Full time

SALARY: $70,560.00- $85,812.00 annually, depending on qualifications

This job will close on October 31, 2021.

See full details at https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/cityofkent/External/job/Centennial-Center/Environmental-Specialist_R367

The City of Kent is currently accepting applications for the position of Environmental Specialist (TLT) in Public Works Engineering.  Are you a dedicated professional who is passionate about the environment, particularly efforts to enhance environmental quality?  The main focus of this position is the performance of technical work that ensures compliance with municipal, state and federal environmental regulations. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual who can effectively maintain environmental databases and has good knowledge of GIS mapping.

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, perform technical work to ensure compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) municipal permit requirements as well as other field and office work necessary for compliance with State and Federal environmental regulations.

Work is characterized by specialized, technical data management, Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and data analysis, stormwater inspections, and environmental field monitoring. Duties include, but are not limited to, stormwater related data management and mapping required by the NPDES permit; producing technical reports and spreadsheets for senior staff and NPDES reporting purposes; respond to private drainage complaints and spills/illicit discharges; field inspection of storm/drainage and facilities; set up and maintain inspection files and records; communication with property owners, internal departments and personnel, external agencies, etc.; provide public education and outreach for NPDES programs, and attendance at meetings as required. 

Work is performed under general supervision. Supervisor defines objectives, priorities, and deadlines and assists employee with unusual situations which do not have clear objectives or precedents. Employee 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

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manage environmental databases including NPDES-required Source Control Program inspection property inventory and Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination System response database.

Act as technical lead for Geographic Information System mapping efforts for the Environmental Programs division. Compile mapping data into GIS, produce maps for reports and presentations, and produce maps for Source Control property prioritization effort.

Inspect new development, redevelopment, and construction sites for proper implementation of Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control (TESC) Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff.

Research storm drainage systems to be inspected; review construction plans and specifications, facility sketches, verify actual site and location of facilities to be inspected. 

Inspect storm drainage systems including, but not limited to, bio-swales, retention/detention ponds, underground storage tanks, flow control structures, manholes, catch-basins, and conveyance systems to ensure the systems comply with City codes, standards, and all other regulations, including NPDES permits.

Prepare correction list to be used in Maintenance Correction letters to property owners to notify them of repairs, maintenance, or corrections necessary to bring facilities/properties into compliance; coordinate re-inspections and abatement actions as necessary.

Document and maintain records for all inspections. Information maintained may include, but is not limited to, property owners’ names and addresses, notification letters, maintenance correction letters, facility sketches, construction plans, site plans, inspection reports, records of telephone conversations, maintenance checklists, and correspondence.

Respond to reports of spills and illicit discharges including field inspection, pollutant tracing, coordinating pollutant containment and cleanup, and documentation and reporting of incident.

Respond to drainage complaints involving private properties and drainage systems. May include research of drainage maps, field observation of reported issues, and coordination with other city departments and divisions.

Implement education and outreach programs on pollution prevention including, in-person education and outreach, development of education and outreach materials, program documentation, reporting and analysis for effectiveness.

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

Attend pre-construction meetings when they pertain to public or private storm drainage systems, provide input into plan reviews, construction inspections, final inspections, and walkthroughs.

Communicate with internal City departments and personnel, private companies, engineering firms, consulting firms, contractors, and other agencies regarding private storm drainage systems. 

Attend meetings, seminars, and training sessions to maintain current knowledge of inspection codes, regulations, standards, etc.

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

PERIPHERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform related duties as assigned.

May act as witness providing inspection documentation for hearings and other legal proceedings.

SUCCESSFUL INCUMBENTS FOR THIS POSITION WILL:

HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF:

  • Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping

  • Database management and spreadsheet proficiency.

  • City of Kent construction and development standards

  • City, county, state, and federal codes, standards, requirements, and regulations relating to Fish and Wildlife; Water Quality; Surface Water, Industrial Wastewater, Utility & Drainage; National Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems permits; and other applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures

  • City utilities, storm and drainage systems and facilities

  • Water quality sampling techniques and methods

  • Stormwater management operational and structural BMPs

  • City organization, operations, policies and objectives

  • Applicable health and safety regulations

  • Research and analytical methods, practices and procedures

  • Modern office practices

  • Policies and procedures related to construction inspection

BE SKILLED IN:

  • Geographic Information System (GIS) data collection and analysis

  • Inspecting storm drainage facilities to ensure compliance with standards

  • Maintaining accurate records and preparing routine reports and correspondence

  • Effective oral and written communication

  • Using interpersonal skills effectively in a tactful, patient, and courteous manner

HAVE THE ABILITY TO:

  • Inspect, identify, and report defects/deficiencies in private storm drainage facilities and corrections needed to bring systems into compliance with City standards and regulations as well as other permit requirements

  • Research, review and understand public and private storm drainage facilities for inspection

  • Work from construction plans, blueprints, site drawings, sketches, and electronic files

  • Read, interpret, apply, and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and general business correspondence

  • Effectively utilize water quality sampling techniques to collect samples from drainage facilities and surface waters as required

  • Understand and summarize results of the laboratory analysis of samples taken, and prepare appropriate reports as required

  • Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action

  • Solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists

  • Observe legal and defensive driving practices

  • Effectively present information in one-on-one situations to supervisor and/or other employee of the organization and to respond to inquiries from property owners or the public

SKILLS FOR THE POSITION MAY BE GAINED THROUGH EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, RELEVANT JOB EXPERIENCE or a COMBINATION, SUCH AS:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental science/studies, natural resource management, or related field; and

Experience: One year experience working in the environmental science field.

LICENSES AND OTHER INFORMATION:

  • Valid Washington State Driver’s License, or ability to obtain within 30 days

  • New employees must successfully pass the City’s pre-employment driver’s records check; successfully complete the City’s Defensive Driving Course; and all employees must maintain an excellent driving record

  • New employees must successfully pass the City’s pre-employment substance abuse screening

  • Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) Certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire

  • Must successfully pass a position relevant background inquiry

In the event the State of Washington mandates or requires a license or certification, the inspector will be given 24 months, or a related timeframe specified by the state (whichever is shorter), to obtain such license or certification.