Watershed Steward – Public Works

Salary
 $65,594.04 – $79,762.08 Annually
Location
 Everett, WA
Job Type
Full-Time
Department
Public Works
Job Number
2017-PWK8640R-MAR
Closing
4/10/2017 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
The Surface Water Management Division of the Snohomish County Public Works Department is seeking a highly qualified professional for a Watershed Steward position to work in the Program Planning Section.  This position will lead and manage outreach strategies and programs in the county. This position plays a key role in advancing SWM’s mission to work in partnership with the community to protect and enhance water quality and aquatic resources and preserve water resources for future generations. SWM is seeking a highly dedicated, motivated, team-oriented individual to fill this important position.

The Watershed Steward position will develop and implement projects designed to address clean water and aquatic habitat in Snohomish County. The position is responsible for providing technical assistance and information for landowners and residents who are interested in improving stewardship on their property. The position will work closely with partners to implement effective stewardship and outreach strategies. The position will effectively communicate information to diverse audiences through a wide variety of outreach strategies.
 
Ideal candidates will have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships internally in the county and with other agencies and stakeholders. The successful candidate will be able to work independently or on teams, prioritize and track their work, as well as have excellent written and verbal communication skills. The position will be part of a team of planning and technical staff and must be able to independently implement projects and have the ability to create and foster a positive team environment. The successful candidate will have qualities in alignment with SWM’s core values of providing and demonstrating high quality service, leadership, stewardship, accountability, respect, and integrity and be able to positively contribute to the overall management of the Program Planning group and the entire SWM division.
 
For further information on Snohomish County Surface Water Management’s programs, please go to www.surfacewater.info.
Job Duties
To serve as the focal point for surface water management actions in a defined watershed or program area. Coordinates implementation of watershed management plans, including small capital projects and regulatory actions; provides daily contact with and technical as­sistance to citizens and public agencies; and monitors and investi­gates water quality and habitat within specified areas.

STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
  1. Develops, recommends and implements approved goals and policies for a defined watershed or program.
  2. Manages and coordinates major water quality, quantity and habitat issues which involve significant planning, engineering, legal, finan­cial, political and aquatic issues; consults with other county departments and divisions and secures departmental and council approvals as required; consults with other county jurisdictions and agencies as required.
  3. Provides technical assistance regarding such things as minor flooding, erosion control, marine resources, and water quality matters to residents in a surface water management area.
  4. Plans, develops and implements water projects or activities within a specific watershed that integrate recommendations of county and regional planning efforts, that are consistent with regulatory re­quirements and that have the greatest potential for improvement in surface water quality, quantity and related habitats in the watershed.
  5. Compiles and tracks all information and data relevant to watershed management; creates data bases of information regard­ing water quality, quantity, habitat and flooding.
  6. Prepares, submits and manages various grant proposals; drafts and monitors grant award contracts; coordinates and monitors work completed by grant funded subcontractors; administers non accounting aspects of minor grants.
  7. Serves as a staff representative on various technical advisory committees, commissions and interest groups; coordinates the for­mation and activities of various groups as necessary.
  8. Responds to conflicts and questions from and serves as liaison between the general public, government and private officials, the media and interest groups.
  9. Recruits citizen volunteers and coordinates volunteer activities for protecting water quality and preventing drainage problems in a defined watershed.
  10. Gives presentations to various groups in Snohomish County; at­tends meetings and participates in or leads discussions.
  11. Arranges for, sets up and/or participates in public meetings, hearings and council sessions; develops strategic approaches for presenting sensitive issues and information to a variety of audiences; acts as divisional representative; prepares or super­vises the preparation of graphics, displays, brochures, leaflets and slide/tape shows; prepares oral and written presentations including findings and reports; responds to questions and solic­ its input as appropriate.
STATEMENT OF OTHER JOB DUTIES 
  1. Performs related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
      A Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences/studies, civil engineering, watershed or water resource management, forestry, geomorphology, agriculture, toxicology, wildlife biology, marine biology/ecology, oceanography, coastal geology, aquatic chemistry, or related field; AND, three (3) years experience in work directly related to Surface Water Management. Must pass job related tests.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
      A valid Washington State Driver’s License is required for em­ployment.
Additional Information
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
  • principles and practices of surface water management issues
  • research and data collection techniques
  • current literature, trends, regulations and developments in the surface water management field
  • use of personal computers and related software, including geographic information systems (GIS)
Ability to:
  • work effectively with a cross-section of watershed residents, businesses, specific interest groups and agencies
  • gather, evaluate and document technical data
  • read, interpret and apply legal documents
  • independently prepare and implement comprehensive programs
  • apply technical data to practical in-field problems
  • supervise technical staff involved in implementing surface water programs including contractors
  • plan, organize and supervise the work of technical staff and volunteers
  • attend occasional evening meetings and weekend events
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
     Walk over uneven terrain and lift up to 30 lbs.
SUPERVISION
     The employees report to an administrative superior as assigned. The work is performed with a high degree of independence and is re­viewed through conferences, periodic reports and results obtained. The employees may supervise technical staff, contractors and volunteers.
WORKING CONDITIONS
     The work is performed primarily in the field within a desig­nated watershed and includes citizen contacts and site investi­gations. Work will also be performed in the usual office environment. The employee is required to work evenings, weekends and holidays as necessary.

Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.
Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request. 
EEO policy and ADA notice

Agency
Snohomish County
Address
3000 Rockefeller Ave M/S 503
Everett, Washington, 98201.
Phone
(425) 388-3411 
Website
http://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/2553