Ecologist I *

ECOLOGIST I * Ecologist I SUMMARY: The incumbent, under the supervision of the Watershed Supervisor and direction of the Ecologist II, is responsible for monitoring water quality in the City’s drinking water reservoirs and watersheds; performing tasks to comply with the EPA accepted watershed management plans; and in coordination with the Utility Department comprehensive strategic management plan.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Other duties may be assigned. Note: All City of Fort Smith positions require the employee to provide good customer service to both internal and external customers, maintain positive and effective working relationships with other City employees, and have regular and reliable attendance that is non-disruptive. Must show cooperation and respect to fellow employees and supervisors at all times.

1. Effectively collect and analyze samples in the watersheds and drinking water reservoirs, perform recordkeeping and records systems, maintenance boats and sampling equipment, monitor and manage watershed/reservoir health; and promote a positive workplace culture and positive employee relations.
2. Perform work tasks of any subordinate position as needed. This includes fisheries netting, electro-shocking and trawl techniques, and remote stream sampling; as well as water sampling and analysis.
3. Log and compile results accurately and maintains records of tests conducted into a computer data-base and Review work for accuracy and completeness.
4. Assist Ecologist II in the analyses and interpretation of water quality and biological data to identify trends and/or the relative condition of streams and reservoirs, to comply with EPA approved Watershed Management Plans.
5. Attend water quality conferences to keep abreast of new techniques and/or updated methods for monitoring watershed and reservoir water quality.
6. Participate in public outreach through presentations to schools and civic groups to emphasize the effects of land use on water quality.
7. Maintain a clean working environment including janitorial duties such as dusting, mopping, taking out the trash, etc.
8. Safely operate maintain, and work from various sizes of boats in all kinds of weather; drive a truck with a boat trailer attached; and work alone in remote areas without direct supervision.
9. Participates in classes and/or attend conferences that are deemed necessary by the Watershed Supervisor and/or Environmental Program Manager.
10. Follows City, Utility Department, and Environmental Quality Program safety practices and guidelines at all times, including wearing proper personal protective/safety equipment.
11. Regular attendance and timeliness is required. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION

Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Fisheries and Wildlife Management, Ecology or related discipline. Must possess a Grade IV Water Treatment Operators License as issued by the Arkansas Department of Health, or obtain said license within three (3) years from of hire. Must possess a Class III Wastewater Operators License as issued by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality or be able to obtain the license within three (3) years from of hire.

Must possess a boating safety certificate issued by the appropriate state agency or be able to obtain the license within six (6) months from of hire. Must be able to operate a boat safely and perform routine maintenance. Must possess a valid driver’s license. Experience in power tool use and maintenance a plus. OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES: LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and interpret complex documents such as federal regulations, policy and procedure manuals.

Ability to write complex reports and correspondence. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are also required. Ability to effectively communicate with industry representatives, employees, federal or state regulators. Ability to verbally communicate and provide excellent customer service. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Ability to compute rate, ratio, percent, area, circumference, volume, and interpret graphs. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Ability to use math to compute needed statistics for compliance determination. REASONING ABILITY: Ability to understand in written, oral, or diagram form complex variables and analyze them and explain results to others.

The incumbent should possess knowledge of the use of tools and equipment in the department. OFFICE PROCEDURE ABILITY: The employee should also have knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment. Knowledge in the use of computers using Windows based word-processing, spreadsheet, and database application software.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical 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 may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must frequently stand, walk, talk and hear.

Occasionally sit, use hands to handle objects, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, color, distance and peripheral vision. Depth perception and the ability to adjust focus are also required. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 75 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic and poisonous chemicals, caustic and corrosive chemicals, biohazardous material, explosive and flammable chemicals, and outdoor weather conditions.

The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is at risk of electrical shock, radiation and vibration, and in high precarious places. The incumbent is also exposed to non-weather related wet, humid conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. Working holidays, shifts and weekends is required.

Working overtime may be required. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: Notice of Consent Decree Posting The City of Fort Smith, Arkansas ("City") has entered into a Consent Decree in litigation with the United States of America and the State of Arkansas ("Consent Decree"). The Consent Decree was filed on April 6, 2015, in civil action 14­cv­02266­PKH, pending in the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas Fort Smith Division.

The Consent Decree is available for review or copying on the City's website where it may be found at www.FortSmithWater.org. Code : 20260178-1 Grade : GRADE 35 Posting Start : 10/15/2026 Posting End : 11/05/2026 MINIMUM HOURLY RATE: $20.11 ©2026 Tyler Technologies, Inc.