Conservation Program Assistant

Part-time, FLEXIBLE work hours, Holidays Off!


Do you have a passion for the environment? Are you skilled in communicating with a wide range of people?
Do you enjoy landscaping? This opportunity could be for you...


Help our Conservation Team's efforts by
-assisting residents with rebates to replace grass with water efficient landscaping
-maintaining the beautiful Red Hills Desert Garden and answering visitors' questions

GENERAL PURPOSE


This position will work with the garden manager on various projects and with the water conservation team to perform site visits for various programs, including the Water Efficient Landscape Rebate and Water Checks. Garden projects include a water-wise demonstration garden, THE Red Hills Desert Garden, District Office landscaping and a test garden.

BENEFITS AND HOURS

This position is classified as a non-benefited, flexible position. The position requires 15 to 19 hours per week in a flexible schedule, the majority of the work hours are during the peak time of public use of the conservation projects. Hours will vary seasonally, and some evening and weekend work may be required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED


Directly supervised by both the Garden Manager and the Water Conservation Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs pre- and post-visit site inspections for the Water Efficient Landscape Rebate, which includes measuring grass areas and guiding the property owner(s) through the program requirements to ensure a successful project completion and verifying completed projects meets all program qualifications for the rebate.
• Conducts residential water system irrigation audits (water checks) from May through September. Water Checks involve interaction with customers within Washington County, Utah and educating customers on proper irrigation practices. Employee operates a variety of sprinkler systems to determine the amount of water being applied, the uniformity of application, soil type and determines an appropriate irrigation schedule. Training provided.
• Provides administrative support to all district managers which may include assistance with district events, picking up and/or delivering products and materials, filing, mailings and other activities as requested.
• Performs basic landscape maintenance tasks as directed by the garden manager.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

1. Graduation from high school or equivalent; AND
2. Some experience in performing above mentioned duties; OR
3. An equivalent combination of training and experience to above may also be approved. Preference may be given to applicants pursuing a degree in water conservation, soil science, horticulture, or environmental science.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Applicants must be personable, self-motivated, have an interest in understanding irrigation systems, irrigation controllers, and be willing to work outdoors. Basic math skills are required. Use of hand tools for variety of garden maintenance tasks to include digging, planting, weeding, and pruning. Ability to frequently work in extreme temperatures outside during the summer months and to periodically be subject to temperatures above 100 degrees.

Special Qualifications:

• Must maintain a valid Utah Driver's License and insurability under the district's vehicle insurance policy.
• Must be willing to take and pass a pre-employment drug test and submit to a criminal background check.

Physical and Mental Demands:


The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:


While performing the duties of this position, employees are regularly required to stand, walk; talk or hear in person; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; smell; use hands to finger, handle, feel, reach with hands or arms, operate implements, tools or controls, including operating tools overhead while balancing on a ladder; and occasionally pushing a heavy wheel barrow containing soil, landscape clippings and/or debris. Employees are frequently required to drive to multiple work locations as needed.

Mental Demands:


While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to use oral and written communications skills; read documents or instructions; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret data or information; use math and mathematical reasoning; continuously learn and apply new information or skills.

Working Environment:

The employee must lift weight or exert force as follows:

Regularly: 1 to 20 pounds

Frequently: 21 to 50 pounds

Occasionally: 50 to 75 pounds

Rarely: 75 to 100 pounds