| Location | Columbus, OH |
| Salary | $23.54–$35.29 Per Hour |
Watershed Protection Specialist I - EXAM
Salary
$23.54 - $35.29 Hourly
Location
Varies by position
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
26-1871-C1
Department
60 Columbus Water & Power
Division
Division of Water
Opening Date
08/05/2026
Closing Date
8/19/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Definition
Under general supervision, is responsible for performing source water protection activities and monitoring/securing City watershed properties; performs related duties as required.
Examples of Work
(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties that may be performed.)
Monitors public utilization of City watershed properties, park land, and associated facilities to ensure water protection, public safety, health, and welfare;
Identifies hazardous, unlawful, and unauthorized use of City watershed properties by patrolling land and water areas with City vehicles and boats, walking property boundaries, and securing facilities and equipment;
Responds to public inquiries concerning the utilization of City watershed properties, the location of City property boundaries and easements, and applicable laws and regulations;
Participates in source water protection activities to include inspections of City watershed properties, meeting with landowners adjacent to City property, and investigating pollution sources as necessary;
Compiles reports of investigations, issues warnings, records statements, and collects findings for action taken and/or recommended;
Uses hand tools or other equipment to assist in the maintenance of City watershed properties and facilities as needed;
Assists with the creation, development, and implementation of public education and outreach programs;
Provides field and technical support to include natural resources and land stewardship management activities and some manual labor;
May facilitate activities conducted on watershed properties with emergency medical services, law enforcement, or other regulatory agencies;
May use instruments and read gauges to monitor and record land and water data, including position, elevation, temperature, precipitation, or other water quality indicators.
May perform light preventative and corrective maintenance on City vehicles, boats, and water-analysis instruments to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Minimum Qualifications
Significant college coursework (eighteen (18) quarter or twelve (12) semester hours) in natural resources, environmental science, forestry, park management, wildlife management, or a closely related field. Substitution(s): One (1) year of field experience in natural resource conservation, protection, or restoration; wildlife management; park maintenance; watershed maintenance; or providing security within a park or facility may be substituted for the required education.
Possession of a valid driver's license.
By the completion of the probationary period, must possess a valid Ohio Boaters Education Certificate.
Test/Job Contact Information
The names of the applicants passing this administration of this exam will be used to create a NEW, OPEN COMPETITIVE, eligible list, and will replace the names on the current list. If you are interested in having your name included on the new eligible list, you will need to apply for this exam within the filing period and successfully complete all phases of the testing process. Questions regarding this process can be directed to the Test Center at 614-645-7439.
The examination process will consist of a computerized exam weighted 85% covering Oral Comprehension, Reading Comprehension, Problem Sensitivity, Information Ordering, Natural Resources, Boating, Safety/First Aid, Customer Relations, and 2016/2019 Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel; and a Situational Judgement Test weighted 15%.
The exam is expected to be administered in September 2026. Approved applicants will be notified by mail/email of their scheduled test date and time.
All applicants must complete all phases of the testing process in order to receive a final score. The names of all candidates who pass this examination will remain on the eligible list for two years, unless the eligible list is replaced prior to or extended beyond the two years. If a candidates name is certified and the candidate is to be considered for employment, the hiring process will include one or more interviews, a criminal background check, and a pre-employment drug test.
The certification process will be: Fixed Band
The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Columbus seeks to promote compensation strategies that maximize the recruitment, performance, development, and retention of quality employees in support of the Citys Covenant and strategic plan. In addition to a competitive pay plan, the City offers a comprehensive benefits program that includes the following:
Specifics about these benefit opportunities and eligibility can be discussed with one of the Citys human resources professionals at the time of your interview or by contacting the Department of Human Resources, Labor Relations Office at (614)645-7206 for further information.
01
Do you have a valid drivers license?
02
Do you have significant college coursework (eighteen (18) quarter or twelve (12) semester hours) in natural resources, environmental science, forestry, park management, wildlife management, or a closely related field? If so, you must attach an OFFICIAL Transcript detailing those hours, otherwise your application will be rejected.
03
Do you have one year of field experience in natural resource conservation, protection, or restoration; wildlife management; or providing security within a park or facility? If so, ensure all jobs where you gained said experience are listed on this application.
04
Did you include all of your relevant work experience and job duties that demonstrate you meet the minimum qualifications for the job? If no, return to the "Work" section of this application and add relevant work experience and job duties. Note: A resume attachment does not substitute for including the relevant information in the "Work" section of this application.
Required Question
Employer City of Columbus
Address 77 N. Front Street, Suite 330
Columbus, Ohio, 43215
Phone (614) 645-8301