Why It’s a Great Opportunity:
Pierce County Planning and Public Works is seeking highly qualified candidates to fill a Water Quality Specialist 3 position in our Surface Water Management Division. As an experienced water quality professional with expertise in the field of NPDES stormwater compliance you will have the opportunity to teach, lead, collaborate, and learn from team members and be a liaison to internal Pierce County customers. You will spend the majority of your time in the office working with your team to identify stormwater system and source control maintenance requirements, researching, creating, & updating policies and procedures, and creating, documenting, & providing training.
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. We value customer service, innovation, and reliability. As an organization, we support ongoing career growth with training and professional development, so much so that we include it in everyone’s annual performance goals. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package as well as the opportunity to be a part of an organization that is passionate about the work we do for the citizens of Pierce County.
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:
Bring your experience, willingness to learn, collaboration skills and understanding of the Municipal Phase I NPDES and stormwater systems. Be ready to apply your abilities to help multidisciplinary & interdepartmental teams determine stormwater facility maintenance needs, lead teams through the development and implementation of compliance procedures and permit requirements. You will be expected to actively reach out to the people and groups that you will be routinely collaborating with. You will need to demonstrate strong verbal and writing skills and knowledge of the County’s Stormwater Permit requirements and have the ability to communicate well across all levels of County government.
Your Future in this Role:
This position’s role is key to keeping the County in compliance with its Stormwater permit. The position works across Divisions and Departments of the County providing opportunity to learn about the varied and complex services the County provides. Continuous learning is important and encouraged. The variety of programs you will become familiar with is just one of the ways this position can prepare you for other opportunities with the County. The work you do directly benefits our community and improves the livability of our County.
Core Daily Responsibilities:
Management of the County’s internal permit technical assistance and training program. This includes understanding how the permit requirements impact each Department and Division within the County. Building relationships with staff responsible for implementing permit requirements. Teaching, documenting and presenting stormwater facility & source control maintenance needs, best management practice requirements to staff from maintenance to upper management. Lead, project manage, and maintain the Water Quality Section’s compliance program. Create, document, and implement training for SWPPPs, Safety, BMPs, and other training needs.
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A classification description with a more detailed list of essential function can be found here.
Qualifications
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY:
Four years of college or post-high school technical training and three or more years of progressively responsible related experience.
Additional education or experience may substitute equally for the recruiting requirements. Satisfactory physical condition, as evidenced by a County-approved physical examination, may be required prior to appointment to the position.
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.
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?