Natural Systems Specialist 1, 2

City of Eugene; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

AFSCME union

Competitive benefits

Job summary

The City of Eugene, Public Works – Parks and Open Space, seeks a Natural Systems Specialist to oversee and inspect private vegetated stormwater facilities in line with municipal and regulatory standards.

You will collaborate with developers, contractors, homeowners, and city teams to support design, construction, and ongoing maintenance, ensuring safety and compliance while maintaining records.

Qualifications

• Three years of relevant experience in the technical program area.
• Associate's degree related to natural resources or environmental science; bachelor's preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs Stormwater Planting inspections for new development; identify approved/prohibited plants and communicate results.
• Conducts ongoing operation and maintenance field inspections and site observations to ensure code compliance.
• Provides education and outreach to facility owners, designers, construction crews, developers, and city staff; offers on-site consultations.
• Maintains detailed documentation of inspections, observations, and enforcement activities; produces reports to meet regulatory requirements.
• Manages private vegetated stormwater system inventory and documentation; supports program planning and policy development.

Education

Associate degree

Job description

The City of Eugene Parks and Open Space Division is seeking a qualified professional to support the oversight, inspection, and compliance of private vegetated stormwater facilities. This program operates under the City’s MS4 NPDES permit, and this position serves within the Stormwater and Medians Maintenance team. If you are committed to clean water initiatives, environmental stewardship, and providing essential services to our community, this role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

The ideal candidate is an effective communicator with sound judgment, strong technical aptitude, and the ability to remain flexible while upholding code and permit requirements. In this position, you will work closely with developers, contractors, designers, homeowners, and other stakeholders to support the successful design, construction, and ongoing maintenance of private vegetated stormwater facilities in alignment with municipal and regulatory standards.

Classification: Natural Systems Specialist 1, Natural Systems Specialist 2

Salary: Natural Systems Specialist 1$31.31- $39.03hourly / $65,124.80 - $81,182.40 Annually

Natural Systems Specialist 2 $34.21- $42.62hourly / $71,156.80 - $88,649.60 Annually

The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with Oregon Equal Pay Act (OEPA).

Department, Division: Public Works. Parks and Open Space

Union Representation: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)

Work Location: 1820 Roosevelt Blvd, Eugene

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. with the flexibility per business need

Benefits: The City of Eugene offers robust and competitive benefits. For more information, select the Benefits Tab, or view benefits summaries as well as see information about all employee benefits.

Living & Working in Eugene: Information about living in Eugene, how the City of Eugene operates, and more can be found on our website.

• Performs "Stormwater Planting" inspections for new development. Ability to identify approved and prohibited plants. Works with developers, contractors, and homeowners on meeting permit requirements. Navigate current software to complete and communicate inspection results.
• Performs ongoing operation and maintenance (O&M) field inspections and site observations/investigations to ensure function and compliance with code and/or regulatory requirements.
• Provide education and outreach to facility owners, their representatives, designers, construction crews, developers, in-house maintenance crews, and other work groups. Provide on-site consultations by request. Provide outreach materials via welcome packets, inspection results, maintenance reminders/recommendations, etc.
• Establishes and maintains detailed documentation of inspection, observations, and enforcement activities to ensure accurate records for documenting, tracking and planning program and project activities.Produce detailed reports to meet regulatory requirements.
• Manage private vegetated stormwater system inventory and documentation utilizing current technology.
• Develops and recommends policies, procedures, and systems to support program area; assists with evaluating and monitoring program activities; participates in program planning, including annual work plan management.
• Functionsassubject matter expertin vegetated stormwater facility installation and management,with responsibilityfor resolvingmostcodeconflicts and issues.
• Coordinates and works with City crews, other agencies, contractors and property owners to provide complex technical information on municipal codes, ordinances, policies and standards, and state and federal laws applicable to the program area.
• Pro-actively stays informed of developments in the assigned technical program area.
• Works with property owners and the public to investigate and evaluate complaints and problems; explains regulatory, code, and policy requirements; evaluates regulations related to enforcement activities and determines whether a violation has occurred; determines the best approach to ensure compliance with codes, laws, and policies and for resolving complaints; negotiates mitigation measures, changes, and solutions to problems. Mediates conflict when disputes arise.
• Applies safe work practices and ensures the safety of the public and employees.
• Actively supports a respectful workplace and City policies related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Works independently or in a crew situation; may perform physical duties while directing crews or working along-side crews.
• May fill in for Public Stormwater Inspector as needed to provide support for public vegetated stormwater program.
• Responds to emergency situations to mitigate and/or assist with hazardous situations as assigned; may be required to be available for emergency call outs.
• May represent the city in court and in appeals to a hearing official.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Actively supports and respects diversity in the workplace.

