Full-Time Environmental Scientist III
Job Description
SUMMARY:
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 career-service position of Environmental Scientist III. The person in this role will provide technical expert-level support services to a professional permit review team.
This position is primarily responsible for reviews of permit applications and assessment of development-related impacts to critical areas such as wetlands and streams, as well as potential impacts to wildlife and Shorelines. Proposed projects are reviewed for conformance with King County Critical Areas Code, and other codes, ordinances, and regulations. Thorough knowledge of wetland ecology is required and knowledge of one or more of the following is preferred: wildlife biology, aquatic ecology, and/or botany. The person in this role will work independently and as a team member. A high level of independent organizational skill is required to manage a large and complex workload. Need for coordination and extensive public contact necessitates excellent communication skills.
JOB DUTIES:
Applying equity 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.
- Perform office and field studies and evaluate the potential impacts to wetlands, streams, Shorelines, and wildlife for all types of proposed development projects, restoration projects or other activities. Evaluate submitted studies, examine field conditions, identify issues and concerns, resolve contradictory data sources.
- Analyze data, write comprehensive reports, and prepare technical documents and maps for use by regulatory and technical staff, management, elected officials and the general public.
- Review and verify technical studies and other information submitted by consultants and/or internal staff.
- Provide expert-level scientific consultation to engineering and planning functions, working as a team member on development permit review.
- Scrupulously honor commitments made to customers and others.
- Communicate on the job in ways that reflect well upon King County, the County Executive, the department, and the incumbent.
- Exhibit and support a culture of superior customer service.
- Coordinate with internal team members and other regulatory agencies.
- Develop and assist in implementation of technical procedures, methodologies and technical policies.
- Conduct field review to assess existing field conditions, the potential impacts of construction, ecological restoration activities, or other developments.
- Identify and evaluate issues with project and determine applicable regulations.
- Review and approve site development plans for compliance with clearing, grading, and/or critical areas and shoreline regulations.
- Conduct pre-construction meetings and conduct random and scheduled inspections to determine compliance with regulations and permit conditions.
- Use computer software to create maps, perform calculations, store, and track data.
- Work as a team member to support division staff.
- Screen application information to determine when other staff members within the department are required for supplemental review.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in biology, ecology, natural resource management, environmental science, or related field or equivalent work experience.
- Field experience sufficient to possess expert technical skills in wetland delineation and typing, stream typing, or wildlife assessment.
- Experience with permit review.
- Ability to convey technical information to the public (both applicant/developers and concerned citizens), government agencies, and consulting professionals.
- Ability to quickly relate codes, public rules, and ordinances to observed proposed building site conditions.
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements for assigned projects such as environmental or land development regulations.
- Knowledge of methods for the collection and analysis of natural resource data for research.
- Demonstrated ability to use standard office equipment and intermediate skill using Microsoft Office Products including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
- Data collection skills.
- Excellent graphic presentation, oral and technical writing skills.
- Skill in reading and interpreting development plans and reports.
- Skill in working effectively and cooperatively with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Skill in group problem-solving and decision-making and providing excellent customer service.
Desired Qualifications:
- Certification as a Wetland Scientist.
- Knowledge of basic GPS (global positioning system data collection and processing).
- Field or inspection related work.
Necessary Requirements:
- An offer of employment will be contingent on the success of a pre-employment physical examination and a valid Washington State driver’s license and the ability to drive safely around the County in all weather conditions.
- Physically able to traverse by foot through densely wooded terrain and steep inclines in all weather conditions.
- Must be able to use office equipment and software.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited to interview the week of August 28th, 2023.
If selected as a finalist, you will be invited to come back the week of September 11th, 2023, for a second interview.
This recruitment may be used to fill vacancies for up to 6 months. Including career service, special duty assignments, STT and TLT opportunities.
Who May Apply: This position is open to all qualified applicants. First consideration will be given to current PROTEC17 members in the same classification that are eligible for lateral transfer.
Work Schedule: The work week is normally Monday through Friday, 7.00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but may at times require work outside of normal business hours. This full-time position is overtime eligible.
Forms and Materials: A completed King County Application is required. We highly recommend that you also provide a resume and cover letter (no more than 2 pages) summarizing how you meet the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills for the position.
Selection Process: Applicants will be screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews. Interviews will be conducted via Teams. Reference checks and file reviews will be conducted.
Union Membership: PROTEC17
Teleworking Requirement
This is a hybrid position. The work associated with this position will be performed by teleworking, field work, onsite work and meetings as needed. The responsibilities of this position may include regular and ongoing in-office work involving in person customer service in accordance with the division’s available customer service options.
Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities.) Employees must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.
King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department’s hybrid environment.
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Vivienne Swai
Human Resources Analyst
206-477-1538
vs***@ki********.gov
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Together, with leadership and our employees, we’re changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation’s best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our “True North“, we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles–we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
How to Apply
environmental-scientist-iii | Job Details tab | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com) If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.127 total views, 0 today