See full details at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kingcounty/jobs/3246927/environmental-scientist-ii-wetland-ecologist

Summary

UPDATE: This recruitment will be used to fill multiple Term-Limited Temporary (TLT) and/or Special Duty Assignment (SDA) positions.  The TLT/SDA is anticipated to last up to December 30th, 2022. This recruitment will remain open until filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
 
In order to hire and maintain a quality workforce that reflects the diversity of the community and works well within our True North values-based organization, the Permitting Division of the Department of Local Services (DLS) is accepting applications for the position of Environmental Scientist II. 

 The person in this role will provide advance-level technical support services to a professional ecological services group.  Primary responsibility is the investigation of sites for proposed residential or commercial development and identification of issues relating to public safety, natural resources, and surface water features. This position requires the evaluation of wetland delineations, wetland and stream reports, site plans, maps, surveys, and other documents to determine their accuracy in describing existing field conditions and involves at least fifty percent (50%) field work year-round in all weather conditions.  Emphasis will be placed on review of consultant reports, rating forms, impact analysis, compensatory mitigation proposals, and site plans. This position requires a high level of organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple projects, the ability to prioritize timelines and high level of conflict resolution skills.

Job Duties

Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.

• Evaluate previous studies, examine field conditions, assess the functions and values of regulated critical areas such as wetlands, streams, and other aquatic features; and identify issue and concerns. 
• Assessing existing field conditions and the potential impacts of construction, environmental improvement activities or other developments. 
• Participate in drafting and reviewing related King County regulations, ordinances, and rules. 
• Participate in preparing maps and comprehensive written reports for use by technical staff, elected officials, management, and the public. 
• Participate in investigating code violation complaints. 
• Use computer software to perform calculations, store, and track data. 
• Work as a team member support ES III staff.
• Screen applications information to determine when appropriate ES III staff is required for supplemental review. 
• Participate with other professional staff in identifying and implementing appropriate solutions to problems related to the position’s discipline.  May review and recommend approval of site development plans for compliance with appropriate codes for small projects.
• Present conclusions orally to technical staff, management, and the public; interact with clients (public or internal customers) on technical issues and questions. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

• Professional experience with evaluation of wetland delineations, wetland and stream reports, site plans, maps, surveys, and other documents.
• Ability to convey technical information to the public (both applicant/developers and concerned citizens), government agencies and environmental consultants. 
• Experience with examining field conditions, assessing the functions and values of regulated critical areas such as wetlands, streams, and other aquatic features; and identify issue and concerns. 
• Ability to quickly relate codes, public rules, and ordinances to observe proposed building site conditions. 
• Knowledge of personal computer applications for word processing, spreadsheets and/or databases. 
• Data collection skills. 
• Excellent graphic presentation, oral and technical writing skills. 
• Skill in reading and interpreting engineering plans and reports. 
• Ability to promote mutual respect and acceptance of all workers in a diverse work group. 
• Skill in group problem-solving and decision-making. 
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements for assigned projects such as environmental or land development regulations. 
• Knowledge of methods for the collections and analysis of natural resource data for research 
• Knowledge of small-project management techniques. 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR LICENSES:

• A biology or ecology related degree or equivalent work experience. 
• Certification as a Wetland Scientist.
• Knowledge of basic GPS (global positioning system data collection and processing). 
• Field or inspection related work.

NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS: 

• An offer of employment will be contingent on the success of a pre-employment physical examination. 
• Physically able to traverse by foot through densely wooded terrain and steep inclines in all weather conditions. 
• Must be able to lift 20lbs.   
• Must have a valid Washington State driver’s license. 
• Must operate a motor vehicle safely throughout the County in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to use office equipment and software.

Supplemental Information

WHO MAY APPLY: 
This position is open to all qualified applicants.  First consideration will be given to current PROTEC17 members in the same classification that are eligible for lateral transfer.
 
This recruitment may be used to fill vacancies for up to 6 months.  Including career service, special duty assignments, STT and TLT opportunities.
 
 WORK SCHEDULE 
The work week is normally Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but may at times require work outside of normal business hours and/or on weekends.  This full-time position is overtime eligible.  
   
 TEMPORARY TELECOMMUTING REQUIREMENT
The work associated with this position will be performed predominantly by teleworking; complemented with onsite work and meetings as needed. Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities.  Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
 
Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required, including the wearing of masks in some situations. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint.
   
King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department’s hybrid environment.    
   
FORMS AND MATERIALS: An online employment application, resume, and cover letter (no more than 2 pages) summarizing how you meet the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills for the position.
 
SELECTION PROCESS: Applicants will be screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews.  Interviews will be conducted via Teams.  Reference checks and file reviews will be conducted.
 
 For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
   
    Sonali Sharma
    Human Resources Analyst
    206-477-7282
   sosharma@kingcounty.gov
   
 UNION MEMBERSHIP: This position is represented by PROTEC17.