The Department of Local Services (DLS), Road Services Division (RSD) is looking for a talented Environmental Scientist III who is interested in career development! This special duty assignment is open to King County employees only and is expected to last up to one year but may be extended based on business needs. This position will lead and prepare environmental documentation and permitting related to CIP and maintenance projects, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, while also applying technical and scientific expertise in the areas of project mitigation site management.

First round of interviews is tentatively scheduled for the week of April 5, 2021
 
Scope of Job Duties: To be considered for this opportunity, you must, at a minimum, demonstrate knowledge, skill and ability to:

• Develop and review technical environmental documents and federal, state, and local permits/approvals in support of maintenance and Capital Improvement Projects (CIP);
• Coordinate with the Agency Review Team (ART) from the KC Permitting Division regarding project-specific permitting requirements;
• Provide Environmental technical support for project managers, engineers, and environmental staff, and managers;
• Analyze, interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws and department policies to ensure program and project compliance with SEPA/NEPA environmental review, technical studies, permit/approval requirements, and complex engineering plans and specifications standards;
• Prepare for review draft responses on behalf of the Maintenance Section, and/or RSD, to proposed legislation, community and county plans developments, and other agency proposals that may impact Maintenance plans and projects;
• Develop, coordinate and schedule reviews of complex engineering plans and specifications related to project designs and their environmental impacts;
• Develop and negotiate environmental review processes, impact avoidance designs, and mitigation measures for complex, high-profile, and high-risk projects;
• Lead and effectively participate in meetings with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders;
• Oversee and coordinate the development of work team goals, strategies, work quality, and schedules that facilitate EU performance and provide EU Supervisor with progress reports;
• Provide ongoing, back-up project support for EU staff and management;

• Make recommendations on opportunities to improve efficiency;

• Accomplish job duties with an equity mindset;
• Perform additional duties or special projects as assigned.

 
 
We are looking for candidates who have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, civil engineering, or closely related field; OR an equivalent background of education and experience;
• Working knowledge of RSD’s Prism database, Project Management Manual and purview of Clearing and Grading Programmatic Permit use by RSD for maintenance projects, or similar systems;
• Working knowledge in the use of BMPs designed and installed in accordance with the Regional Road Maintenance ESA Program Guidelines;
• Initiative to manage a high volume of diverse assignments and projects and can handle multiple competing priorities and maintain attention to detail;
• Cultural awareness and be comfortable having complex and challenging discussions about race and diversity in the workplace and are dedicated to building bridges;
• Knowledge of Federal Highway Administration NEPA and 4F regulations and compliance;
• Knowledge of local/state/federal environmental regulations and review processes, plus local/state/federal permitting and approval processes;
• Ability to apply King County Green Building Ordinance and sustainability measures for program and project compliance;
• Knowledge in project management techniques and principles to include budget, scope, and schedule development and monitoring;
• Skill in reading and interpreting engineering plans;
• Strong communication skills including the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, Powerpoint, Access and the ability to communicate to a diverse workgroup;
• Ability to work in harsh field conditions;
• Knowledge of the determinants of equity and support of the County’s anti-racism and pro-equity agenda;
• A proven and action-oriented commitment to evolve self-awareness of racism, racialized systems, positional power, privilege and the realities of race and other socially defined categories (such as gender, gender identity, etc.);
• Strong ability to communicate orally and in writing, to diverse audiences and stakeholders in a meaningful way, including to both line staff and executive leadership teams.

Supplemental Information:

• This position is represented by PTE Local 17
• This position is non-exempt and 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. 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.
 
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

King County is the local service provider for the roughly quarter-million people who live in the unincorporated areas of the county. Taken together, the population in unincorporated King County would be the second-largest city in the state. The Department of Local Services includes a Director’s Office and the Road Services and Permitting Divisions. The Director’s Office includes a robust Community Service Area group focused on identifying and responding to the needs of urban and rural unincorporated King County residents and business. The department provides a single executive point of accountability for delivery of local services to all of the unincorporated areas.

ABOUT KING COUNTY

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. 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 values–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.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

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 learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice.aspx

Are you ready 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 the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

The recruitment for this position is open to all King County applicants. A completed King County Application is required. We highly recommend that you also provide a cover letter and resume.

If you have any questions, please contact Jen Irwin, Senior HR Analyst,  by e-mail at jirwin@kingcounty.gov, or by phone at 206-263-0601. Connect with Jen on LinkedIn