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, environmental hazards, and surface water features.  This position requires the evaluation of wetlands assessments, geotechnical reports, 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 field data collection using GPS and map making using ArcView/GIS.  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.

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.

• Conduct and perform portions of scientific research such as evaluating previous studies; examining field conditions; measuring the properties of natural phenomena such as wetlands, streams and rivers and/or geologic materials; identifying issue and concerns; diagnosing natural conditions; and predicting behavior of natural things.
• Learn to assess 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 violations 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.
• Develop scientific monitoring equipment, methods, and plans.
• Participate in leading small-scale projects involving research in the applicable scientific disciplines; assist in management of budget, schedule, and quality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to convey technical information to the public (both applicant/developers and concerned citizens), government agencies and environmental consultants.
• Ability to quickly relate codes, public rules, and ordinances to observed 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.
• Skill promoting 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, ecology, geology degree or equivalent work experience.
• Knowledge of basic GPS (global positioning system data collection and processing.
• Knowledge of drafting techniques and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
• 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.

Those applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited to interview on either June 16, 2021 or June 17, 2021.

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 remotely, at least through July 5, 2021 in compliance with King County’s telecommuting mandate. It is possible that the work will be primarily performed remotely on an ongoing basis after July 5, 2021. Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.  Employees must reside in WA state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.  There will be situations where the employee is required to report to a County worksite.  Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required by the department in alignment with the Public Health Directive from the Seattle & King County Public Health Officer.

To support employees during this time 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.  King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint.

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:

 Theresa Reynolds
Senior Human Resources Analyst
206-477-0380
theresa.reynolds@kingcounty.gov

UNION MEMBERSHIP: This position is represented by PROTEC17.

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State’s best employers. 

Together, with leadership and our employees, we’re changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation’s best places to live, work and play. 

Guided by our “True North“, we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles–we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion,
national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.