SummaryAbout the Section: 
The Science and Technical Support Section is responsible for providing accurate 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 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.

WHO MAY APPLY:  This position is open to the general public. This posting is being used to fill up to 5 positions.

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, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and veterans.  We are committed to being equitable and fair in providing equal access to opportunities for all.

REQUIRED MATERIALS:
• King County Application Form (applying online satisfies this requirement)
• Resume
• Letter of interest that demonstrates your ability to meet or exceed the qualification requirements and specifies your availability to work between July 1, 2019 and October 11, 2019.

You must complete and submit all required materials; failure to submit all required forms and materials may prohibit further consideration.

WORK SCHEDULE:  This position normally works 4, 10-hour days per week (Monday-Thursday) from 7:00a.m – 5:30p.m.

Job DutiesThis position is in the Toxicology and Contaminant Assessment Unit and will be responsible for providing short term support to the Stream Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Program. These positions will primarily provide field support for collection of stream benthos samples and riparian habitat data from streams throughout King County. Staff will work in teams of two to collect samples and habitat data from streams. The position requires long days (up to 10 hours) in the field and requires the ability to hike over uneven terrain and be comfortable working under a range of weather conditions. A small portion of the position will include data entry and data management to ensure that field data are accurately entered into the appropriate databases.

• Field work in creeks throughout King County, following established protocols to collect macroinvertebrate samples and habitat data.
• Logistical preparations for field sampling, including contacting private land owners to gain property access.
• Data entry and other routine computer based tasks.
• Provide general support for a variety of other natural resources/water quality related projects as needed.
• Work collaboratively in a team environment.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

• Ability to work independently, take initiative and make judgment calls based on field conditions
• Ability to work collaboratively on a team.
• Proficiency with commonly used computer software (Microsoft Office, including Excel, and Word)
• Enthusiasm to work outdoors in a range of weather and field conditions often for 8-10 hours per day
• Ability to read a map and navigate in rural areas (sometimes without the aid of cell service)
• Attention to detail and ability to take thorough field notes
• Interest in urban streams and biological monitoring
• Ability to swim (First Aid and CPR training will be provided)
• Experience with in-stream and habitat data collection or previous field work experience a plus, but not required.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
ArcGIS skills desired, but not required
Bachelor’s Degree in Aquatic Ecology, Environmental Science or associated field.Supplemental InformationWORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This position requires the ability to perform field work under difficult conditions, including: wading in and working around streams and rivers; walking on uneven terrain and in slippery conditions; and carrying up to 40 lbs. of field equipment for short distances. Long hours (10 hour days) will be necessary to complete field work which can occur in remote locations and during inclement weather.

SELECTION PROCESS:  Applicants who meet the required qualifications will be screened based on the clarity, completeness and content of their application materials. After initial screening, the most competitive applicants may proceed to an interview.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• A valid Washington State Driver’s License.
• A final offer of employment will be contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment physical examination (King County will cover the cost of the examination).
• Employee will be required to complete First Aid and CPR training, and other safety trainings deemed necessary for employee safety (provided by King County).

For questions regarding this announcement:
Calvin Rivers, SR Human Resources Analyst
crivers@kingcounty.gov
(206) 263-1986