Watershed Protection Branch

The Watershed Protection Branch of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) works to protect and restore 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 conducts monitoring, assessment, and modeling of Georgia's waters. 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. The Branch also issues permits for surface water and groundwater withdrawals and to discharge treated wastewater and stormwater.

Position Summary

This position is part of a team within the Watershed Protection Branch (WPB) - Watershed Planning and Monitoring Program working to protect and restore Georgia's water resources. Under direct supervision, the incumbent would serve in one of three associate-level positions in the WPB office in Atlanta, GA focused on water quality data analysis, planning, and modeling for waters state-wide. The role includes developing water quality models and preparing Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) analyses for state waters listed as impaired under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. The role also includes technical review and comment formulation for Watershed Assessment and Watershed Protection Plan reports submitted by the municipal regulated community.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement parameter-specific water quality models to support TMDL development for impaired waters.
Perform watershed-based identification and analysis of point and nonpoint sources of pollution for waters in need of restoration or protection.
Provide technical review and feedback for Watershed Assessments and Watershed Protection Plans submitted by municipal NPDES permit holders.
Evaluate potential stream monitoring locations, water quality and biological monitoring data, trend analysis, and proposed protective measures to ensure progress is being made toward water quality restoration.
Oversee protection plan annual report deliverables including reviewing and managing water quality data and trend analyses.

Provide technical support for assimilative capacity modeling as part of the Statewide Water Plan.
Ensure timely completion of modeling and review tasks to meet regulatory commitments.

Preferred Qualifications
• Knowledge of and/or experience developing or implementing Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs)
• Experience with water quality modeling and regulatory frameworks (e.g., Clean Water Act, NPDES, Georgia's Rules and Regulations for Water Quality Control).

Water quality modeling experience or knowledge of underlying concepts
Proficiency with GIS mapping software
Experience with programming code including R and Python
Understanding of Best Management Practices (BMPs) as they relate to watershed protection and restoration
Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills.

Why This Role Matters

This position plays a vital role in safeguarding Georgia's water quality and ensuring compliance with federal and state environmental mandates. Your work will directly impact the health of our watersheds and communities.

Bachelor's degree in agricultural, chemical, civil, environmental, civil-sanitary or mechanical engineering from an accredited college or university.

State of Georgia

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