Job Description

In order to hire and maintain a quality workforce that reflects the diversity of the community and works well within our True North values-based organization, the Permitting Division of the Department of Local Services (DLS) is accepting applications for the position of Environmental Scientist II – Geologist.

The person in this role will provide advance-level technical support services to a professional ecological services group.  Primary responsibility is the investigation of sites for proposed residential or commercial development and identification of issues relating to public safety, natural resources, environmental hazards, and surface water features. This position requires the evaluation of geotechnical reports, wetlands assessments, maps, surveys, and other documents to determine their accuracy in describing existing field conditions and applicability to the proposed activities. It involves at least twenty five percent (25%) field work year-round in all weather conditions. Emphasis will be placed on evaluation of consultant reports, preparation of comment and information request letters, and document markup using Bluebeam Revu. This position requires a high level of organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple projects, the ability to prioritize timelines and high level of conflict resolution skills. 

About the Department of Local Services:
King County is the local service provider for the roughly one quarter-million people who live in the unincorporated areas of the county; collectively, these communities would be the second largest city in the state. The Department of Local Services includes a Director’s Office, and the Road Services and Permitting Divisions. Together, this department provides a single executive point of accountability for delivering local services to all unincorporated areas. 

To learn more about the Permitting Division please visit our website at King County Permits. 

Our commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:
The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering equity, racial and social justice in every aspect of our work.  Our commitment to “True North” values which ensures every person has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential and forms the core of our mission and purpose.  Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our people, partners, and the communities we serve. Through this work, we dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge this journey is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create a positive impact for our employees and communities alike. 

JOB DUTIES

Applying equity, racial and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work. As the Environmental Scientist II, you will:

• Conduct and perform portions of scientific research such as evaluating previous studies; examining field conditions; assessing the properties of natural phenomena such as landslide features, slopes, subsurface soil and groundwater conditions, wetlands, streams and rivers; identifying issue and concerns; diagnosing natural conditions; and predicting behavior of natural things.
• Assess existing field conditions and the potential impacts of construction, environmental improvement activities or other developments.
• Review and evaluate analyses and recommendations within geotechnical reports, including those related to slope stability, liquefaction, and erosion hazards.
• Review development and building applications for compliance with applicable geotechnical and geological King County regulations.
• Participate in drafting and reviewing related King County regulations, ordinances, and rules.
• Participate in preparing maps and comprehensive written reports for use by technical staff, elected officials, management, and the public.
• Participate in investigating code violations complaints.
• Use computer software to perform calculations, store, and track data.
• Work as a team member supporting ES III staff.
• Screen applications information for completeness relative to both ecological and geological regulations and to determine when appropriate ES III staff is required for supplemental review.
• Participate with other professional staff in identifying and implementing appropriate solutions to problems related to the position’s discipline. May review and recommend approval of site development plans for compliance with appropriate codes for small projects.
• Present conclusions orally and/or in writing to technical staff, management, and the public; interact with clients (public or internal customers) on technical issues and questions.
• Develop scientific monitoring equipment, methods, and plans.
• Participate in leading small-scale projects involving research in the applicable scientific disciplines; assist in management of budget, schedule, and quality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Ability to convey technical information to the public (both applicant/developers and concerned citizens), government agencies and environmental consultants.
• Ability to quickly relate codes, public rules, and ordinances to observed proposed building site conditions.
• Knowledge of personal computer applications for word processing, spreadsheets and/or databases.
• Data collection and field observation skills.
• Excellent graphic presentation, oral and technical writing skills.
• Must be able to use office equipment and software.
• Skill in reading and interpreting engineering plans and reports.
• Skill promoting mutual respect and acceptance of all workers in a diverse work group.
• Skill in group problem-solving and decision-making.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements for assigned projects such as environmental or land development regulations.
• Knowledge of methods for the collections and analysis of natural resource data for research.
• Knowledge of small-project management techniques. 

Desired Qualifications: 

• A geology related degree or equivalent work experience.
• Licensed Geologist or Engineering Geologist.
• Knowledge of basic GPS (global positioning system data collection and processing).
• Knowledge of drafting techniques and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
• Field or inspection related work. 

Requirements: 

• An offer of employment will be contingent on the success of a pre-employment physical examination.
• Physically able to traverse by foot through densely wooded terrain and steep inclines in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift 20lbs.
• Must have a valid Washington State driver’s license and the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle throughout the county in all weather conditions. 

How to Apply

Environmental Scientist II - Geologist

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 80,000 - 100,000.

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