Environmental Scientist II



Environmental Scientist II

Salary

$80,870.40 - $102,523.20 Annually

Location

Snoqualmie, WA

Job Type

Multiple job types-career service and/or temp

Job Number

2021TR13568

Department

DLS - Dept. of Local Services

Division

Permitting

Opening Date

05/24/2021

Closing Date

6/27/2021 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

C1 : PROTEC17-DES, DLS, DNRP

Summary

UPDATE: This recruitment will be used to fill multiple Term-Limited Temporary (TLT) and/or Special Duty Assignment (SDA) positions.  The TLT/SDA is anticipated to last up to December 20th, 2022. This recruitment will remain open until filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.


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. 


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 wetlands assessments, geotechnical reports, maps, surveys, and other documents to determine their accuracy in describing existing field conditions and involves at least fifty percent (50%) field work year-round in all weather conditions.  Emphasis will be placed on site evaluation of consultant reports and map making using Bluebeam.  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. 

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.

  • Conduct and perform portions of scientific research such as evaluating previous studies; examining field conditions; measuring the properties of natural phenomena such as wetlands, streams and rivers and/or geologic materials; identifying issue and concerns; diagnosing natural conditions; and predicting behavior of natural things. 
  • Learn to assess existing field conditions and the potential impacts of construction, environmental improvement activities or other developments. 
  • 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 support ES III staff.
  • Screen applications information 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 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

  • 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 skills. 
  • Excellent graphic presentation, oral and technical writing skills. 
  • 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. 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR LICENSES

  • A biology, ecology, geology degree or equivalent work experience. 
  • Certification as a Wetland Scientist
  • Licensed 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. 

NECESSARY 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. 
  • Must operate a motor vehicle safely throughout the County in all weather conditions. 
  • Must be able to use office equipment and software. 

Supplemental Information


This recruitment is being used to fill several positions.


First Review of Applications June 7, 2021

Interviews June 16, 2021 or June 17, 2021


Second Review of Applications June 8, 2021 to June 27, 2021  

 Interviews  July 14, 2021 or July 16, 2021


Third Review of Applications August 30, 2021

 Interviews  September 15, 2021


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.
 
This recruitment may be used to fill vacancies for up to 6 months.  Including career service, special duty assignments, STT and TLT opportunities.


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 and/or on weekends.  This full-time position is overtime eligible.  
   
TEMPORARY TELECOMMUTING REQUIREMENT
The work associated with this position will be performed predominantly by teleworking; complemented with onsite work and meetings as needed. 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. Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required, including the wearing of masks in some situations. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint.
   
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.   
 
   
FORMS AND MATERIALS: An online employment application, 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.
 
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
   
  
Theresa Reynolds
   Senior Human Resources Analyst
   206-477-0380
   theresa.reynolds@kingcounty.gov
   
UNION MEMBERSHIP: 
This position is represented by PROTEC17.
   
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.  
 
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.
 

Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement 
As of October 18, 2021, most* King County employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If hired, you will be required to submit proof of vaccination by October 18th. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine. Employees may make requests for a reasonable accommodation based on a medical disability or for sincerely held religious beliefs. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.
This directive applies to employees in the Executive branch*, the Assessor’s Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff’s Office, and the Executive Office.

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.
 
To Apply 
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.

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being.  Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
  • Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
  • Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
  • Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
  • 12 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
  • Generous vacation and paid sick leave
  • Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Wellness programs
  • Onsite gyms and activity centers
  • Employee giving program
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
  • Training and career development programs
For additional information about employee benefits please visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy.  If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.  Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
 
NOTE:  Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
 
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

01
Are you applying to this position as an eligible Current or Previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant AND Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff AND Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
  • Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my role at King County AND I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. AND The position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
  • No.
02
If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff

Required Question

Agency
King County
Address
King Street Center
201 South Jackson Street
Seattle, Washington, 98104
Phone
206-477-3404