Watershed Operator / Equipment Operator
(Urban Forestry)
Full Time
Victoria - Westshore, British Columbia, Canada
Employment Opportunity - CRD
Watershed Operator / Equipment Operator
Watershed Protection-Integrated Water Services
Competition: 17/184
Summary:
The Watershed Operator / Equipment Operator performs a variety of watershed protection activities related to the management of the Greater Victoria Water Supply Area lands.
Duties & Responsibilities
Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
· Operates a tandem axle dump truck, excavator (up to 30 tonnes), line skidder, backhoe, front end loader, grader, and other heavy and light equipment in a variety of complex and sensitive settings within the Greater Victoria Water Supply Area.
· Operates water tenders and equipment trailers in excess of 20,000 kg GVWR.
· Performs daily maintenance of equipment and maintains current log of hours on equipment operated in compliance with the Motor Vehicle Act and CRD Fleet Policy and Procedures
· Operates, loads and transports equipment and materials in accordance with WorkSafeBC and Ministry of Transportation regulations.
· Displays a thorough understanding of equipment operation procedures and policies.
· 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 and weeding, road clearing, tree thinning, pruning, booming, tree planting and silviculture work).
· Must be able to work effectively within a group environment and to communicate effectively, with divisional and departmental staff, outside agencies and the public.
· Completes basic watershed protection related surveys as required.
· Performs weekend wildfire/security patrols and related duties as directed.
· Carries out wildfire suppression activities in accordance with policies and procedures.
· May provide guidance to small groups of individuals
· Ensures that all work is performed safely, including work which falls under the employee's direct 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.
· Performs all duties of the Watershed Operator.
· Follows all policies, procedures and standards of the CRD.
· Other related duties as required.
Qualifications
· High school graduation plus 3 – 5 years’ experience operating heavy equipment in a forested environment supplemented by courses in watershed management, biology, geography, forestry or a related discipline. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
· Ministry of Forests Fire Suppression techniques (or must be willing to obtain)
· S-100 Fundamentals of Fire Fighting
· S-185 Safety and Fire Behaviour
· Chain saw experience and safety training
· Occupational First Aid Level 1
· Pleasure Craft Operators Certificate, Marine Emergency Duties A3 certification or equivalent
· WHMIS
· Wildlife/Danger Tree assessors certification
· Basic technical writing and communications training
· Management of Aggressive Persons training
· Incident Command System Level 200 certification
· Must demonstrate training, experience and competence in light and heavy equipment operation.
· Must be physically fit and able to perform a variety of heavy manual outdoor work in all types of weather conditions; meets physical fitness requirements such as Ministry of Forests and Range, Forest Fire -100 (BC) or equivalent.
· 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, inclinometer, 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 thorough understanding of Safety, Operations, and Environmental policies and procedures and a basic understanding of applicable Administration 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.
· Ability to safely operate small boats
· Valid BC Drivers’ Licence Class 5 and Class 3 with airbrake endorsement minimum, Class 1 with airbrake endorsement preferred.