Summary
King County’s Ecological Restoration and Engineering Services Unit is currently seeking highly qualified candidates for the position of Environmental Scientist II. The Ecological Restoration and Engineering Services Unit (ERES) designs, permits, implements and monitors ecological restoration projects in King County’s aquatic and riparian environments to promote salmon recovery. ERES has a multidisciplinary staff of ecologists, engineers, geologists and project managers with experience in ecosystem assessment, project conception and design, regulatory management, construction procurement and supervision, and project effectiveness monitoring.

We seek a resourceful, effective, and field-savvy team player who can support our multi-disciplinary teams to advance high priority habitat restoration and mitigation work. The ideal candidate is someone who can apply their knowledge of restoration science, native plants, monitoring approaches, and construction to project design and permitting, construction inspection, planting, and project maintenance. Additionally, the most successful candidates will have a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, work well with others, and provide direction to contractors and crews. For more information about the Ecological Restoration and Engineering Services Unit, please visit our website at www.kingcounty.gov/eres.

WHO MAY APPLY: This temporary position is open to all qualified applicants. If the successful applicant is a King County Career Service employee, this position will be offered as a special duty assignment.

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.

DURATION: This is a benefit eligible temporary position; this position is anticipated to end 3 years from the date of hire in 2023.

WORK LOCATION: King Street Center-201 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104.

REQUIRED MATERIALS TO APPLY: Applications without the following required materials may not be considered for this position.

King County application
Resume
Cover Letter detailing your background and describing how your education and experience meets the qualifications and has prepared you to perform the essential functions of the job (please limit to no more than two pages)
Response to supplemental questions
WORK SCHEDULE: This is an hourly position that is governed by the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for overtime pay or compensatory time accrual with prior approval. The schedule is based on a 40-hour work week with flexible schedule options subject to supervisory approval. Attendance at evening and weekend events is occasionally required.
Job Duties
Support capital project teams in the planning, design, permitting and implementation of habitat restoration and mitigation projects.
Collect field data, characterize environmental conditions, prepare reports and permit applications and participate in ecological design development through all phases of capital project implementation.
Assist in the development and implementation of monitoring and maintenance plans, collect, analyze and report findings related to project performance and recommend maintenance and adaptive management measures.
Plan, schedule and lead the implementation of routine maintenance actions including weeding, watering and supplemental plantings. Recommend adaptive management measures.
Support Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) program staff in scheduling, coordinating and directing WCC crews in the implementation and maintenance of habitat restoration projects.
Assist in the selection, design and implementation of small scale projects within the Small Habitat Restoration Program. Assess sites; develop project scopes, schedules and budgets; design and implement planting plans; and coordinate with public and private property owners.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

The successful candidate with demonstrate the following competencies:

Collaborate – Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others from diverse backgrounds to meet shared objectives.
Optimizes work process – Works to find the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
Demonstrates self-awareness – Uses a combination of feedback and reflection to gain productive insight into personal strengths and weaknesses.
Knowledge of equity and social justice principles – Ability to consider equity and social justice principles in the workplace and in the execution of work, and approach relationships in a culturally appropriate manner.
Competitive candidates will have:
Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or related field (or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities as described), and at least three years of increasingly responsible work experience that is applicable to the primary job duties of this position.
Applied knowledge of construction and restoration techniques and theory and the ability to apply them both in the field and as a member of a capital project design team.
Knowledge of and ability to identify native plants of Western Washington and their use in environmental restoration projects.
Knowledge of and ability to identify noxious and invasive plants of Western Washington and the use of best management practices to control them.
Knowledge of environmental monitoring techniques and approaches.
Ability to give clear direction to construction and restoration contractors and crews.
Skill in reading and interpreting engineering plans, specifications, drawings, and technical maps and documents.
Skill in analyzing and interpreting data, and reporting findings.
Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written forms.
DESIRED EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:
Demonstrated proficiency using Geographical Positioning Systems (GPS), Geographical Information Systems (e.g., ArcGIS), and MS Excel for data analysis.
Familiarity with the Puget Sound regional approach to Chinook salmon recovery and how it is applied to restoration projects.
Job experience or training in wetland delineation.
Supplemental Information

Physical Requirements:

Ability to conduct extensive field work in occasionally difficult conditions which includes: walking on uneven and slippery surfaces, walking through thick brush or densely forested sites, working in and around streams and rivers, snorkeling, wading, and using rafts, and carrying up to 50 lbs of field equipment for short distances.
Long hours and weekend work are occasionally needed for field work or construction support. This work is sometimes carried out in inclement weather conditions.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
A valid Washington State Driver’s License or the ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
Ability to travel throughout King County and Puget Sound as necessary.
The successful candidate will be required to complete First Aid and CPR training, Swift Water Awareness Training and other safety training deemed necessary for employee safety within the first 6 months of being hired.
SELECTION PROCESS: Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to the list of qualifications, skills, and abilities. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews. Reference checks will be conducted before the final offer of employment.

UNION MEMBERSHIP: Positions in this classification are represented by Professional & Technical Employees Local 17A (PROTEC17) union.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Calvin Rivers
Human Resources Senior Analyst
Email: crivers@kingcounty.gov
Phone: 206-263-1986

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE:
The following questions must be completed and submitted with the application. The following questions address important elements of this position and the information you provide will help to determine your eligibility for further consideration. Please limit your response to no more than a page.

Note: Online applications are preferred. However, if you cannot apply online, go to www.kingcounty.gov/jobs for other options.
If you need an accommodation in the recruitment process or an alternate format of this announcement, please inquire directly with the contact listed on the job announcement or the department’s Human Resources Service Delivery Manager.