Lake Biologist

ABOUT US

Lake Mission Viejo Association is a private HOA that includes approximately 25,000 households and 100,000 members. The facility has been in operation for 45 years, and includes a 125 acre lake and 50 acres of parkland. We offer many amenities to our members such as picnic areas with tables and barbeques overlooking sand beaches; two swim areas; basketball and volleyball courts; a marina with launch ramps and boat rental operation; fishing; boating; summer concerts and special events; and a Clubhouse with a beautiful lake view.

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Lake Biologist to join our team at Lake Mission Viejo. As a Lake Biologist, you will be responsible for maintaining the high quality standards of the lake water for swimming, fishing, boating, and overall lake aesthetics in order to provide members and guests a safe and enjoyable recreational environment; and you will oversee the Biology department staff and activities. This position is full-time, exempt and works under the general supervision of the Aquatics Manager.

The identification of Essential Job Functions does not display an exhaustive list of all duties that may be assigned to this position, nor does it restrict the related work that may be assigned to this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

RESPONSIBILITIES (Essential Job Functions)

• Develops and implements lake water quality maintenance and testing program.
• Prepares and maintains lake data through monthly and annual reporting.
• Estimates and orders lake water purchases.
• Analyzes and monitors hydrology and meteorology for lake operations.
• Evaluates and monitors optimal well water quality and supply to meet biological and environmental regulatory standards.
• Monitors the lake structural integrity including dam performance and all shoreline features with the assistance of an outside consultant.
• Performs annual lakefront inspection by checking every lakefront drain and bulkhead for compliance with LMVA Homeowners Regulations.
• Performs annual dam inspection with State Inspector and the Maintenance Department.
• Ensures the proper application of aquatic chemicals.
• Develops Biology Department budget.
• Directly supervises up to 4 part-time Aquascaper employees in the Biology department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, training, and making recommendations for termination of an employee; scheduling, planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance and writing performance evaluations; rewarding, coaching, counseling, and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Provides leadership and direction to Aquascapers.
• Trains staff in proper operation of work boat and various light machinery such as drills and ensures that all tools and equipment are available and in good working order.
• Emphasizes safe working conditions in training and directing staff. Conducts monthly safety trainings with staff including the proper usage and storage of chemicals and tools using Safety Data Sheets and maintaining current records on all required products.
• Conducts inventory, orders supplies, completes requisition form for the supervisor's approval, reconciles invoices, submits Biology Department receipts for supplies and equipment for payment.
• Serves as a Lake Mission Viejo Safety Officer.
• Stays up to date on the latest technologies, practices, and applications related to the field. Networks and attends yearly conference / meeting.
• May perform any or all tasks that this position oversees when necessary; performs any other related duties as may be required or assigned by the Aquatics Manager; and assists with and leads projects as they arise.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

Key Skills and Competencies

• Proven working experience in lake biology, aquatic ecology, or closely related field.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and research skills; impact analysis experience; and report writing demonstrated capabilities.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents.
• Strong mathematical skills including the ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations; ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.
• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
• Proficiency in database software, design software, development hardware, Adobe Acrobat, and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Self-starting professional that can work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Fast learner with the capacity to adapt quickly to changes.
• Displays willingness to make decisions and includes appropriate people in decision making process.

Education, Training, and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from a four-year college or university in a related field of study; five years related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the Essential Job Duties.
• Work in volunteer experience in field studies and methodologies, especially those aquatically oriented, or public education strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of aquatic chemicals and their appropriate applications.

Supervisory Experience and Skills

• Proven experience in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Experience in interviewing, hiring, training, and developing team members.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team toward achieving company goals.
• Proactive approach to preventing and mitigating potential issues.
• Ability to manage, address, and resolve conflicts within the team.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Outstanding people manager, open to direction and collaborative work style and commitment to get the job done.
• Openness to incorporating feedback for continuous improvement.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Qualified Applicator's Certificate through CDFA. May be in the process of obtaining this certification at the time of hire; must complete to be qualified for the job.
• SCUBA Certification or obtain within 6 months of employment. Successfully pass annual SCUBA medical examination.
• Valid California driver license that must be maintained and acceptable according to LMVA's insurance standards.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regularly required to sit, stand, and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch; and talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Occasionally required to swim and/or dive.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Regularly exposed to outside weather conditions; wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles.
• Frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

WORK SCHEDULE/HOURS

• This position works 8 hour days, 5 days a week (M-F) between the hours of 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.
• Extended hours and different shifts as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Starting annual salary between $72,949.00 - $87,539.00. Total compensation will be commensurate with experience.
• Company-sponsored benefits including medical, dental, vision, Life/AD&D, long term disability, Aflac supplemental insurance, and 401k program with company match.
• Company-paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and 11 holidays.
• Employee discounts and LMV facility use perks.

*APPLICATION PROCEDURE

• Please visit our website at lakemissionviejo.org/employment-application/ to complete an online employment application. Once completed, your employment application will be automatically emailed to our Human Resources Department.
• Employment is contingent upon successful passing of a pre-employment drug test and background screening.

Lake Mission Viejo Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $72,949.00 - $87,539.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a Qualified Applicator's Certificate through the CDFA? - (may be in the process of obtaining at the time of hire).
• Do you have SCUBA Certification? If not, are you willing to obtain within six months of employment?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Mission Viejo, CA 92692 (Required)

Work Location: In person