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.

 

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.

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.”

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.

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.