Wetlands Specialist

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Description:  Responsible for maintaining numerous wetland mitigation sites, storm water detention ponds, and natural areas. Work is characterized by a variety of skilled journey-level maintenance tasks and the operation of a variety of specialized machines and hand, power, and automotive equipment.

Duties include, but are not limited to, mowing and weed-whacking to enhance survival of native plantings and maintaining access and aesthetics at artificially created ponds and natural areas; invasive plant removal; pruning and trimming plants; planting and replanting; watering, fertilizing, and caring of plants; raking and removal of seasonal and other debris; applying chemical pesticides; controlling litter; planning, coordinating, educating, and supervising paid and volunteer work crews; and numerous other maintenance tasks to aid plant survival and improve wildlife habitat. May also assist with environmental monitoring and other tasks as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Basic stream and wetland ecology

• Wildlife and fisheries rules, regulations, and laws

• Invertebrate habits and behaviors

• Basic small-engine repair

• Permit processes for wetland projects

• Mowing, pruning, edging, trimming, and weeding techniques

• Plant biology/horticulture, landscaping, and/or forestry practices

• Methods, tools, equipment, and materials used in the Street/Storm Vegetation Division

• Vegetation control equipment operation and basic preventive maintenance of each

• Work hazards and applicable safety precautions entailed in work activities

• Chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides

• Maintenance routes, facility sites, and maintenance requirements of each

• Recordkeeping techniques

• Correct English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary

• Personal computers and its basic use

Skilled In:

• Safely and proficiently operating machines, tools, equipment, and materials used in the maintenance Street/Storm Vegetation Section including, but not limited to, mowers, weed-whackers, tractor driven equipment, hand and power tools, and snow and ice control equipment

• Mixing and applying chemical pesticides

• Directing and motivating unskilled laborers

• Effectively communicating both orally and in writing

• Effectively using interpersonal skills in a tactful, patient, and courteous manner

Ability To:

• Identify plants, weeds, and trees and differentiate between weeds/pests and preserved plants

• Effectively train and direct the work of assigned staff and/or volunteers to safely complete work projects as assigned

• Safely and effectively operate vehicles, tools, and equipment listed below

• Interpret and carry-out a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form

• Make field decisions in the absence of the Storm Vegetation Control Supervisor or lead worker

• Perform heavy manual tasks for extended periods of time and during inclement weather conditions

• Utilize procedures and practices to independently complete assigned tasks with minimum supervision

• Meet schedules and timelines

• Safely work with hazardous substances; and effectively limit risk to self as well as others

• Appropriately use supplies and materials used in Street/Storm Vegetation maintenance

• Maintain and perform basic maintenance on hand and power equipment including mowers, weed-whackers, tractor-driven equipment, hand tools, and automated and manual irrigation systems

• Use all available resources to identify and analyze situations to resolve problems and adopt an effective course of action

• Understand and accurately complete required paperwork

• Maintain accurate records and prepare routine reports

• Effectively communicate with supervisors, other City departments, and the public especially with regard to problems, difficulties, and limitations

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other departments, employees, volunteers, and the general public

• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide; compute fractions, rates, ratios, proportions, percentages, volume, area, circumference, and distance; draw and interpret graphs and sketches; and calculate labor and materials for daily tasks

• Apply common sense understanding to interpret and to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, sketch, or schedule form

• Solve practical problems associated with plant survival and maintenance difficulties

• Read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, memorandums, and maps

• Read, comprehend, and apply documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals

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Practice Wetlands Specialist Interview

1. What knowledge and experience do you bring to this position.
   Tips on your interview opening.

2. What aspects of the position appeal to you most? 

3. What is your experience developing goals and objectives? What steps do you take to organize and prioritize work plans?

4. Faced with multiple tasks to complete, how do you decide which task has priority?

5. Your supervisor gives you a rush job to complete. This is in direct conflict with an assignment given to you by your supervisor’s boss. How do you manage the situation?

6. What are the most important aspects of planning a wetland restoration project?

7. Please name a few non-native plant species.

8. What are some goals you would set for yourself within the first 30 days on the job?

9. The work sometimes involves long periods of repetitive tasks. How do you motivate yourself to complete unpleasant assignments?

10. What technical experience do you have that applies to being the crew lead?

11. The position requires punctuality.  How would your former coworkers or supervisors describe ways in which you are dependable?

12. We are looking for a “go-to” person. In what way can you fill this need?

13. Would you like to make a final statement? 
    Tips on your interview closing.

14. Do you have any questions you would like to ask us?