Description

THIS IS A LIMITED DURATION POSITION WITH PIERCE COUNTY, WHICH IS APPROVED UNTIL MARCH 2022, HOWEVER MAY END SOONER BASED ON THE NEEDS OF DEPARTMENT.

Why It’s a Great Opportunity:

As a passionate water quality professional with field experience in NPDES stormwater compliance you will spend your workdays responding to conducting stormwater system inspections. You will have the opportunity to learn from team members and work with the public. You will spend the majority of your time in the field working with your team and the public to identify stormwater system and source control maintenance requirements.

Why It’s a Great Department:

The Planning and Public Works Department has an excellent reputation for being an employer that is committed to providing top-notch service to its customers. Planning and Public Works is an organization that values customer service, innovation, and reliability. As an organization, we support training and continuous professional development. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package as well as the opportunity to be a part of an organization that prides itself on customer service.

Pierce County’s Surface Water Management Division is committed to building on our science-based, data-driven program. Be a part of a team that enjoys working together in the field, applying established scientific methods to understand the health of streams, staying abreast of new technologies, and solving problems. We work as part of a supportive and collaborative group of people including professional scientists, planners, and engineers who strive to measure, assess, and enhance stream water quality for fish, wildlife, and the public.

How to be Successful in the Role:

This position that is primarily field focused; you must be comfortable doing physical field work (removing lids to stormwater system features, such as catch basins, in a variety of weather conditions, and walking over uneven terrain) as well as have strong attention detail and have the ability to interact with our constituents to answer their questions. Work well with team members, independently, and take direction from a lead inspector. Gain knowledge and understanding of stormwater system and source control best management practices. If you are driven, enjoy doing environmental work, working outdoors, have strong attention to detail and exceptional customer service skills, this may be the role for you.

Your Future in this Role:

Continuous learning is important and encouraged both in the classroom and on the job. The Water Quality Specialist series offers a great foundation for future positions with the Planning and Public Works Department and Pierce County. Because of the variety of projects each with unique solutions, you will be exposed to new and different skill sets to prepare you for the next opportunity. The work we you directly benefit our community and improves the livability of our County.

Core Daily Responsibilities:
Conduct complex on-site inspections of stormwater management facilities associated with industrial, commercial, single family, and multi-family land use.
Determine or verify the proper operation and maintenance of stormwater management facilities and implementation of stormwater Best Management Practices.
Record data and information utilizing various job-related software applications and convert into a usable and understandable format.
Maintain record books, charts, logs, spreadsheets, and chain of custody records.
Prepare written reports, summarize findings, and write a variety of memos and letters.
Provide technical assistance to County departments, governmental agencies, consulting firms and members of the public.
Respond to citizen concerns, and questions regarding stormwater systems, regulations, and Best Management Practices.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential function can be found here.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
Two years of college or post-high school technical training AND
One or more years of progressively responsible related experience.
Additional education or experience may substitute for the recruiting requirements.
Preferred Requirements:
A four-year degree in environmental science, hydrology, biology, or related field is preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
A valid Washington State driver’s license is required.
As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.
Satisfactory physical condition, as evidenced by a county approved physical examination, will be required prior to appointment to the position.
Field inspection work is performed outdoors, around rivers, streams, lakes, water runoff sites, in flooded areas, and related environmentally sensitive areas that are subject to cold weather, rough or unstable terrain, and wet conditions. Inspections include but are not limited to: walking, sitting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, reaching and lifting weighing up to 50 pounds.
Supplemental Information
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
To be considered for this opportunity please:

Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting “APPLY” above or go to: www.piercecountywa.org/jobs.
Submit a resume and cover letter.
If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a great place to live, work, and raise a family?