Vegetation Program Specialist I/II Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/scvwd/jobs/newprint/4721672) Apply  Vegetation Program Specialist I/II Salary See Position Description Location CA, CA Job Type Full-Time Job Number 01837-E Division Watersheds Operations and Maintenance Unit Vegetation Field Operations Opening Date 11/08/2024 Closing Date 11/24/2024 11:59 PM Pacific + Description + Benefits + Questions Description Vegetation Program Specialist I: $118,331.20 - $151,444.80 Annually Vegetation Program Specialist II: $130,540.80 - $167,211.20 Annually Overview: Do you love trees and working with the public? Are you an arborist? Valley Water is looking for a Vegetation Program Specialist to join our Vegetation Field Operations Unit and take on arborist duties. This position will be responsible for tree risk assessments and coordinating associated tree work, customer service related to tree requests, and managing the routine maintenance pruning program. Come be part of a dynamic team responsible for vegetation maintenance in many riparian areas throughout Santa Clara County. Our Commitment: Racial equity, diversity and inclusion are integral to Valley Water. We are committed to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all. We believe every member of our team enriches our diversity, contributes to inclusion, and strengthens belonging by broadening our perspective and collective understanding of the world around us to accomplish our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship. About Valley Water: Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community. Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: + Performing site visits and tree risk assessments, quantifying work to be performed and estimating impacts of work. + Managing routine maintenance pruning program for access along Valley Water maintenance roads and fence line paths + Responding to customer concerns using Access Valley Water System; consultations with customers on-site. + Collecting tree inventory data using GPS applications and associated GIS tools. + Tree work coordination between contractors and the public as needed, oversight of contractors and reconciling invoices. + Emergency response to tree related issues on Valley Water properties. Coordination of internal or contracted staff to address tree related emergencies. + Preparation of work orders, photo documentation, maps, technical reports, and associated documents. + Assist with obtaining regulatory permits for tree work. + Quarterly reporting and database management for Vegetation projects; reports work accomplished, and weekly schedules of work to be performed. Ideal Candidate's Background Includes: Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below. Ideal Experience: + Vegetation Program Specialist I: Three (3) years of experience in integrated vegetation management, ecological restoration, horticulture, arboriculture, forestry, or field maintenance planning. + Vegetation Program Specialist II: Five (5) years of experience in integrated vegetation management, ecological restoration, horticulture or arboriculture or silviculture, Two (2) years of lead experience. + Experience utilizing GPS and GIS. + Experience using Maximo and Oracle database systems or similar. + Program development and lead experience a plus. + Arborist Certificate from International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Ideal Skills and Abilities: + Strong project and data management skills in administering complex, technical, and sensitive vegetation field operations projects in an independent and cooperative manner. + Evaluate and develop improvements to vegetation field operations procedures, policies, or methods. + Conduct complex vegetation field operations research, assess, and evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical reports. + Establish and maintain a variety of vegetation field operations filing, record keeping, and tracking systems. + Organize and prioritize a variety of vegetation field operations, projects, and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner. + Interpret federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations, including California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Quality Act and partner with Regulatory Agencies. + Effectively communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. + Excellent customer service skills. + Must be able to work well independently and with a multi-disciplinary team, both in person and through teleworking platforms Ideal Knowledge: + General principles, practices, techniques, and equipment related to vegetation field operations and maintenance projects. + Knowledge of plants, trees, and wildlife native and non-native to Santa Clara County. + California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Quality Act and applicable environmental regulations pertaining to Federal, State, and local laws. Ideal Training and Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in biology, botany, horticulture, forestry, silviculture, environmental sciences, natural sciences, or a related field. Required License or Certificate Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license. Individuals who do not meet the driver's license requirement due to a disability will be considered for a reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis. Vegetation Program Specialist I: + Must be able to obtain a valid Qualified Applicator Certificate or Qualified Applicator License in Categories C & F issued by the State of California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation