Nonpoint Water Quality Inspector (Environmental Specialist 3)



Nonpoint Water Quality Inspector (Environmental Specialist 3)

Salary

$44,400.00 - $58,284.00 Annually

Location

King County – Bellevue, WA

Job Type

Project (limited duration)

Job Number

2017-WQP1001-08245

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Water Quality

Opening Date

09/11/2017

Closing Date

Continuous

Description

                   

         


Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
 
 


The Department of Ecology is recruiting for a Nonpoint Water Quality Inspector (Environmental Specialist 3) in the Water Quality Program. This position works to eliminate nonpoint source water pollution by explaining quality laws and regulations, providing technical assistance, and taking appropriate enforcement action if necessary. 

Nonpoint source water pollution is runoff from our streets, forest lands, farms, and other sources. When it rains, nonpoint runoff carries toxic chemicals, nutrients, and bacteria into our downstream waters. It also happens when streamside vegetation is disturbed, leading to increased water temperatures and unstable stream banks. Taken together, these nonpoint sources of pollution can contribute to shellfish closures, impair salmon habitat, contaminate drinking water, and contribute to toxic chemicals in our food chain.

We are looking for applicants who possess excellent communication skills, are comfortable talking to farmers and livestock owners on their properties, and are able to take enforcement actions when necessary.

This position is located in our Northwest Regional Office in Bellevue, WA.

As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment for current and future generations. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.

To learn more about our agency, check us out on our websiteTwitterFacebookInstagram or our blog.


 
Local efforts... Diverse people... Statewide impacts


 

Duties



 
The mission of the Water Quality program is to protect and restore Washington's waters to sustain healthy watersheds and communities. Our work ensures that state waters support beneficial uses including recreational and business activities, supplies for clean drinking water, and the protection of fish, shellfish, wildlife, and public health.


The Nonpoint Water Quality Inspector conducts environmental reviews related to adverse water quality and shellfish impacts from various land use activities and bacterial pollution in the Northwest Region. This position:
 
  • Responds to and investigates complex and highly technical complaints or other observed practices causing nonpoint pollution which may adversely impact shellfish resources.
  • Works with landowners to address the impacts of livestock management on shellfish harvest areas and assists them to implement effective best management practices.
  • Coordinates with Ecology staff and other jurisdictions as necessary to resolve issues, including negotiating agreements or action plans.
  • Responds to inquiries from landowners, other staff, the public, agencies, tribes and others regarding nonpoint source water pollution issues.
  • In cooperation with the regional Water Quality Communications Consultant, represents Ecology in public information, outreach and education activities for nonpoint water quality activities.
  • Represents the agency in public meetings, workshops and hearings; attends Conservation District board meetings and technical workshops.
  • Plans, develops, and conducts technical water quality data collection. Maintains/calibrates sampling equipment as necessary to ensure accurate and consistent results.
  • Uses up-to-date data management and GIS skills and knowledge to procure appropriate datasets that aid in conducting investigations.
  • Creates and shares graphic displays of data and maps to communicate a variety of messages about the status of the project to agencies and the public.
  • Analyzes, evaluates and interprets data. Makes recommendations to Ecology managers and multi-agency teams regarding the design and execution of sampling plans and methods.


 
Please Note: This project position is funded until June 30, 2019.

 

This position will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be on September 25, 2017. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before September 24, 2017. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
 
A Bachelor's degree involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field AND two years of professional level experience in environmental analysis or control or environmental planning.

OR

A Master's degree in one of the above fields AND one year of professional level experience in environmental analysis or control or environmental planning.

OR

A Ph.D. in one of the above fields.

OR

One year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 2.


Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education.

NOTE: One year of the required years of experience must include experience in a field related to water quality compliance or the planning and/or implementation of Best Management Practices that protect water quality.


Desired Qualifications:

  • Environmental regulatory compliance experience
  • GIS experience or certification
  • Mediation training
  • Water quality sampling experience or training


 
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
 
Must possess a valid driver's license.
 
 
 
Please note the following benefit that isn't listed in the Benefits tab:

Student Loans and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program:
Employees are eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.

 

Supplemental Information

 

Application Instructions:

Please include the following documents as an attachment to your application:
  • A cover letter describing how your experience, skills and abilities meet the required qualifications of this position.
  • A resume outlining your professional experience.
Please complete the applicant profile when applying for this position. Or, you may paste the text of your resume within the profile's resume text field.

