snow blowers, chain-saws, electric clippers, sod cutters, and pruning saws. Maintain and repair tools, and equipment. Review erosion and sediment control construction plans and conduct erosion and sediment control compliance inspections. Other Duties and Responsibilities: Assists with various other tasks associated with the City's Stormwater Management Plan as needed. Performs all other related duties as assigned. Employee Behavior and Conduct: City employees shall conduct themselves in a professional manner and shall exhibit and extend such professional conduct appropriate for the circumstances to those with whom thy come into contact both internally and externally during the performance of their duties. Examples of professional conduct include, but are not limited to, being communicative, informative, fair, honest and respectful. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Basic knowledge of erosion and sediment control terminology and prevention practices Experience with the construction of stormwater and green infrastructure systems Ability to read and interpret construction plans and specifications Ability to analyze problems and correct. Knowledge of safety regulations is required (appropriate OSHA construction safety training) including the ability to work safely in confined spaces. Ability to use Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel as required Ability to prepare inspection reports and keep records organized Valid driver's license required Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. Knowledge of stormwater and waste water system, and maintenance. Skills in horticulture preferred Knowledge of applicable city codes and ordinances a plus Material and Equipment directly used: All types of electrical and mechanical diagnostic and relay tools and equipment. All types of hand tools, power and gas driven tools. Heavy equipment such as back hoes, bobcats, excavators, mower and other various equipment will be used to maintain stormwater separation and collection areas. Must be computer literate. There may be times when the use of a personal vehicle may be required. Working Environment/Physical Requirements: Most work performed outside, subject to varying temperatures and weather conditions. Hazardous work is potential. Occasionally work in confined spaces and at high elevations. Frequently lifts objects or equipment weighing up to 50 ponds occasionally lifting 70 pounds and up to 100+ with assistance. Frequent work in difficult positions. Frequent standing, bending, stooping, crouching, climbing, kneeling and walking on uneven surfaces up to a mile. Exposure to dust and fumes; frequent exposure to varying intensities of noise. Some overnight or day travel may be required for business purposes. Vacation and other leave scheduling shall be requested of and approved by the appropriate supervisor. Education: High school diploma or equivalent required Advanced training to be completed within 2 years: Missouri Master Gardner or equivalent Erosion and Sediment Control Certification. Passing of a drug screening required prior to appointment. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The City is a Governmental entity subject to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which requires that otherwise qualified handicapped individuals be protected from discrimination.