Position Description:

Seattle Public Utilities provides solid waste and drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses, and drinking water for the 1.4 million regional customers both in Seattle and the 26 municipalities and special water districts also served by the Utility. “Our Promise” to the community is to deliver efficient and forward-looking utility services that keep Seattle the best place to live. Our customers depend on us to be there for them – to deliver utility services reliably and to spend their dollars wisely.

This position will report to the Natural Resources Manager in the Watershed Management Division of Seattle Public Utilities, and will be responsible for practicing ecosystem monitoring and management in the municipal watersheds that are managed for drinking water supply, threatened species protection, habitat protection and restoration. Duties include: managing the Invasive Species Program, leading the Restoration Planting Program; surveying, monitoring and control of invasive plant species; planning, implementing and monitoring habitat restoration projects in wetland, riparian and upland forest environments; implementing habitat conservation measures and research and monitoring programs of the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), and adapting monitoring and management approaches to climate change impacts. Policy, regulatory and legal drivers for this position include, but are not limited to, the Cedar River Watershed Secondary Use Policies, Cedar River HCP, South Fork Tolt Watershed Management Plan, Muckleshoot Settlement 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, Clean Water Act, and Washington State and King County Noxious Weed Laws.

This position will work within the interdisciplinary team of the Natural Resources Section with minimal supervision and will provide technical expertise, analysis and recommendations on complex environmental issues to support efficient and forward-looking decisions that have City-wide significance, financial and potentially legal implications. This position 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.

Job Responsibilities:

• Managing the Invasive Species Program for the Cedar and Tolt municipal watersheds and the Lake Youngs Reserve and reporting key results to Seattle City Council.
• Leading the Restoration Planting Program for the Cedar River Municipal Watershed under the HCP.
• Developing and administering consultant and service contracts, managing budgets, and training and supervising seasonal employees and interns.
• Planning, implementing, and monitoring habitat restoration projects in wetland, riparian and upland forest settings.
• Surveying, monitoring, and controlling invasive plant species.
• Providing technical and logistical support for aquatic, wetland, riparian and upland restoration activities and other management activities that may impact aquatic and/or terrestrial species.
• Participating in climate adaptation and risk management and adapting monitoring and management to climate change impacts.
• Conducting long-term ecosystem monitoring of plant communities and ecosystem change.
• Conducting data collection, management, analysis and reporting.
• 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.
• Staying informed about developments and innovations in natural resource management, invasive species, and climate change adaptation through literature review, continuing education, and professional meetings.

Qualifications:

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in botany, biology, wetland ecology/management, natural or physical sciences, or related field
• A minimum of five (5)years experience in botany, environmental restoration, natural resource management, invasive species management, environmental research, or a related field.
• Other combinations of education, training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability.

• Valid Washington State Drivers License.
• Must possess or be able to obtain Washington State Herbicide Applicator Public Operator License within three months of hire.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• The position may require long work days and occasional weekends during seasonal peak workloads.
• Ability to navigate remote mountainous terrain and wetlands, river systems, and lakes.
• Ability to hike long distances in remote mountainous terrain through heavy vegetation and woody debris in adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to carry heavy loads (45 pounds) over long distances.

Additional Information:

The ideal candidate has:

• Master of Science in botany, plant biology, wetland ecology/management, ecosystem science/management and three years experience in botany, invasive species management, ecosystem restoration, and/or ecosystem management.
• Experience in developing, conducting and/or evaluating plant surveys.
• Knowledge of experimental design and statistical analysis of ecological data.
• Specific experience in invasive plant survey, monitoring, and control.
• Knowledge and experience in wetland, and riparian habitat restoration.
• Experience in developing and administering contracts.
• Experience in developing and managing budgets.
• Experience in collaborating and communicating with diverse and multiple stakeholders.
• Knowledge and experience in regulatory framework, including state and county noxious weed laws, Endangered Species Act and Habitat Conservation Plans, State Environmental Protection Act, and Forest Practices Act.