Stormwater Green Infrastructure Technician

~ The City of Corvallis has more than 420 employees in ten City departments who work to support our community’s values in livability, public safety, sustainability, infrastructure, and economic vitality.  Human Resources is dedicated to recruiting, developing, and supporting an exceptional workforce who have a direct impact on our city. ~

We value employees who exhibit qualities of excellence in customer service, teamwork, independent thinking, leadership, integrity, accountability, problem solving, diversity, professionalism, and an openness to learning and engaging with co-workers and community members.  City employees receive competitive pay and attractive benefits, and also have the opportunity to engage with, protect, support, and provide a wide variety of public service to more than 57,000 Corvallis community members.

Position Summary

The Stormwater Green Infrastructure Technician performs duties in alignment with requirements set forth by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Environmental Protection Agency to protect public health and the environment by ensuring the integrity of the City’s green infrastructure stormwater systems. Responsibilities include: responding to illicit discharges to the stormwater system and maintaining green stormwater facility infrastructure, 20 miles of urban streams, various bioswales and numerous detention ponds within the city. These tasks are illustrative only and may include other related duties.

• Additional Information: 
  • Full-time 40 hours per week
  • AFSCME represented
  • 12-month probationary period

Essential Functions

• Performs maintenance on urban streams and green stormwater facility infrastructure, including clearing blockages, removing debris/trash and sediment, implementing integrated pest control programs, performing minor irrigation system maintenance, and repairing minor concrete issues.  Uses as-built drawings, building records, and other records in plan review, facility assessments and inspections.
• Repairs and prevents erosion in stormwater quality facilities and urban streams.
• Recommends plants for use in stormwater quality facilities. Maintains and replaces vegetation in stormwater quality facilities and urban stream riparian areas. Provides general plant care including weeding, removing invasive and noxious plants, watering, removing dead or dying vegetation, pruning, and transplanting.
• Investigates illicit discharges to the stormwater system. Assists in mitigating illegal stormwater discharges and works with the public to explain regulations and seek solutions. Develops data to support Municipal Code violation fines or penalties, following mandates and requirements in the DEQ-issued stormwater permit.
• Conducts field water sampling, following proper protocols and chain of custody procedures, tests samples and reads results.
• Assesses stormwater green infrastructure functions, collects data and provides recommendations to enhance stormwater facility functions.
• Works on special projects related to stormwater green infrastructure.
• Conducts education and outreach activities required in the DEQ-issued stormwater permit, and tracks program activities for reporting to regulatory agencies.
• Performs as a member of a team, assisting with development of work group goals and objectives, and contributing to the achievement of goals and objectives.
• Trains and works with seasonal employees and assists other work groups.  Provides assistance to Stormwater Specialists as needed.  
• Conforms with all safety rules and practices, and performs work is a safe manner.
• Complies with all Administrative Policies.  Performs work in accordance with Council Policies and Municipal Code sections applicable to the position.
• Delivers excellent customer service to diverse audiences. Responds to customer service requests, questions and complaints.  Maintains a positive customer service demeanor and deliver service in a respectful and patient manner.
• Acts ethically and honestly; applies ethical standards of behavior to daily work activities and interactions. Builds confidence in the City through own actions.
• Maintains effective work relationships.
• Arrives to work, meetings, and other work-related functions on time and maintain regular job attendance.
• Operates and drives vehicles and/or equipment safely and legally.

Qualifications & Skills

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent; and one year's experience in any two of the following fields:
  • landscape construction, horticulture, tree maintenance, municipal stormwater system maintenance, natural systems maintenance, riparian invasive species removal, and/or riparian planting.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of stormwater infrastructure maintenance and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality permit requirements.
• Basic knowledge of equipment, materials, and supplies used in landscape and grounds maintenance.  
• Knowledge and understanding of work-related safety practices, OSHA and environmental rules and regulations, particularly in regards to work within green infrastructure and urban stream locations.
• Knowledge of techniques related to taking water samples and proper handling of water samples.
• Effective communication, analytical, customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to get along well with co-workers.
• Ability to work independently and complete daily activities according to a work schedule. 
• Knowledge of proper procedure for hazardous substance cleanup activities, including spill response mitigation efforts.
• Ability to use a computer and associated software and programs to perform the essential functions of the position.  
• Thorough knowledge of traffic laws and defensive driving practices.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of and the ability to maintain a valid Oregon Driver's License.
• Certified Vegetated Private Water Quality Facilities Management Certification, or ability to obtain within probationary period.  
• First Aid and CPR certification; ODOT Traffic Control, and Forklift Operation, or the ability to obtain within one (1) year of appointment.  
• Must be able to respond within 60 minutes or less to the Public Works Administrative offices for after-hours calls or emergencies prior to the end of probationary period. 
• Capable of routine decision making regarding assessment of immediate situations, available options, and selection of appropriate methods and procedures, material availability and ordering, equipment utilization and response to customer issues in the field.
• Demonstrable commitment to sustainability. 
• Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing equity, diversity and inclusion.    
• This individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others in the workplace.

Note: Candidate must meet all qualifications and requirements as listed in the Position Description.

How to Apply

• Qualified applicants must click "Apply on Company Website" below to submit an online application located on the City of Corvallis website (click on “Apply” above).  
• Applications must be received by 5:00 PM on Tuesday February 16, 2021.  
• Applicants are encouraged to include a cover letter and resume with the online application; however, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed online application.  
• Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted/considered.