Watershed Operator 1 (Forestry, Logging & Mill Operations)

Seasonal

  Capital Regional District (https://www.crd.bc.ca/about/careers/current-opportunities)

  Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

The Capital Regional District is seeking qualified candidates for the role of Watershed Operator.  Under the general direction of program supervisors, the Watershed Operator I performs a variety of watershed protection activities related to the management of the Greater Victoria Water Supply Area lands.

 

The focus of these positions will be wildland firefighting, wildfire and security patrols, forest fuel management, vegetation and invasive species management, inspections, maintenance and responding to watershed emergencies.

 

*The anticipated length of this assignment is as follows:

  • Up to 3 positions – duration approximately up to 8 months;
  • Up to 6 positions – duration approximately up to 5.5 months.
  • Ensures assigned activities are carried out in a manner that protects water quality as the prime objective. Notifies supervisor of any potential environmental risks and takes immediate action when necessary.
  • Conducts watershed protection division activities (such as brushing, road clearing, tree thinning, pruning, silviculture work and invasive species removal).
  • Must be able to work effectively within a group environment and to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with divisional and departmental staff, outside agencies and the public.
  • Completes basic watershed protection related assessments and surveys as required.
  • Performs weekend wildfire/security patrols and related duties as directed.
  • Carries out wildfire suppression activities in accordance with policies and procedures.
  • Ensures that all work is performed safely, including work which falls under the employee's direct supervision or responsibility, always complying with established safety and safe work policies, practices, legislation and regulation. Reports all unsafe work activities or conditions immediately to the supervisor/manager, and takes appropriate responsible remedial action immediately.
  • Assists with COVID-19 workplace sanitizing and maintaining sanitation facilities.
  • Follows all policies, procedures and standards of the CRD.
  • Performs other related duties as required.

 

Qualifications

  • Must be physically fit and able to perform a variety of heavy manual outdoor work in all types of weather conditions.
  • Mapping and map interpretation skills and ability to accurately and neatly record and plot field notes.
  • Knowledge of and ability to use field survey equipment for a variety of environmental /forest type surveys such as traversing and sampling (e.g. GPS instruments, hand compass, inclinometer, chain and related instruments).
  • Knowledge of  characteristics  of  and  survey  methods  for  forest  fuels,  forest  soils,  hydrology,  forest ecosystems (BEC system), regeneration and wildlife.
  • Basic knowledge and experience with the application and operation of forest fire suppression equipment including pumps/water delivery systems and power saws.
  • Basic knowledge of forest fire suppression techniques.
  • Ability to work effectively in a group environment or individually with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to safely operate four wheel drive vehicles and equipment with small engines including chainsaws, brush saws and fire pumps.
  • Basic skills in computer applications (e.g. MS Word, Excel, Access, ArcPad).

 

Formal Education, Training and Occupational Certifications

  • High school graduation supplemented by courses from a recognized institution in one of the following fields: watershed management, hydrology, biology, geography, forestry, environmental science or a related discipline.
  • BC Wildfire Management Branch fire suppression certification or equivalent (or must be willing to obtain):
    • o S-100 Basic Fire Suppression and Safety
    • o S-185 Fire Entrapment Avoidance
  • Must be physically able to pass the Arduous Pack Test (3 miles with 45 lbs in 45 minutes), AND, BC Wildfire Management Branch WFX-FIT fitness test: please see https://ciffc.ca/standards/wfx-fit/wfx-fit-test for more information and training plans.
  • Chainsaw safety training (or must be willing to obtain).
  • Occupational First Aid Level 1 (or must be willing to obtain).
  • WHMIS (or must be willing to obtain).
  • Valid BC Drivers' Licence for the equipment being operated.

 

Experience

  • One (1) year directly related experience.
  • Safe operation of four-wheel-drive vehicles and small-engine equipment (e.g. chainsaws, brush saws, fire pumps).
  • Basic knowledge  and  experience  with  the  application  and  operation  of  wildfire  suppression  equipment including pumps/water delivery systems.
  • Basic map interpretation skills and ability to accurately and neatly record field notes.
  • Knowledge of and ability to use basic field survey equipment for a variety of watershed/environmental type surveys e.g. GPS, clinometer, hand compass and related equipment.
    • Ability to work effectively in a group environment or individually with minimal supervision.
    • Basic computer skills, including the use of programs related to Watershed operations, word-processing (e.g. MS Word), spreadsheets (e.g. MS Excel), databases (e.g. MS Access) and Maximo.
    • Must possess a basic understanding of applicable Safety, Operations, Administration and Environmental policies and procedures.
    • Sound communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, and customer service skills are required.
    • Basic knowledge of applications and limitations of heavy equipment and wildfire equipment.

     

    To keep our employees, customers and the communities we serve safe, the CRD has introduced an employee mandatory vaccination policy intended to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.  As such, the CRD requires proof of being fully vaccinated as a condition of employment.

Compensation

$26.83 per hour (plus 10% in lieu of benefits) (2019 rates)