within 12 months of hire. Vegetation Program Specialist II: + Possession of a valid Qualified Applicator Certificate or Qualified Applicator License in Categories C & F issued by the State of California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation at the time of hire. + A valid Agricultural Pest Control Adviser License (in Category E) from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, within 12 months of hire OR + A valid certification as an Arborist from the International Society of Arboriculture upon appointment and a valid Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) credential within 12 months of hire. To review the Classification Specification, please clickhere (https://s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/valleywater.org.us-west-1/s3fs-public/Vegetation%20Program%20Specialist%20I-II%20-%207-2020.pdf) Vegetation Field Operations Unit (Position Code 717) Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date. This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 40% remote and 60% onsite. Selection Process (1) The selection process may include one or more of the following: application review, application assessment, performance exercise, written exercise and/or interview. (2) The Employment Application, Qualifying Information Questions and/or Supplemental Questions will be evaluated based on the ideal candidate criteria listed above. Resumes are highly recommended. NOTE: Position and start date is subject to availability of funds. Valley Water retains the right to repost this position as deemed necessary. Consideration may be given to existing applicant pools within the same classification. Valley Water's Equal Opportunity Non-Discrimination Policy is available for review upon request. Valley Water will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources in advance of any special needs by calling 408-630-2260. Please be aware that once submitted all application materials become the property of Valley Water and will not be returned. Human Resources staff are not authorized to make copies of application materials for applicants. The Santa Clara Valley Water District, now known as Valley Water, offers a comprehensive benefit package including, vacation, holidays, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, EAP, life and disability insurance. In addition, Valley Water participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). To view a summary of benefits, clickhere (https://www.valleywater.org/benefits) 01 I acknowledge that I have entered my Work Experience and Education on the employment application, and I am aware these are required fields. If they are not completed, the application is considered incomplete, and I will be disqualified as an applicant for the position. + Yes + No 02 Please answer the supplemental questions thoroughly, clearly, and concisely as the responses provided (along with the application) will be carefully reviewed to determine which candidates will move forward in the recruitment process. I have read this information and am aware of the importance of responses to the supplemental questions. + Yes + No 03 Please select the number of years of experience you possess working in the field of vegetation management. + 0-3 years + 3-5 years + 5+ years 04 Do you possess a bachelor's degree in biology, botany, forestry, horticulture, silviculture, environmental sciences, natural sciences, or a related field? + Yes + No 05 Do you possess a qualified applicator license (QAC/QAL) or certificate in Categories C & F? + Yes + No, but I am willing to get my Qualified Applicator License/Certificate by time of hire (for Vegetation Program Specialist II or within the first 12 months of hire for Vegetation Program Specialist I) + No, and I am not interested in obtaining a Qualified Applicator License/Certificate 06 Are you a Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)? + Yes + No 07 Do you possess two (2) years of experience providing lead direction on an ongoing basis or project basis? + Yes + No 08 Please briefly describe your professional experience and licensing which qualifies you for the Vegetation Program Specialist I/II position. Please highlight any experience you have in the field of arboriculture. 09 What is your experience with vegetation monitoring and/or tree risk assessments. How do you clearly convey information to stake holders and provide recommendations based on observations? 10 Please discuss your experience collecting, managing, and presenting field data using mobile applications and GIS programs. What types of projects have you worked on with this technique? 11 Employment with Valley Water requires employees to take an Oath as a Disaster Service Worker within California and to live within 150 miles of Valley Water Headquarters in San Jose, California by the start date. Valley Water does not cover relocation costs. If you live further than 150 miles from Valley Water Headquarters, please discuss your willingness to relocate if offered the position. If this does not apply to you, write "N/A". 12 Please list the full name of the regular/permanent Valley Water employee who referred you to this position (only one name will be accepted, so if multiple are listed, the first name provided will be documented as the referring employee). If this does not apply to you, write "N/A". Required Question Agency Santa Clara Valley Water District (CA) Address 5750 Almaden Expressway San Jose, California, 95118 Phone 1-408-630-2260 Website https://www.valleywater.org Apply Please verify your email addressVerify Email