7470-Watershed Keeper

Job description

CLASS TITLE: WATERSHED KEEPER

CODE: 7470

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, completes work that involves the general maintenance of watershed lands and reservoir properties, aqueducts, and facilities; patrols to prevent trespassing on Watershed lands, pollution to water supplies, and land encroachments on the rights-of-way; responds to various emergency conditions; takes preventative measures to reduce risk of emergency actions; and assists in fighting forest fires.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The 7470 Watershed Keeper is distinguished from class 7270 Watershed Keeper Supervisor in that the latter is the advanced journey level in this series and is assigned more difficult and complex work and supervises a team of staff such as Watershed Keepers, Watershed Workers, Laborers and/or other crews.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Patrols and inspects rights-of-way, watershed and reservoir areas; removes debris; issues warnings to garbage dumpers, trespassers, and poachers; maintains watersheds and reservoirs, to ensure a high-quality water yield for public consumption.

2. Reads and maintains data on indicating meters and recording instruments and charts to determine water levels, water releases, water flow rates and weather station readings, including temperature, precipitation, and other variables; keeps records of unusual incidents, conditions, improvement projects, and work performed.

3. Patrols lakes and reservoirs by launch to inspect water conditions and takes samples.

4. Locates, reports, and assists in fighting forest fires, and responds to emergency situations.

5. Operates vehicles and various machinery related to flow of water to and from reservoirs, such as pipelines, flumes, spillways, sluice gates, and valves.

6. Escorts visitors, manages public access trails, conducts tours, and assists in recreational activities; issues warnings to trespassers and facilitates the removal of trespassers; and performs general labor to assist in Watershed maintenance.

7. May perform dam, penstock, pipeline and other facility inspections.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: methods and practices employed in the operation of gates, valves, screen systems, water measuring devices and other equipment related to reservoir operations; life saving and fire fighting equipment and artificial respiration such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation; general understanding of management and maintenance of open lands and watershed properties; safety practices pertaining to open lands and watershed management.

Ability or Skill to: read gauges and measuring devices, record and report data observations; use simple hand tools; make simple arithmetical computations; write simple reports; comprehend written materials including training manuals, applicable ordinances, and written directives; communicate in an effective manner, both orally and in writing; use basic computer and computer applications; work and drive in various terrains and adverse conditions; respond to emergencies, such as firefighting and rescue operations; represent organization in a courteous manner.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification. Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:

Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent (GED or High School Proficiency Examination).

Experience:

Two (2) years of verifiable work experience performing duties which involve protection, conservation, operation, natural resource management, and/or maintenance/development of watersheds, reservoirs, and/or forestry.

License and Certification:

Possession of a valid California driver�s license.

Substitution:

Additional education from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in either Watershed Management, Natural Resource Conservation, Forest or Park Management, Wildland/Range Management, Wildland Recreation, Biology, Natural Resources, Physical Science or other closely related fields, may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis (up to a maximum of six (6) months). Six months is equivalent to fifteen (15) semester units/ twenty-two (22) quarter units.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Nature of work requires: considerable physical effort in patrolling the watershed area; continuing exposure to inclement weather and other potentially hazardous elements and to working conditions where minor injuries may occur.

PROMOTIVE LINES

To: 7270 Watershed Keeper Supervisor

ORIGINATION DATE: 01/14/1965

AMENDED DATE: 01/20/21; 12/18/23

REASON FOR AMENDMENT: To accurately reflect the current tasks, knowledge, skills & abilities, and minimum qualifications.

BUSINESS UNIT(S):

COMMN

Standard information

Disaster service work

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Historic and future compensation