The mission of the Water Quality program is to protect and restore Washington’s waters to sustain healthy watersheds and communities. Our work ensures that state waters support beneficial uses including recreational and business activities, supplies for clean drinking water, and the protection of fish, shellfish, wildlife, and public health.


The General Nonpoint Source and Shellfish Specialist conducts environmental reviews related to adverse water quality and shellfish impacts from various land use activities and bacterial pollution in the Southwest Region. This work includes:

• Investigating complaints, violations, and inquires related to land uses causing nonpoint pollution or impacts to shellfish.
• Implementing water quality cleanup plans (TMDLs).
• Conducting site inspections that focus on livestock management, small unpermitted construction sites, unauthorized work in water, or other complaints.
• Resolving issues and negotiating agreements and action plans.
• Collecting and analyzing samples from sites to identify pollution sources.
• Inspecting sites and evaluating information to determine the best course of action, which may include encouraging voluntary compliance, providing technical assistance, or taking enforcement action.
• Interpreting water quality laws and regulations for landowners and the public.
• Making technical and scientific recommendations regarding the development, coordination and implementation of environmental technical assistance programs involving pollution prevention, pollution control, and natural resource protection.
• Applying enforcement actions using agency policies and requirements if necessary to address noncompliance with water quality laws and regulations.
• Preparing appropriate documentation and issuing enforcement actions.
• Assisting the Attorney General’s office in compiling the necessary materials for the preparation of cases to be presented before judicial courts and boards, and appearing and testifying on behalf of the water quality program on matters arising as a result of related enforcement actions.
• Responding to inquiries from other staff, the public, agencies, tribes and others regarding nonpoint sources and water pollution impacts on shellfish resources.
• Representing Ecology in public information and education activities for nonpoint water quality activities.
• Representing the agency in public meetings, workshops and hearings, and attending Conservation District board meetings and technical workshops.

 

This position will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be on June 19, 2017. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before June 18, 2017. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

Required Qualifications:
 
A Bachelor’s degree involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field AND two years of professional level experience in environmental analysis or control or environmental planning.

OR

A Master’s degree in one of the above fields AND one year of professional level experience in environmental analysis or control or environmental planning.

OR

A Ph.D. in one of the above fields.

OR

One year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 2.


Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education.

 
Desired Qualifications:

• GIS experience or certification
• Experience with agriculture, livestock, or dairy operations
• Mediation training
• Water quality sampling experience or training
• Laboratory experience

 
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
 
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
 
 
 
Please note the following benefit that isn’t listed in the Benefits tab:

Student Loans and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program:
Employees are eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.

Please complete the applicant profile when applying for this position. Or, you may paste the text of your resume within the profile’s resume text field.

Please read the supplemental questions carefully and answer completely. Incomplete responses, including “please see resume” may disqualify you from further consideration.

Department of Ecology employees, please make sure to answer the agency-wide questions regarding permanent status as a classified employee within the Washington General Service or Washington Management Service. Do not forget to select Department of Ecology as a response to question 2, and type your personnel ID number for question 3. If you are not sure of your status or do not know your personnel ID number, please contact Human Resources at (360) 407-6186.

If you are reading this announcement in print format, please visit www.careers.wa.gov to access the online recruitment system. Click on “Look for Jobs” and select Dept. of Ecology under the “Department” search list. Click “Apply Search.”

If you need assistance applying for this job, please call Human Resources at (360) 407-6186 or e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not call this number or send an email to this address to follow-up the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile’s main page.

The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.

This position is included in the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) union bargaining unit for the Department of Ecology. All employees covered by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the WFSE will, as a condition of employment, either become members of the WFSE and pay membership dues or, as non-members, pay a representation fee as described in the CBA, no later than the 30th day following the effective date of this CBA or the beginning of their employment.

The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 407-6186. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.