Solid Waste Addendum Only - Environmental Specialist I

Snohomish County, WA; Snohomish (WA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

Retirement

Long Term Disability (LTD)

Commuting Benefits

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Leaves & Holidays

Wellness Program

Job summary

Snohomish County Environmental Specialist I position focusing on field monitoring and sampling at Solid Waste Facilities. The role includes site work around leachate, odors, and weather, with an on‑call rotation for after‑hours responses.

Ideal candidates have coursework in chemistry or natural sciences and at least one year in solid waste, plus a valid WA driver’s license and safety certifications.

Qualifications

• Fifteen (15) credits of vocational or college level course work in at least two fields and one year of solid waste related experience.
• Must pass job related tests.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License required.

Responsibilities

• Support the ESS workgroup with field tasks at Snohomish County Solid Waste Facilities.
• Monitor and sample landfill gas, leachate systems, stormwater, and groundwater.
• Participate in rotational on‑call/standby to respond to after‑hours needs.

Skills

use of personal computers

analytical problem solving

general mathematics and chemistry

word processing software

spreadsheet software

Education

15 credits of vocational/college coursework in chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, natural sciences or water quality; AND one year of field experience

Job description

Environmental Specialist I

We are currently seeking qualified candidates to fill an Environmental Specialist I position.

Eligibility

OPEN TO MEMBERS OF AFSCME 109 PUBLIC WORKS - SOLID WASTE ADDENDUM BARGAINING UNIT ONLY.

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their Snohomish County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

Job Duties

This position will assist the ESS workgroup in a variety of tasks throughout the Snohomish County Solid Waste Facilities including:

• Environmental monitoring, inspection, and maintenance of landfill gas and flaring facilities;
• Leachate collection systems monitoring, sampling, treatment, conveyance system maintenance, and troubleshooting;
• Stormwater, surface water and groundwater quality monitoring and sampling at all SWD facilities.

This is a hands‑on field role that requires working around leachate, wastewater, strong odors, solid waste facilities, and all types of weather. Candidates must be reliable, safety‑focused, proactive, quick to learn, able to apply new information, communicate clearly, and work well both independently and with a team.

The position also requires participation in a rotational on‑call/standby schedule with other ESS staff, including responding to after‑hours (weekday and weekend) calls, system alarms, and emergencies as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Fifteen (15) credits of vocational or college level course work in at least two (2) of the following fields: chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, natural sciences or water quality; AND one (1) year of experience in the field of solid waste or related industry. Must pass job related tests.

Special Requirements

• A valid Washington State Driver’s License is required for employment.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a 40‑hour certification in Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) within six (6) months of employment.
• A valid First Aid Card is required within six (6) months of employment.
• Ability to pass a pre‑employment physical examination prior to employment.
• Participation in a medical surveillance program that includes baseline, periodic, and exit monitoring.
• Ability to pass the annual lung capacity test for wearing respirators.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a Washington State Department of Ecology Group OIT Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s Certification within twelve (12) months of employment.

Knowledge And Abilities

• use of personal computers
• analytical problem solving
• general mathematics and chemistry
• word processing software
• spreadsheet software

Ability To

• communicate professionally and effectively both orally and in writing
• work effectively with the general public, the business community and co‑workers
• diagnose and troubleshoot routine electrical and mechanical problems
• read, understand and follow safety rules and regulations
• understand and execute oral and written instruction
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors and co‑workers, consultants and representatives of government agencies
• understand and interpret work related laws, regulations and procedures
• make independent decisions under pressure
• defensive driving practices and procedures
• manage time and meet deadlines

Physical Requirement

Lifting in excess of fifty (50) pounds of tools and sampling devices in awkward positions is required. Walking long distances over rough terrain and working in confined spaces with hazardous gases and obnoxious odors present is required. Manual dexterity is required for the operation of assigned equipment and personal computers.

SUPERVISION

The employees in this classification report to the Environmental Monitoring Supervisor and receives technical oversight from the Environmental Specialist Lead. The monitoring functions are performed independently at worksites throughout the county. Work submitted may be spot checked for completeness and accuracy.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work is performed in an office environment and outside in all types of inclement weather conditions at solid waste disposal sites throughout the county. The employee is exposed to unpleasant odors, dust and debris. The employee is required to wear county supplied safety equipment and coveralls when in the field or operating assigned facilities. This position may be assigned to a rotational weekday or weekend standby/call‑out duties to support system alarm, emergencies and other ESS functions as needed.

EEO

Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.

Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.

County Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Retirement
• Basic Group Term Life Insurance/ Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• Commuting Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Partners for Health Employee Wellness Program
• Leave & Holidays

Voluntary Benefits

• Deferred Compensation 457(b)
• Supplemental Group Term Life Insurance
• Additional Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Supplemental Individual Insurance Policies

Healthcare Premiums

• Regular full‑time employees: If you work 35 or more hours per week, you will pay these monthly premiums for medical insurance. The County pays the monthly premiums for vision, dental, and basic life insurance.
• Regular part‑time employees: If you work between 20 and 34 hours per week, you will pay pro‑rated monthly premiums for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. The County's contribution toward the premium for an employee in a regular part‑time appointment will be pro‑rated in an amount equal to the F.T.E. percentage the employee is assigned.