Watershed Protection Branch

The Watershed Protection Branch (WPB) protects and restores Georgia’s water resources. We take the lead in ensuring clean and safe water, and with our partners, we pursue a sustainable environment that provides a foundation for a vibrant economy and healthy communities.  The Branch manages water resources in Georgia through regulatory and protection programs, monitoring, assessment and planning. The Branch issues permits to local governments and industry to discharge treated wastewater and storm water and to local governments, industry, farmers and subdivisions for surface water and groundwater withdrawals.  The Branch ensures that Georgia's public water systems are operating properly to supply safe drinking water to citizens, and controls nonpoint sources of pollution through grants and volunteer programs such as Rivers Alive and Adopt-a-Stream.  The Branch also conducts monitoring and modeling of Georgia's waters. 

Duties and Responsibilities: (Location: Tifton, Georgia)

The Ambient Monitoring Unit  tasked with monitoring Georgia's lakes, streams, and estuaries as
required by our PPG as stated in the Clean Water Act [Sections 106e(1), 305(b)] and in support of the
Georgia Water Quality Act, Georgia River Basin Management Planning Act, and State-wide
Comprehensive Water Plan. This Unit is also called upon to investigate spills, complaints and fish
kills. The data this unit collects is used to assess state waters, develop water quality standards,
calibrate hydrologic and water quality models, develop waste load allocations for permits,
development of TMDLs, support enforcement actions, and protect water supplies.

This position is responsible for Monitor ambient water quality of lakes, streams and estuaries; conduct biological assessments of macroinvertebrates and periphyton; measure stream flows, analyze water quality data; prepare reports; and participate in National Aquatic Resource Surveys; assist with complaint investigations; and participate in intensive water quality/hydrologic studies. This is a field position and work often requires long hours in outdoors under extreme weather conditions. Must be able to carry 60 lbs. of gear and equipment. Ability to communicate technical information effectively with management, staff and general public.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Degree or coursework in aquatic ecology, limnology, hydrology, and/or watershed science. 
Familiarity with water quality and biological monitoring methodology.                                                     
Experience with analyzing aquatic environmental and biological data
Experience operating/trailering boats up to 25 ft in lake environments. 
Proficient with MS Office