Salary
$29.60 – $37.28 Hourly
Location
Tacoma, WA
Job Type
Career Service – Full Time
Department
Planning and Public Works (PW)
Job Number
21-000300LK
Closing
Continuous
Apply Here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/piercecountywa/jobs/3002621/water-quality-specialist-2
Description
An image without descriptionFirst Consideration Date: 3/15
Why It’s a Great Opportunity
As a passionate water quality professional with field experience in NPDES storm water compliance you will spend your work days responding to reported water quality issues, conducting inspections and collecting storm water samples. You will have the opportunity to eliminate sources of storm water pollution. You will spend the majority of your time in the field working with your team and the public to identify sources of storm water pollutions and ensure those pollutants are not discharged to the county storm water system or our streams.
Why It’s a Great Department
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
As this position that is primarily field focused you must be comfortable doing physical field work (removing lids and inspecting catch basins, collecting samples in a variety of weather conditions, walking over uneven terrain)as well as have strong attention detail and have the ability to interact with our constituents to answer their questions. Your knowledge and understanding of water quality issues and your ability to determine when to take samples to determine pollution sources is needed. 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 you do will directly benefit our community and improve the livability of our County.
Core Daily Responsibilities
Respond to spills or discharges into the municipal separate storm sewer system or to surface water and take appropriate corrective action.
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, questions, and complaints about water quality issues.
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
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. Walking, sitting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, reaching and lifting associated with water samples and sampling equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
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?