Please read the supplemental questions carefully and answer completely. Incomplete responses, including "please see resume" may disqualify you from further consideration.

Department of Ecology employees, please make sure to answer the agency-wide questions regarding permanent status as a classified employee within the Washington General Service or Washington Management Service. Do not forget to select Department of Ecology as a response to question 2, and type your personnel ID number for question 3. If you are not sure of your status or do not know your personnel ID number, please contact Human Resources at (360) 407-6186.

If you are reading this announcement in print format, please visit www.careers.wa.gov to access the online recruitment system. Click on "Look for Jobs" and select Dept. of Ecology under the "Department" search list. Click "Apply Search."



Other Information:

If you need assistance applying for this job, please call Human Resources at (360) 407-6186 or e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not call this number or send an email to this address to follow-up the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile's main page.
 
If you have specific questions about the position, please email Ralph Svrjcek at: ralph.svrjcek@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Ralph to inquire about the status of your application.
 
The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.

This position is included in the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) union bargaining unit for the Department of Ecology. All employees covered by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the WFSE will, as a condition of employment, either become members of the WFSE and pay membership dues or, as non-members, pay a representation fee as described in the CBA, no later than the 30th day following the effective date of this CBA or the beginning of their employment.

The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 407-6186. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

More than Just a Paycheck!
 
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

 
Read about our benefits:
 
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.

Insurance Benefits
 
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.  There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.  Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.  Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.  To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.
 
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
 
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
 
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
 
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.
 
Holidays
 
Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:
 
HOLIDAY
DATE
 
New Year's Day
January 1
 
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday
Third Monday in January
 
Presidents' Day
Third Monday in February
 
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
 
Independence Day
July 4
 
Labor Day
First Monday in September
 
Veterans' Day
November 11
 
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
 
Christmas Day
December 25
 
Personal Holiday
Employee's selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
 
Social Security
 
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
 
Sick Leave
 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
 
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.

01
How did you first learn about this job posting?
  • Community Based Organization
  • Community / Technical College
  • Ecology Employee
  • Ecology Recruiter
  • Ecology Jobs Page
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Job Board
  • Job Fair
  • Other State Agency
  • Other Website
  • Professional Association
  • Twitter
  • University Job Board
  • WorkSource
  • www.careers.wa.gov
02
If you selected Community Based Organization, Community / Technical College, Job Board, Job Fair, LinkedIn Group, Newspaper, Other State Agency, Other Website, Professional Association, Radio, University Job Board or WorkSource location then please share which one.
03
Please select the statement that best describes your level of education in environmental, physical or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning, or other allied field.
  • I have 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter credits.
  • I have 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter credits (AA degree).
  • I have 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter credits.
  • I have a Bachelor's degree.
  • I have a Master's degree.
  • I have a Ph.D.
  • None of the above statements apply.
04
Please indicate your degree and major.
05
Please select the statement that best describes your professional experience in environmental analysis or control, or environmental planning.
  • I have at least one year of experience.
  • I have at least two years of experience.
  • I have at least three years of experience.
  • I have at least four years of experience.
  • I have at least five years of experience.
  • I have at least six years of experience.
  • I have at least one year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 2.
  • None of these statements apply.
06
Please provide additional information to support your response to question 5 above. The following information is needed: position title(s), specific duties, and periods of employment. Make sure your response specifically addresses the qualification above. An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.
07
Do you have at least one year of experience in a field related to water quality compliance or the planning and/or implementation of Best Management Practices that protect water quality?
  • Yes
  • No
08
Please provide additional information to support your response to question 7 above. The following information is needed: position title(s), specific duties, and periods of employment. Make sure your response specifically addresses the qualification above. An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.
09
Please describe your experience in environmental regulatory compliance. If you do not have this experience, please type NA.
10
Please describe your experience or training in GIS. If you do not have this experience or training, please type NA.
11
Please describe your experience or training in mediation. If you do not have this experience or training, please type NA.
12
Please describe your experience or training in water quality sampling. If you do not have this experience, please type NA.
13
Do you have a valid Driver's License?
  • Yes
  • No
14
What is your familiarity with nonpoint source water pollution problems in WA State? Have you ever been involved in nonpoint projects, best management practices, or implementation? Please describe.
15
What experience do you have providing technical information, mediating differences, and negotiating agreements with individuals, groups, or units of government? What types of issues were you dealing with?

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
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