Performs moderate to complex technical support tasks for projects related to the mission of the Natural Resources Division of Skagit County Public Works Department. Projects may include Farmland Legacy Program, Voluntary Stewardship Program, and coordinating the County’s response to drainage concerns.

This position includes projects related to Pollution Identification and Correction (PIC), Water Quality Monitoring Program and NPDES Stormwater Compliance Program; these duties are to include the following:

Conducts surface water quality monitoring at various sites within Skagit County and conducts entry and quality control procedures of water quality data.
Contacts landowners to perform inspections of private and public properties to determine the potential for pollution and recommends appropriate Best Management Practices.
Participate in Source ID sampling, windshield surveys, and aerial surveys to identify sources of non-point pollution.
Assists with Education and Outreach efforts related for Natural Resource Division programs.
Salary upon hire will be $24.74/hr. – $26.55/hr. depending upon qualifications.
Essential Functions
Edits, updates and maintains a variety of database programs.

Assists in technical work related to developing, drafting, executing, and monitoring easements.

Assists in technical work related to meeting the goals of County programs, including report preparation, synthesizing data sets, coordinating surveys, summarizing existing programs, and researching and developing soil conservation projects and programs.

Drafts, executes, and manages contracts and Interlocal Agreements following applicable procurement guidelines.

Conducts research and analysis necessary to prepare reports and give presentations for colleagues, citizen advisory committees, the Board of County Commissioners, other agencies, and the general public.

Prepares grant applications according to ranking criteria, presents grant applications to potential funding agencies, and performs ongoing grant management.

Coordinates and facilitates internal and external meetings, including logistics and producing meeting summaries.

Facilitates public and advisory group meetings and provides a communication link to advisory committee members.

Ensures interdepartmental coordination as it relates to monitoring and tracking executed conservation, critical area, and natural lands easements.

Assists in the solicitation of bids and preparation of contracts, as applicable for conducting specified work.

Reports to Emergency Coordination Center assignment under the County’s Incident Command System as needed during emergencies.

Supervisory:

None.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

May be tasked with performing related duties. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the position description, but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

Minimum Qualifications
Requires Bachelor’s degree in Geography, Natural Resource Management, Planning, Environmental Science, Engineering or a related field and two years of experience in natural resources management; OR any combination that provides a total of four years of training to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office products required.

Previous experience in local government preferred.

Requires knowledge of:

Database management
Conservation Easements
General hydrology and watershed science
Surface Water Management issues and techniques
Soil conservation techniques
Farmland Legacy Program
Voluntary Stewardship Program
NPDES Phase II Municipal Permits
Washington State Water Quality Standards
Pollution Identification and Correction techniques
Research methods
Microsoft Office

Requires the ability to:
Research, collect, prepare, and analyze technical data pertaining to conservation easements, agricultural land use, farmland preservation, and soil conservation
Communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing
Responds promptly to surface water drainage complaints from the public
Meet with concerned citizens and groups regarding drainage problems
Coordinate with Engineering, Road Operations, and co-workers to find creative solutions to problems
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with colleagues, elected officials, and the general public
Assist in the preparation of comprehensive technical reports
Work independently
Use a range of software programs to accomplish technical aspects of the position
Work occasional long hours in the field during inclement weather and with challenging terrain
Interpret complex grants, maps, applications, and other public plans
Deal tactfully and courteously with customers, both internal and external
Licenses and/or Certifications:

Valid Washington State Driver’s License required.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

80% of work is performed in an office environment.

20% of work is on project sites with exposure to varying weather and terrain conditions. Physical hazards on-site may include traffic and construction equipment.

Hazards:

Hazards include those present in a normal office environment, working adjacent to waterways and in remote wooded areas, and working with the public on private property.
Supplemental Information
SELECTION PROCESS:

Following review of applications and resumes, the highest qualified applicants will be interviewed and may be tested. After a selection is made, all applicants not selected will be notified in writing. Skagit County reserves the right to use applications received for this posting to fill any other positions within this classification which may open within six months following the closing of this position.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non-discrimination in its employment practices.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice: Individuals, who need an ADA accommodation to complete the application, test or interview process, please call: (360) 416-1382.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.