Program Specialist (Stormwater)

Compensation (minimum-maximum): $70,229.12 – $85,393.36

Schedule: Full-time 

Location: Olympia, WA

Closing Date: Open Continuous. Apply by midnight on June 21, 2024, to be considered in the first review of applications.

 

Website

Position Description & Apply

 

 
 
Public Works – Water Resources – Environmental Services is looking for a qualified and motivated environmental professional to implement programs related to Surface Water Quality and requirements under the Western Washington Phase II Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) Stormwater Permit.

Activities are associated with, but not limited to, stormwater facility & conveyance system inspections, illicit discharge and detection elimination (IDDE) assessment and monitoring, emergency spill response and reporting, source control inventory evaluations and site inspections.

The position performs inspections, enforcement, education and outreach activities in accordance with stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs), Phase II Western Washington Municipal Stormwater permit requirements, Olympia Drainage Design and Erosion Control Manual, Olympia Municipal Code (OMC), and City-specific plans, policies, and procedures.

 

 

Ideal Candidate Profile

 

A passion for, and strong ethics surrounding, environmental protection & compliance practices.

  • Specific experience working on stormwater and surface water quality issues is preferred.

 

Academic and/or work experience related to environmental science, civil engineering, construction, infrastructure inspection and/or maintenance, with a surface water quality focus is preferred. 

 

Technical competency with computer databases, work order management systems (e.g. CityWorks), familiarity with reading as-builts, and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications

  • Experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) preferred.

 

Ability to communicate technically complicated information to varying audiences; preferred demonstrated ability to include experience writing policy and/or standard operating procedures (SOPs) and developing and/or giving presentations intended to increase awareness and responsiveness to environmental concerns.

 

Experience with, and a tactful approach to, promoting voluntary compliance and escalating enforcement of necessary water quality BMPs and other regulations related to environmental protection. 

 

Ability to build positive relationships with residential and business property owners, managers and staff. 

 

A commitment to a work environment that values respect, collaboration, innovation and excellence.

 

To Apply

  • Submit a cover letter and resume by attaching them to your electronic application. The cover letter must be no more than two pages long and must include specific examples of how you meet the Ideal Candidate Profile for this position.

  • Open Continuous. Apply by midnight on June 21, 2024, to be considered in the first review of applications.

  • Only electronic applications are accepted.

 

Contact Information

 

If you have questions about the position and/or requirements, please contact Timmie Maturan-Lee, Environmental Services Supervisor, at 360.742.2620 or via email at tmaturan@ci.olympia.wa.us.

 

 

Job Responsibilities

Include but are not limited to:

 

1. Perform field inspections to evaluate stormwater and source control concerns, including illicit connections and discharges, and determine if code violations have occurred. Ensure implementation of best management practices (BMPs), presence of erosion and sediment control measures, and assist in determining if stormwater facilities are constructed and maintained to permit specifications.

 

2. Conduct private site inspections to evaluate compliance with City Code by applying and interpreting BMPs, per the Olympia Drainage Design and Erosion Control Manual, Phase II Municipal Stormwater permit requirements, and City-developed policies, plans, and procedures.

 

3. Maintain accuracy and improve emergency spill response standard operating procedures (SOPs) under the illicit discharge and detection elimination (IDDE) program.

 

4. Coordinate with Operations & Maintenance (O&M) staff or other response directorates on responding to all illicit discharges, including illicit connections and spills which are determined to constitute a threat to human health, welfare, and/or the environment.

 

5. Investigate reported spill incidents using CityWorks software, ensure completion and accuracy of spill reporting, and contact external entities as required by law or local agreements within necessary timeframes.

 

6. Assist the Senior Stormwater Specialist in responding to citizen complaints regarding source control, illicit discharge detection and elimination, or stormwater systems; develop inspection reports, warning letters, and recommendations for formal enforcement actions.

 

7.  Assist the Senior Stormwater Specialist in inquiries from the public, consultants, and other agencies as it relates to the Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington and interpretation of City code; this may require meeting in person with applicants seeking guidance on stormwater code requirements.

 

8. Routinely update the City’s public and privately owned institutional, commercial, and industrial sites inventory database.

 

9. Maintain inspection and associated activity records in accordance with City record retention protocol or specific permit timeframes.

 

10. Provide technical assistance and educational materials to businesses regarding practices to protect water quality in the stormwater system and downstream waters.

 

11. Participate in outreach and engagement activities and inform the community on methods for achieving compliance.

 

12. Respond in writing to people whose annual inspection letters are deficient.

 

13. Prepare correspondence outlining required BMP implementation and coordinate on technical reports related to water quality violations and source control activities for year-end reporting.

 

14. Make presentations as necessary and attend coordination meetings as a representative of the department.

 

15. Assist Associate Planner or Senior Stormwater Specialist with Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) sampling.

 

 

Typical Qualifications

•  Knowledge, skill and experience in implementing stormwater facility inspection methods and principles.
•  Knowledge, skill and experience in implementing Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination program elements.
•  Knowledge, skill and experience in implementing the Source Control standard industry practices.
•  Knowledge of local government decision-making processes 
•  Skill and experience analyzing data, conducting research, and developing evaluation methodologies. 
•  Ability to lift safely up to 50 lbs. and work outdoors in inclement weather, with sufficient mobility to navigate uneven terrain, is required.  
 

Experience/Education:

 

1. Four-year college or university degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Civil and/or Environmental Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related field and two years related experience required.


2. Qualifying work experience may be substituted for the degree on a year for year basis.

 

Special Requirement:

 

Possession of a valid Washington State Driver’s License.

 

Telework

 

This position is eligible for telework. The incumbent will work with their supervisor to identify an appropriate work schedule and balance between remote and in person work based on operational need and employee preference. Reporting to the workstation for work activities or participating in-person meetings will be needed. 

 

Union:

Independents

 

Compensation (minimum-maximum):

$70,229.12 – $85,393.36

 

Exempt:

 

No


The City of Olympia is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Women, people of color, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The City of Olympia complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Nicole Camus, Deputy Human Resources Director, at 360.753.8213 or ncamus@ci.olympia.wa.us.

 

For general application or position questions please contact the hiring supervisor or Human Resources at humanresources@ci.olympia.wa.us.