Position DescriptionSeattle 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” (Download PDF reader) 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 reports to the Natural Resources Manager in the Watershed Management Division of Seattle Public Utilities at the Cedar River Watershed in North Bend, WA and is responsible for practicing wildlife and ecosystem monitoring and management in the municipal watersheds that are managed for drinking water supply, threatened species protection, habitat protection, and ecological restoration. This position works within the interdisciplinary team of the Natural Resources Section with minimal supervision and provides technical expertise in wildlife biology, analyses 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 is 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 Wildlife Species Programs for the Cedar River and Tolt River Municipal Watersheds
• Surveying and monitoring wildlife species and their natural habitat, including but not limited to species of concern that are covered under the Cedar River Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP)
• Supporting habitat protection and restoration programs in both watersheds by contributing to project design and monitoring
• Developing and administering consultant and service contracts, managing budgets, and training and supervising seasonal employees and interns
• Providing technical and logistical support for aquatic, 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 for wildlife to climate change impacts
• Conducting long-term riparian and forest monitoring of ecosystem change
• Conducting data collection, management, analysis and reporting
• Coordinate with local Tribes and state agencies on wildlife monitoring and management on a regular basis
• Collaborating with partners in state and federal agencies, Tribes, non-governmental organizations, and research and educational institutions on wildlife monitoring, research and management issues of regional concern
• Staying informed about developments and innovations in wildlife management, natural resource management, and climate change adaptation through literature review, continuing education, and professional meetings

QualificationsEducation/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, zoology, environmental restoration, natural or physical sciences, or related field
• Five (5) years’ experience in wildlife biology, environmental restoration, endangered species management, forest management, environmental research, or a related field
• Other combinations of education, training, and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Work may be performed in the field including remote mountainous terrain locations, uneven and steep terrain, on rivers and reservoirs, and in inclement weather, as well as in a normal City office/work environment
• May require long work days or irregular shifts to monitor wildlife species.
• Ability to lift and carry 40 pounds
• Ability to physically handle wildlife
• Occasional exposure to hazardous wastes, chemicals, and other conditions requiring safety precautions.

Additional InformationThe ideal candidate possesses:

• Master of Science in wildlife biology, zoology, environmental restoration, ecosystem science/management, or related field; and three years of experience in wildlife biology, endangered species management, ecosystem restoration, and/or ecosystem management
• Experience in developing, conducting and/or evaluating surveys for a variety of wildlife, including but not limited to species of concern and species listed under the Endangered Species Act
• Experience in collaborating and communicating with diverse and multiple stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, Tribes, and researchers
• Knowledge of experimental design and statistical analysis of ecological data
• Specific experience in habitat restoration including forest, riparian and wetlands
• Experience in developing and administering contracts
• Experience in developing and managing budgets