Salary: $78,252.00 – $99,096.00 Annually
Location: 33325 8th Ave S, Federal Way
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Department: Public Works
Job Number: 2300126
Closing: Continuous
Description
This position is part of the Water Quality team in the Environmental Services Division, reporting to the Water Quality Supervisor. The Water Quality Specialist conducts water sampling and monitoring, and coordinates surface water stewardship programs in tandem with Public Education and Outreach staff. This position also serves as a water pollution prevention enforcement official, in support of Water Quality pollution prevention staff.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform and assist in water quality monitoring, including set-up and operation of water quality monitoring equipment, and data collection and analysis.
- Assist in the development of source control, monitoring, and surface water assessments to protect and improve area streams, lakes, and wetlands.
- Assist in implementation of West Hylebos Stormwater Management Action Plan (SMAP).
- Represent the City when participating in various regional surface water monitoring programs, Lake Management Districts, and related efforts.
- Organize area stream clean-ups, watershed plantings, volunteer water sampling and related outreach efforts. Engage the community in creating healthier watersheds. Manage the ongoing Stream Team program including planning events, recruiting and training participants and data analysis.
- Provide presentations to City leadership and interested groups in the community.
- Plan and implement a range surface water stewardship programs, coordinating closely with Public Education and Outreach staff.
- Investigate illicit discharges and conduct source control inspections.
- Tactfully interact with residents and businesses to resolve water quality violations, and maintain follow up documentation as an enforcement official.
- Record enforcement actions in a database and track water quality enforcement results.
- Assist with grants, including applications, implementation of projects, and tracking and reporting outcomes.
- Prepare detailed written reports and oral reports.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
A Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Environmental Science, Natural Science, Natural Resource Management or related field and at least two years of experience with environmental permit requirements and/or water quality monitoring to support permit related activities. Equivalent combination of education and/or related experience may be substituted. Prior municipal stormwater work experience preferred.
Licenses and Other Requirements: Valid Washington State Driver’s license.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of:
- Surface water sampling and monitoring.
- Field monitoring practices, including use of sondes, probes, and software.
- State, Federal and City regulations related to surface water protection.
- Western Washington National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II permit requirements, and the Clean Water Act.
- General water quality, ecological restoration, salmon recovery, and watershed management and restoration.
- GIS mapping and software.
- Record keeping techniques and attention to detail necessary to perform this position.
Ability to:
- Communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, with varied audiences.
- Establishing cooperative working relationships with fellow employees, citizens, business representatives, elected officials, and representatives of other Municipal, County, State and Federal agencies.
- Work on multiple tasks effectively and keep projects on schedule.
- Understand issues and be flexible as conditions change.
- Interpret and describe government regulations.
- Prepare reports and maintain accurate and detailed records.
- Work independently and work with diverse groups.
- Keep supervisor and co-workers informed about progress and issues that may impact projects.
- Plan and prioritize tasks.
- Operate a motor vehicle, small boat, and maneuver a boat trailer. Observe legal and defensive driving practices, and follow all safety procedures.
- Physically perform essential job functions.
- Use GIS to review as-built plans and identify City infrastructure and locations.
- Learn and use water quality-related software to support monitoring efforts.
- Use Microsoft Office suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Access.
Environmental Conditions/Physical Effort
Work is performed in both an office and field environment. Field work may involve inclement weather, walking through uneven or rough terrain and stream beds, and operating a boat. Employee must be able to lift and carry up to 35 pounds of field gear or other equipment as needed through various terrains, sometimes during inclement weather conditions. Must be able to lift storm drain covers to access and monitor conditions. Must be able to hike and wade through creeks with a full backpack. Employee may be exposed to traffic hazards and may be required to enter confined spaces.