Details
Posted: 30-Dec-21
Location: North Bend, Washington
Type: Full Time
Salary: $32.76 - $38.10 Hourly
Years of Experience:
Less than 2
Position Description
An online application including response to the supplemental questionnaire must be fully completed for consideration
Seattle Public Utilities is seeking an outdoor professional to serve as a Watershed Inspector who thrives in a dynamic work environment while protecting and providing stewardship for natural resources that enhance our city, local community, and region. Watershed Inspectors are an integral part of a unique Watershed Protection Team that traverses some of the most beautiful valleys, ridges, and summits within the Cascade Mountains seven days a week, as they protect the Cedar River and South Fork Tolt Watersheds that are the source of drinking water for 1.5 million customers.
The Watershed Inspector position is part of an inclusive outdoor-minded crew that provides watershed monitoring on more than 100,000 acres of forest land. Priority work includes proactive security, access permitting, recreation monitoring, boundary enforcement, hydrological data collection, wildfire suppression, and all-hazard incident response.
About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations. We deliver high quality, vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. In addition, SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities. Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the highest benefits possible for every investment we make.
SPU is committed to increasing racial equity, diversity and inclusion through our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities
Job Responsibilities
- Monitor all watershed activities on foot, vehicle, boat, and aircraft.
- Enforce City Watershed Water Quality regulations and assist law enforcement as needed.
- Collect hydrological data and perform sampling by foot, boat, and helicopter.
- While working alone, perform regular security patrols and challenging boundary posting tasks in remote mountainous terrain in all weather conditions.
- Provide professional level access and control, including the use of several integrated security systems.
- Extensive regular use of a mobile application through a ruggedized tablet to document all activities.
- Within the scope of the professional certification, respond to all-hazard emergencies including wildfires, search and rescue missions, medical aides, hazardous material spills, and various enforcement scenarios.
Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Qualifications
Education
- One year of college education in forestry, law enforcement, natural resources, fire science, environmental science, parks and recreation management, or a related field.
OR
Experience
- One year of experience in forestry, law enforcement, natural resource management, fire science, parks and recreation management, environmental science or watershed protection or related field.
License, Certification, and other Requirements
- Possess a valid Washington State Driver License.
- Ability to complete a Washington State Patrol background check to become an Emergency Vehicle Operator to drive and operate wildland firefighting engines.
- Required to annually certify and meet National Wildfire Coordinating Group standards for Firefighter 2 at the Arduous fitness level. Current Arduous test is carrying a 45lb pack along a 3-mile flat course in less than 45 minutes. This test is conducted each spring and is required to maintain the candidate's wildfire qualifications on an annual basis. Candidates invited to interview will be administered the arduous test.
Required Certifications:
These certificates and training classes are not needed to apply for the position but must be completed within the first 24 months of employment. The city will bear the cost of obtaining all of the certifications to bring the candidate into full compliance of the job requirements if selected. This includes both initial training and any refresher or ongoing costs to maintain the certifications. These City paid costs may include the candidate's salary, any required overtime, registration costs, and travel costs (i.e., lodging, transportation, and food) depending upon the location.
- Advanced First Aid or higher (Emergency Medical Technician Basic will be presented to the candidate as an option if available at no cost),
- Professional Rescuer CPR/AED
- Technical Swift water and Rope Rescue at the Operations level or higher,
- NIMS Incident Command Systems I-100 and 200, and
- 24-hour Hazwopper.
- National Resources Conservation Service Snow School
- Watercraft Inspector Level 2 Aquatic Invasive Species
- WA State Boat Operators card, and AAIRE Avalanche certification.
Certificates, licenses, or training courses that may be required of a Watershed Inspector in the future. All courses, if required, will be provided at the City's cost. Please read the specific notes following each item.
- May be required to obtain a Washington Waterworks Operator certification if no other senior staff is available. Currently, we only require one staff member with this certificate to meet our WADOH requirement for our local drinking water well for the campus.
- May be required to qualify for a limited commission as a state/local peace officer from local authority having jurisdiction. This requirement is not in place at the moment but is part of an identified strategic need and will most likely be pursued in the next 1-5 years.
- May be required to certify and carry defensive equipment, including successful completion of a sponsored defensive tactics course (See #2).
Additional Information
Work Environment/Physical Demands
- Ability to safely work alone in mountainous terrain in all kinds of weather conditions is essential.
- Annual physical training requirements include the national Wildfire Coordinating Group requirements for Firefighter 2 at the Arduous Level (Work Capacity Test).
- Required to wear a city issued uniform at all times (boots are subject to current Union Agreement).
- Required to work holidays, evenings, and/or weekends, and may require emergency standby.
- Required to regularly lift over 50 pounds.
- Work requires exposure to people who may become hostile or abusive, such as trespassers and poachers; contact with individuals which may lead to potentially dangerous situations.
- Required to safely handle toxic/hazardous chemicals such as chlorine and glycol.
- A job offer is contingent upon verification and completion of a background check which includes criminal history.
- A Pre-Placement Physical will be required for candidates selected for this position.
Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
All City of Seattle employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Failure to submit proof of vaccination or qualify for a reasonable accommodation will result in withdrawal of a job offer. This position is considered essential and will not qualify for teleworking.