• Performs related and other duties as assigned.

To view detailed information on the duties, knowledge, and abilities that may be expected for this position, please see the classification: Natural Systems Specialist 1, Natural Systems Specialist 2

MinimumQualifications

Experience

• Natural Systems Specialist 1
  • Three years of relevant experience in the technical program area. Specialized course work or technical training in the area of assignment is desirable. Examples include natural resource management, landscape architecture, or green infrastructure.
• Natural Systems Specialist 2
  • Four years of experience in the technical program area (inspecting and overseeing the ongoing operation and maintenance of private vegetated stormwater facilities for compliance). Experience with vegetated stormwater facility function and maintenance, inspections, program coordination, code compliance, or a level of responsibility similar in nature preferred.

Education

• Natural Systems Specialist 2
  • Associate's degree related to the area of assignment (ex. Natural resource management, environmental science, etc.). Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred.

Background

Must pass a background check.

Physical

Must pass a physical assessment and drug test.

License

Valid Oregon driver’s license (or, the ability to obtain by date of hire); must pass driving records check and, if hired, maintain a driving record that meets the City’s standard. Oregon law requires that an out-of-state license holder must obtain a valid Oregon license (with appropriate endorsements) within 30 days of becoming domiciled in the state (ORS 803.355).

Certificates

• Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain an Oregon Department of Transportation Traffic Control Flagger certification.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within the first year, a stormwater inspector certification from an accredited agency.

The ideal candidate will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities

Knowledge

• Principles and practices in the assigned technical area, including specialized technical processes and environments, equipment, maintenance and/or operational requirements.
• Local, state and federal codes as they relate to assigned technical area.
• Standards and policies in program area.
• Occupational hazards and safe methods as related to assigned program area.
• Applicable computerized and/or technical systems.
• Technical knowledge of natural areas and vegetation projects requiring application of scientific principles and theory (arboriculture, streams and riparian areas, wetlands, ponds, woodlands, savannahs, and stormwater quality facilities)

Skills and Abilities

• Coordinate and prioritize a complex work program and its components; evaluate program results.
• Develop and maintain effective working relations with City departments, local agencies, developers, contractors, property owners and the general public.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Use conflict resolution, negotiation and communication skills in adverse situations.
• Research and maintain records and documents and analyze complex technical issues.
• Apply technical standards and evaluate specialized data and findings.
• Evaluate the intent of codes or program requirements and mandates.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records and prepare complex technical reports.
• Use and maintain specialized computer databases and systems.
• Read and interpret complex engineering drawings, surveys and construction plans and specifications, and apply standards.
• Research and support legal property descriptions.
• Interpret and enforce specifications, municipal codes and division policies.
• Use tools, diagnostic equipment, and apply findings to specialized processes.
• Work independently or in a crew situation.
• If required, plan, assign, and lead the work of assigned staff.
• Perform physical work in varying weather conditions.
• Provide and wear personal protective equipment as required

The City of Eugene encourages individuals of all communities and backgrounds to apply for job opportunities as we strive to provide the best service to the public.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferable knowledge, skills, and abilities from a variety of sources and experiences.

If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

What to Expect from our Selection Process

Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes. In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required. Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and/or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment. Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations. PLEASE NOTE: Once the posting closes, the process can take 4-6 weeks to complete.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at [phone].

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States. NOTE: The City of Eugene does not participate in the E-Verify program; therefore, candidates requiring E-Verify for employment authorization will not be eligible for employment with the City.