Natural Resources Specialist I/II - Public Works, Clean Water

Clark County Washington; Washington; On-site; USD 87,624,000 - 128,657,000; Full time

Job summary

Clark County Public Works seeks a Natural Resource Specialist I/II to perform field and office duties supporting NPDES permit compliance. You will monitor water quality, habitat, and stream health, operate remote loggers, calibrate equipment, and manage data with software tools.

The role requires independence and the ability to work with regulatory agencies. The position emphasizes planful work, interpretation of regulations, and clear communication.

Qualifications

• Four year degree in natural science or related field; two years of relevant experience.
• Year-for-year substitution allowed for education/experience.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Knowledge of water quality and stormwater regulations and monitoring procedures.
• Ability to plan, organize, and communicate with regulatory agencies and the public.
• Ability to interpret regulations and analyze water quality data.

Responsibilities

• Support monitoring programs for NPDES permit compliance.
• Perform water quality, sediment, and habitat monitoring.
• Operate and calibrate stream loggers and multiparameter sondes.
• Perform discharge measurements and calibrations of equipment.
• Observe stream habitat characteristics with various instruments.
• Prepare field communications, manage samples and data via software.
• Interpret county code to ensure permit compliance and communicate issues.

Skills

Water quality monitoring

Project management

Communication

Regulatory interpretation

Data analysis

Public engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural science or related field

Tools

RStudio

ArcGIS Pro

Job description

Job SummaryThe Clean Water Division of Clark County Public Works is currently seeking a Natural Resource Specialist I/II. Positions in this class are responsible for performing a variety of field and office assignments to carry out monitoring requirements of Clark County’s NPDES phase I municipal stormwater permit. Work requires the application of standard principles for assessing and evaluating water quality and overall stream health. Duties and activities include applying standard operating procedures over multiple monitoring projects, project management skills that are necessary to successfully complete work assignments, detection and elimination of illicit discharges to the storm system and interacting with the public and outside agencies.The primary tasks and responsibilities of this position are to provide technical support for monitoring related activities including water quality and habitat assessments, perform stream discharge measurements, operate and maintain remote logging equipment, and maintain and calibrate multiparameter sondes.The Natural Resource Specialist classification is the fully experienced level within the job family. Work assignments are performed with limited technical instruction and require considerable independence in the selection of courses of action and resolution of complex or unique problems within the framework of departmental policy and procedures, applicable regulations, accepted best practices and operating procedures.The Public Works department values our community’s diversity and seeks ways to promote equity and inclusion within the organization and with the public. The department encourages applications from candidates with knowledge, ability and experience working with a broad range of individuals and communities with diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds.This position is represented by Local 307CO - Washington State Council of County and City Employees.QualificationsEducation and Experience:• Four (4) year degree with major coursework in a natural science or related field. Two (two) years of experience working in areas related to natural resource science or environmental science.• On a year‑for‑year basis, any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for educational requirements.- AND -Qualified candidates must have a valid driver’s license.Knowledge of: State and local regulations pertaining to water quality and stormwater management; standard operating procedures regarding water quality monitoring; project management related to water quality and habitat assessments; principles, practices and techniques of stormwater management; detection and elimination of illicit discharges; collecting and assessing stream health data.Ability to: Effectively plan and organize work and complete tasks within prescribed timeframes; comprehend, interpret, and implement applicable regulations governing stormwater management and assessing water quality; analyze and evaluate water quality data; independently exercise sound judgment; establish effective working relationships and communication with regulatory agencies, county departments and the public; prepare detailed documentation and communications in the form of written reports, memos, email; maintain a valid driver’s license.Selection Process:Resume and other documents must be attached together in the 'Resume Upload' section of the application. Multiple files are allowed, but all applicant attachments must be uploaded simultaneously, as there is no way to edit or append uploaded materials after submitting the application.Application Review (Pass/ Fail) - An online application is required. Attaching a resume does not substitute for a completed application; incomplete applications will not pass the application review. Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.Practical Exam (Pass/Fail) - This recruitment may require a practical exam which will be job related and may include, but not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement. Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.Oral Interview - The interview will be job related and may include, not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement. Top candidate(s) will continue in the process.Employment references will be conducted for the final candidates and may include verification of education.It is general policy of the County that new employees should be hired at the lower steps of the applicable range and advance through the range at the normal progression.First review of candidates will be September 30th. This recruitment may close at any time on or after the first review date with no additional notice.Examples of DutiesDuties may include but are not limited to the following:Support the work of the Clean Water Division staff and other agencies as it relates to NPDES permit compliance.Assists in implementing a variety of environmental monitoring programs and projects.Perform water quality, sediment and benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring using established standard operating procedures.Operate and maintain remote temperature and stream stage loggers and data recorders.Calibrate and maintain equipment to conduct stream water quality and discharge measurements.Observe and measures stream physical habitat characteristics using a variety of equipment and instruments.Prepare for field work, communicate with laboratories and ships and tracks water, sediment and macroinvertebrate samples.Manage water quality and continuous data using a variety of software.Interpret applicably county code to apply water quality requirements, laws, codes and policies to assure county permit compliance.Assists in communicating, verbally and in writing, water resources issues in a concise manner.Research grant funding opportunities, assist in grant proposal preparation and administration.Knowledge of stormwater best management practices.Knowledge of RStudio and ArcGIS Pro.Perform other related duties as assigned.Salary GradeLocal 307.8A - Local 307.9ASalary Range$30.58 - $44.90- per hourClose DateOpen Until FilledRecruiterRori JonesEmail:[e-mail] Opportunity EmployerClark County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services. Clark County’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at http://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents .Employee Benefits and additional compensationClark County provides regular full-time and part-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, vision and dental insurance, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and long-term disability, retirement, and deferred compensation. Some types of employees in some positions and bargaining units might have different benefits and additional compensation. More specific benefit information for the different bargaining units can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/employee-benefits . Also please refer to the specific bargaining unit contract for additional compensation at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents .Retirement InformationAll Clark County employees must participate in a WASHINGTON STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN (PERS, PSERS or LEOFF).Employee contributions begin the first day of work. Current contribution rates vary by plan but could range from 5% to 15% of gross pay, depending on the plan choice.For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site here: http://www.drs.wa.gov/If you are in need of ADA/Section 504 assistance for accommodations, please contact Human Resources at [phone]; Relay [phone].