The City of Kent is currently accepting applications for the position of Environmental Specialist (TLT) in our Public Works Engineering (PWE) Department.  Are you a dedicated professional who is passionate about the environment, particularly efforts to enhance environmental quality?  Are you familiar with city codes and state, tribal, and federal regulations regarding natural resources management, critical areas requirements, and restoration/mitigation site construction standards? The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual who can identify potential environmental problem areas and provide recommendations for solutions. Possession of a Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification is preferred.

This is a temporary limited term (TLT) position.  This is a benefited position and it is not represented by a union. Please contact Human Resources if you have questions regarding the employment status of this position.

**A cover letter and resume are required with your online application in order for your application to be considered complete.  Uploading your resume to auto-fill portions of the application does not automatically attach it to your application.  Incomplete applications will not be considered for this position.  Please note that you cannot attach documents to your application after it has been submitted.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding your online application, please call our office at (253) 856-5270 and we will do our best to assist you.**

The selection process for this position will consist of an interview, along with an assessment of candidates’ writing abilities.  A short writing exercise will be given as part of the first interview.

Under the direction of the Environmental Supervisor, or designee, perform inspections of projects and properties to ensure compliance with environmental regulations; and perform other field reconnaissance and reporting duties related to water quality and natural resources within and around the City of Kent.

Work is characterized by performing independent, routine, and sometimes specialized technical duties associated with environmental conservation programs including, but not limited to natural resources and ecological infrastructure projects. Duties include, but are not limited to, performing field inspections of construction and mitigation sites; maintaining inspection files and records; communicating with property owners and consultants/contractors, internal departments, external agencies, etc.; collecting data and writing reports and attending meetings as required. The incumbent will also investigate water quality and environmental issues, including reports of illegal dumping, spills, stormwater-related, or critical habitat/wetlands complaints.

Work is performed under general supervision. The supervisor defines objectives, priorities, and deadlines. The incumbent plans and carries out assignments and handles problems and deviations in accordance with instructions, policies, procedures, and/or accepted practices.  Work is evaluated for technical soundness and conformity to practice and policy.

Conduct site/habitat evaluations, wetland delineations/assessments, field studies on critical habitats/aquatic/endangered species, and coordinate habitats and threatened/endangered species management.

Plan, develop, implement and conduct monitoring of wetlands mitigation and/or habitat enhancements projects. Collect, analyze, and interpret data/information and prepare monitoring reports.

Assist with the review of plans, specifications and other documents needed to implement PWE capital improvement and operations projects and associated mitigation plans.

Assist in identifying wetland mitigation areas, developing plan elements and securing permits for wetland restoration and mitigation projects.

Analyze the proposed development activity in relation to its impact on the critical areas.

Prepare and review proposed mitigation plans in relation to their ability to protect critical areas from development.

Perform field reconnaissance and natural resources/water quality investigations to identify and assess environmental problems throughout the City and natural resources conservation and project mitigation/restoration areas.

Inspect capital, mitigation and other development projects for compliance with applicable permits.

Investigate reports of unpermitted activities and hazardous chemical spills or illicit discharges onto wetlands and critical areas. Assess magnitude and possible remedies and notify appropriate internal and external response parties per standard operating procedures.

Collect samples (soil, plant, water, animal/fish) from construction sites and natural resources conservation areas; identify appropriate parameters for analysis; prepare samples for delivery to laboratories for evaluation; summarize and interpret laboratory sample analytical results for reporting and enforcement actions as necessary.

Apply for grants and permits, and write/submit required monitoring, progress, and expense reports related to natural resources, water quality and other environmental conservation and outreach projects covered by grants and permits.

Assist with the contracting process including development and review of Statements of Qualifications and Scopes of Work, selection/evaluation of consultants/contractors, routing requests for contract, monitoring contract budget and contractor performance, negotiate and recommend contract changes if necessary, and processing of invoices.

Provide input and direction to the public, developers, and consultants on the preparation of wetlands/critical area mitigation plans and reports.

Develop educational materials associated with protecting natural resources, water quality/quantity; including but not limited to presentations, brochures, flyers, signage, and handouts.

Conduct presentations to students, citizens, staff, developers and elected officials.

Represent the City at various meetings with citizens, contractors, consultants, and outside agencies.

Actively support the vision, mission, values, and goals of the department and the City.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES:

Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles of environmental science, natural resources management, land use and watershed management
• Wetlands identification, delineation, assessment and monitoring
• Wetland plants identification
• Fish biology and fisheries science
• Riverine ecosystems and reservoir habitats and biota
• Salmonid fish habitat requirements
• City codes and other applicable state and federal regulations related to critical areas, stormwater management, municipal water supply, and construction standards
• City utilities, including water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater
• Applicable health and safety regulations
• Methods, procedures, and materials used in construction
• Erosion and sediment control
• Stormwater management practices and systems
• GIS and use of GPS technologies
• Computer software programs applicable to the position
• Recordkeeping and file management techniques
• Research and analytical methods, practices, and procedures

SKILLED IN:

• Oral and written (both technical and creative) communications
• Field investigation of potential environmental problems including wetlands/critical habitats and stormwater management issues and pollutant sources
• Wetlands and aquatic habitat restoration/management, planning and designing mitigation plans, and monitoring hydrology and surveying vegetation in mitigation/restoration sites
• Analyzing technical material related to management and protection of natural resources, fish and wildlife, wetlands, and critical areas
• Using qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze data/findings
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships with others
• Correctly using English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary
• Maintaining accurate records and preparing routine reports and correspondence
• Effectively planning and organizing work
• Using interpersonal relations in a tactful, patient, and courteous manner when dealing with fellow employees, contractors/vendors, and citizens/public.
• Anticipating problems and eliminating them where possible, or coming up with solutions

ABILITY TO:

• Perform construction compliance and restoration/mitigation site visits and inspection
• Work independently or in a team setting and ability to track multiple projects and tasks
• Understand construction plans, site drawings, sketches, and electronic files
• Perform moderate physical labor including, but not limited to, inspecting natural resource sites, walking on irregular terrain, etc.
• Identify project/environmental issues while in the field
• Read, interpret, and apply laws, codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Analyze situations and adopt an effective course of action to solve practical problems
• Plan, organize, and prioritize work assignments to meet schedules and timelines
• Maintain records and prepare reports
• Work effectively on multiple projects concurrently
• Effectively present information in one-on-one situations to the supervisor and/or other employees of the City and to respond to inquiries from within the office or the public

Education:   Bachelor’s degree or higher education in an accredited college/university specializing in environmental science/studies, natural resources management, fish and wildlife biology, geology/hydrogeology, ecology, or related field; and

Experience: Two (2) years of work experience in the areas of environmental science, environmental inspections and assessments, wetlands management, ecological, and/or fish and wildlife research.

Or:  In place of the above requirement, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual’s knowledge, skill, and ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid Washington State driver’s license, or the ability to obtain within thirty (30) days of employment
• Valid First Aid/CPR card, or the ability to obtain within ninety (90) days of employment
• Must successfully pass the City’s pre-employment driver’s records check and maintain an excellent driving record
• Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead certification or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment
• Must successfully pass a position specific background inquiry