Please see the following website for full job posting and application link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kingcounty/jobs/2309162/water-quality-planner-i-ecotoxicologist#new_tab

Summary

WHO MAY APPLY:  This position is open to the general public.

King County values diverse perspectives, life experiences and differences.  The Water and Land Resources Division encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, men, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and veterans.  We are committed to being equitable and fair in providing equal access to opportunities for all.

REQUIRED MATERIALS:
(1) Online King County application,
(2) Resume,
(3) Cover letter,
(4) Answers to the supplemental questions
(5) A writing sample (see supplemental questions).

Failure to submit all required forms and materials may prohibit further consideration.

WORK SCHEDULE: This position is overtime-eligible. This position normally works 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Occasionally work in excess of 8 hours per day may be necessary during field seasons or other critical periods. Work may also periodically be required in the evenings and on weekends.

THE SCIENCE AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT SECTION of the Water and Land Resources Division is responsible for providing scientific information to inform important environmental policy and management decisions that protect natural resources and overall quality of life for King County residents. Scientists and technical staff in the Science Section oversee a wide variety of environmental monitoring programs; provide technical support for numerous County capital projects and operating programs; provide expertise on salmon recovery issues; impacts of land use change; restoration of aquatic and terrestrial habitat; water quality and quantity; impacts of contaminants on aquatic life; lake, stream, river and wetland ecology; river and floodplain processes; and marine, nearshore, and estuarine processes. Section scientists collaborate with other agencies in King County and the region to collect, model and interpret information that informs land use, habitat management, sewage treatment, water resource and surface water management decisions. For further detail on the Science & Technical Support Section’s programs, please see: http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/wlr/sections-programs/science-section.aspx.

This position is in the Toxicology and Contaminant Assessment Unit and will be responsible for a varied work program under the guidance of senior technical staff. The position will provide scientific technical support for a variety of programs and projects that address assessment and characterization of toxic contaminants in King County surface waters; sediment; stormwater; fish and shellfish tissue; and wastewater media (e.g., effluent, reclaimed water, biosolids, etc.). A significant portion of the work will focus on contaminant issues associated with stormwater quality and wastewater operations.

JOB DUTIES:

• Assist with evaluation and interpretation of toxic contaminant data (chemical and biological) in a variety of media (e.g., surface water, sediment, tissue, stormwater, wastewater media, etc.) to assess spatial and temporal trends and/or specific study questions, as well as compliance with state and federal environmental regulations as appropriate.
• Assist with evaluation of ecological risks to aquatic organisms associated with exposure to contaminants in various media (e.g., surface water, sediment, tissue, stormwater, wastewater media, etc.).
• Assist with statistical analysis of chemical/biological data and graphically (e.g., tables, figures and maps, etc.) present contaminant data using software programs (e.g., Excel, SigmaPlot, Access, ArcGIS, R statistical package, etc.). Assist with data management and chemistry data quality assurance.
• Assist with preparation of technical reports (e.g., data reports, technical memoranda, literature reviews, etc.) that describe results associated with a variety of contaminant assessment and monitoring efforts.
• Assist with development of study designs to address a variety of scientific questions and guide collection of biological/chemical data related to toxic contaminants in various environmental media. Assist with the preparation of Sampling and Analysis Plans.
• Participate in project/program team meetings; present data and results to internal and external groups; assist with development and maintenance of the Toxicology and Contaminant Assessment Unit’s Website.
• Assist in coordination with the King County Environmental Lab (KCEL) regarding sample delivery, sample analysis, data needs, and general project/program coordination. Assist KCEL with fish and invertebrate tissue sample processing.
• Conduct periodic field work to assist with collection and sample preparation of fish and shellfish samples for the tissue monitoring program, as well as other environmental samples. Assist with sample collection and data coordination efforts with other agencies (e.g., Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Ecology, etc.).
• Assist in obtaining biological collection permits from state and federal agencies as needed.
• Work collaboratively in a team environment and provide a high level of customer service.

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree in ecotoxicology, aquatic toxicology, environmental chemistry, aquatic ecology, water quality, environmental science, or a related field; or any equivalent combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the skills, knowledge and abilities required to perform the listed job duties.
• Experience evaluating and interpreting toxic contaminant data (chemical and biological) in a variety of media (e.g., surface water, sediment, tissue, stormwater, wastewater media, etc.) to assess spatial and temporal trends and/or study-specific questions.
• Working knowledge of the technical skills used to assess ecological risks to aquatic organisms associated with exposure to contaminants in various media such as surface water, sediment, tissue, stormwater, wastewater media, etc.
• Working understanding of the statistical analyses typically applied to assess chemical and biological environmental data using software programs other than Excel, such as SigmaPlot, R Statistical package, etc.
• Demonstrated experience preparing technical reports (e.g., chemistry data reports, technical memoranda, literature reviews, sampling and analysis plans, etc.) that describe technical results associated with contaminant-focused assessments and monitoring efforts.
• A working knowledge of environmental data management and quality assurance protocols for chemistry data.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Access and the ability to graphically present environmental data using these or other software packages such as SigmaPlot, R Statistical package, etc.
• Knowledge of state and federal water quality regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully under supervision and independently within a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to promote mutual respect and acceptance of all workers in a diverse work group.
• Skill in time management and prioritizing work. Self-motivated with a proven ability to provide effective customer service.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience conducting spatial analysis using GIS.
• Experience assessing the impact of contaminant exposure on human health.
• Experience assessing the ecological impacts of exposure to toxic contaminants in stormwater and/or wastewater media (e.g., effluent, biosolids, reclaimed water, etc.).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This position periodically (typically less than 2 weeks per year) requires the ability to perform field work under difficult conditions, including: wading in the intertidal zone; walking on uneven terrain and in slippery conditions; working in and around streams, rivers, and wetlands; and carrying up to 40 lbs. of field equipment for short distances. Long hours (9+ hour days) may be necessary to complete this field work which can occur in remote locations and during inclement weather.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
•Valid Washington State Driver’s License (within 30 days of hire)
•Employee will be required to complete First Aid and CPR training, and other safety trainings deemed necessary for employee safety.
•A final offer of employment will be contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment physical examination.

UNION AFFILIATION:  Local 117, Professional and Technical Employees.

CONTACT:  michelle.kobuki@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-4740 for questions related to this recruitment.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE          
The supplemental questions must be completed and submitted with the application. These questions address important elements of the position and the information you provide will help determine your eligibility for further consideration.