This position will report to the Natural Resources Manager in the Watershed Management Division of Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), and will be responsible for practicing aquatic species monitoring, ecosystem monitoring and management in the municipal watersheds that are managed for drinking water supply, threatened species protection and habitat protection and restoration.  Duties include, but are not limited to: monitoring of native and non-native fish and wildlife and associated habitats; implementation of Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) aquatic, riparian, and wetland habitat conservation measures and research and monitoring programs; implementation of South Fork Tolt River Watershed Management Plan fish and wildlife recommendations; consultation on upland forest management and road management activities to meet local, state and federal regulatory requirements. Policy, regulatory and legal drivers for this position include, and are not limited to, the Cedar River Watershed Secondary Use Policies, Cedar River HCP, South Fork Tolt Watershed Management Plan, Muckleshoot Settlement Agreement, Landsburg Mitigation Agreement and all relevant local, state and federal laws, including but not limited to the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, Washington Forest Practice Act and Clean Water Act.

This position will work relatively independently with minimal supervision and will provide technical expertise, analyses and recommendations on complex environmental issues to support efficient and forward-looking decisions that have City-wide significance, financial and potentially legal implications. Also, will be responsible for interpreting policies and recommending policy changes, interpreting and applying environmental regulations, making decisions in areas of uncertainty and/or exercising discretion in adapting or recommending new policies to specific projects.

• Monitoring and reporting on bull trout and associated habitat in the Chester Morse Lake system, under the HCP.
• Monitoring and management of resident native and non-native fish and associated habitats, including habitat assessment and identification of fish passage issues in the Cedar River Municipal Watershed and South Fork Tolt River Municipal Watershed and downstream river systems.
• Monitoring select wildlife (e.g., amphibians, birds) and associated habitats.
• Providing technical and logistical support for aquatic, riparian and upland restoration activities and other management activities that may impact aquatic and/or terrestrial species.
• Collaborating with SPU Water Resources program areas, such as anadromous fish monitoring and management, data analysis and reporting, under the HCP, Landsburg Mitigation Agreement and the Muckleshoot Settlement Agreement.
• Participating in climate adaptation and risk management.
• Participating in water quality monitoring and assessment in the municipal watersheds and potential impacts on aquatic resources.
• Implementing invasive aquatic organisms prevention, monitoring and management.
• Conducting data collection, management, analysis and reporting.
• Supporting SPU Water Line of Business needs and capital project development by providing environmental review, permitting support, monitoring and mitigation to continue providing essential utility services and environmental protection.
• Collaborating with Seattle City Light in environmental studies to support hydroelectric infrastructure operations, maintenance, and improvements to meet regulatory requirements.
• Collaborating with partners in state and federal agencies, Tribes, non-governmental organizations, and research and educational institutions on monitoring, research and management issues of regional concern, and participate in stakeholder groups.
• Developing and administering consultant contracts, managing budgets and supervising seasonal employees and interns.

• Bachelor’s degree in natural or physical sciences, environmental sciences, planning (with emphasis on environmental issues), public administration/policy (with emphasis on natural resources), or related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years experience in environmental research, environmental law, impact analysis, environmental compliance, toxic substance management, or a related field (Other combinations of education, training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability).
• Current State of Washington driver’s license.

The ideal candidate will have a Master of Science or PhD in fisheries science, fish biology, aquatic ecosystem science/management, wildlife ecology/management and five years experience in fisheries science, aquatic science/management, and/or ecosystem management, and will have knowledge and experience in:

• Developing, conducting and/or evaluating fish surveys.
• Experimental design and statistical analysis of fisheries and other ecological data.
• Specific experience in monitoring bull trout at all life stages, survey and management of non-native warm-water fish, and conducting amphibian egg mass surveys.
• Aquatic, wetland, and riparian habitat restoration.
• Developing and administering contracts.
• Developing and managing budgets.
• Collaborating and communicating with diverse and multiple stakeholders.
• Regulatory framework, including Endangered Species Act and Habitat Conservation Plans, State Environmental Protection Act, and Forest Practices Act.
• Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, Powerpoint, ETC.), GIS software, and any statistical analysis software for data analysis and database management.
• Navigate with map, compass, and GPS unit or other mobile devices.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• Work may be performed in the field including remote wilderness locations, on rivers and reservoirs, hazardous waste sites, household hazardous waste collection facilities and electrical facilities, and/or in a normal City office/work environment.
• May require rotating on-call duty for spill response and other emergencies.
• Occasional exposure to hazardous wastes, chemicals, and other conditions requiring safety precautions.