Headwaters Soil and Water Conservation District

Dam TechnicianJob Description

The District Dam Technician provides the HSWCD with support for the operation and maintenance of the flood control dams. This position is under the direction of the Headwaters Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Directors, and is supervised by the District’s Conservation Specialist.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Provides technical assistance for the operation and maintenance of the district’s dams
  2. Determines maintenance needs and options for remediation. Prepares designs, estimates, layouts, etc. for the projects.
  3. Participates in various inspections of dams, noting maintenance needs
  4. Files inspections reports with respective agencies
  5. Prepares emergency action plans, schedules and conducts emergency drills and table top exercises in accordance with state regulations
  6. Works closely with local emergency services coordinators
  7. Prepares bid packages, conducts sites showings, and prepares contracts for construction
  8. Participates in the inspection of construction, and ensures adherence to specifications.
  9. Contacts and informs landowners of inspection, maintenance, and construction schedule
  10. Attends and participates in meetings of the District board, Dam Safety and Maintenance Committee, local government, and others as directed.
  11. Works closely with the Division of Dam Safety staff on issues related to the dams.
  12. Writes grants to secure extra maintenance funds
  13. Could be called upon to check dams at all hours in inclement weather

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

  1. Ability to utilize standard computer software – word processing, spreadsheets, email, database programs
  2. Ability to utilize computer/technology application tasks – Geographic Information Systems, Global Positioning Systems
  3. Map reading skills
  4. Understanding of watersheds and hydrologic drainage principles
  5. Grant writing skills
  6. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and through writing
  7. Ability to work independently and schedule time in an efficient manner
  8. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with others by being a team player
  9. Ability to interpret technical standards, engineering drawings, program policies and legal guidelines
  10. Applicant must have a valid Virginia driver’s license and must be willing to provide his or her own transportation on the job if District vehicles are not available. Mileage will be reimbursed at the current mileage rate as set by the HSWCD.
  11. Equipment Operation:Candidate must have previous experience operating or working around a broad range of equipment including but not limited to:
  • Farm - Tractor, bush hog, fertilizer applicators, sprayers, seeders
  • Small engine - weed eaters, brush cutters, chain saws
  • Construction – backhoes, loaders
  • Boats
  1. Routine Equipment Maintenance: Candidate must have previous experience with the maintenance of a broad range of equipment including but not limited to those listed above.

Oil changes, grease, fuels, blade changes, gear boxes, tires, etc.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  1. Surveying skills
  2. Understanding of guidelines for contracting and procurement
  3. Understanding of basic construction principles
  4. Understanding of soils and agronomic principles
  5. AutoCAD

Education and Experience:

High school graduate required; college degree in an agriculture/natural resources related field or combination of education and equivalent experience is desired.

Additional Duties:

  1. Assists the District staff with agriculture BMP and education activities as needed
  2. Performs other tasks as requested by the Board of Directors
  3. Website management
  4. Attendance of night meetings is required.
  5. Obtain category 10 pesticide license within six months of employment

Physical Requirements:

Lift up to 100 pounds

Walk on uneven terrain

Swim

Climb heights up to 30 feet (Hearthstone riser Tower is approximately 30 feet)