In Environmental Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Come work at a place where you have a direct impact on the quality of life for Kent residents, business owners and visitors alike!
The City of Kent is seeking a knowledgeable and self-motivated Environmental Conservation Coordinator to help advance our stormwater quality, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance efforts. In this impactful role, you will plan, develop, and implement a wide range of environmental programs that support clean water initiatives, City codes and standards, and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements.
Working both independently and collaboratively with our Environmental Water Quality team, you'll lead programs related to stormwater planning, pollution prevention, public education and outreach, behavioral change campaigns, system mapping, and water quality monitoring. You'll also work across departments to support stormwater management for existing and future development, provide technical guidance to City staff, respond to public inquiries, and contribute to environmental policy and program recommendations.
The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related field, along with four (4) years of increasingly responsible work experience in environmental science. If you're a detail-oriented environmental professional who enjoys problem solving, data analysis, education, and hands-on fieldwork, we invite you to join our team and make a meaningful difference in our community.
This is a full-time, benefited position that is not represented by a union. All City of Kent employees and external candidates are eligible to apply at this time.
**Please note that you must attach your cover letter and resume to your application for your application to be considered complete. Incomplete applications will not be considered for this position. If you experience technical difficulties, please contact our office Monday-Friday, between 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM at (253) 856-5270 and we will do our best to assist you.**
The selection process for this position will include at least one panel interview. A short writing exercise will be given to candidates at the time of the initial interviews. The date for interviews has not been established.
Applications will be accepted through July 21st.
SALARY:
$8,417.00- $10,249.00 per month, depending on experience
For a listing of benefits, please use the following link: Employee Benefits | City of Kent (kentwa.gov)
GENERAL PURPOSE:
Under the supervision of the Environmental Water Quality Supervisor, and direction of the Environmental Conservation Analyst, plan, develop, implement, and coordinate environmental programs to improve stormwater quality, support compliance with City Codes and Standards, as well as National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) permit requirements.
Work is characterized by performing independent, routine, and sometimes specialized technical duties requiring the ability to make decisions and take responsibility for such decisions. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, developing Stormwater program plans and priorities related to Stormwater Planning, Public Education and Outreach, Public Involvement and Participation, Stormwater System Mapping and Documentation, Maintenance of Stormwater Systems and Stormwater Management for Existing and Proposed Development.
Work is performed under limited supervision. The supervisor sets the overall objectives and determines resources available. The incumbent and Analyst work together with the Supervisor to develop the program plans, projects, and work to be completed. The incumbent is responsible for the work, plans and carries out the assignments, resolves most conflicts that arise, coordinates work with others, and interprets policies on own initiative in terms of established objectives. The incumbent keeps the supervisor and analyst informed of progress, potentially controversial matters, or far-reaching implications. Work is reviewed in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness of results.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work with Analyst on the development and implementation of programs and strategies for Stormwater Planning and Stormwater Management for Existing Development including: tree canopy goals and policies, stormwater monitoring and Stormwater System water quality sampling, plans for stormwater management actions to meet the criteria required under the NPDES permit, and development and updating the City's Stormwater Management Action Plan.
Coordinate the Public Education and Outreach and Public Involvement and Participation programs by planning education and outreach and public participation events, developing educational materials for pollution prevention, updating the City website with accurate public information and developing, implementing and documenting behavioral change campaigns.
Research needed information on stormwater pollution prevention including treatment for pollutants such as Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and 6 Phenyl Phenylenediamine Quinone (6PPD-Quinone) for education and stormwater planning program development.
Respond to public records requests with any information or data retained by Environmental Engineering.
Assist with the implementation of the City's Illicit Detection, Discharge and Elimination Program.
Work with GIS staff to provide Stormwater System Mapping and Documentation to meet NPDES Permit requirements.
Provide training and technical assistance to City design engineers, construction inspectors, and public works operations personnel on effective environmental management techniques (e.g. stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, etc.) for City and private development projects under design and/or construction.
Develop corrective measures and associated costs for correcting environmental problems and/or preventing potential problems.
Monitor stormwater discharges and surface waters for compliance with state and federal standards.
Establish effective working relationships with adjacent local governments, State Department of Ecology, and State Department of Fish and Wildlife to monitor and correct environmental issues.
Provide technical support of City code enforcement activities and attend hearings to present testimony on pollution investigations.
Develop recommendations for changes in City environmental policies, regulations, and programs.
Represent the City at various meetings with citizens, contractors, consultants, and outside agencies.
Actively support and follow the vision, mission, values, and goals of the department and the City.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles of environmental science
• Construction plans and specifications
• Research and analytical methods, practices, and procedures
• City, county, state, and federal codes, standards, requirements and regulations relating to Fish and Wildlife; Water Quality; Surface Water, Industrial Wastewater, Utility & Drainage; National Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems permits; and other applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures related to inspection
• Erosion and sediment control (ESC) BMPs for construction projects
• Stormwater management with specific emphasis on the practical application of stormwater treatment techniques and devices
• Environmental sampling protocols, specifically including areas such as water quality, soils, wetlands, and groundwater
• Municipal public works construction techniques
• Trends, legislation, and developments in the field of environmental engineering
• City of Kent construction and development standards
• Advanced mathematics including trigonometry, geometry, and algebra
• Pollution sources and pollutants pertaining to surface water
• Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment including personal computers and related software such as word processing and spreadsheet programs
• Correct English, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary as it pertains to the job
• City organization, operations, policies, and objectives
• Basic principles and practices of government budgeting, accounting, and purchasing procedures and practices
• Applicable health and safety regulations
• Recordkeeping techniques
• City utilities, storm, and drainage systems and facilities

SKILLED IN:

• Performing complex technical work in a variety of environments
• Coordinating large programs among various City departments and/or between other local jurisdictions
• Using interpersonal skills effectively in a tactful, patient, and courteous manner
• Varying communication content and style as appropriate for different audiences, including the public, City inspectors, state and federal regulatory officials, and elected officials
• Preparing and delivering oral presentations
• Interpreting complex regulations and applying them to onsite situations
• Making extensive mathematical computations accurately
• Negotiations and conflict resolution
• Maintain accurate records and prepare routine reports and correspondence.
• Effective oral and written communication
• Setting goals and assuring those goals are accomplished
• Remaining professional when dealing with hostile and/or irate contractors, owners and citizens
• Anticipating problems in advance of their occurrence and eliminating them when possible

ABILITY TO:

• Interpret, apply and explain codes, regulations, plans, policies and procedures
• Define problems; collect, analyze, and organize data; establish facts; and draw valid conclusions and recommend an appropriate course of action
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Represent the City of Kent at regional meetings
• Resolve conflicts with other departments, agencies, organizations, and the public
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
• Work independently with limited supervision
• Plan and organize work to meet schedules and timelines
• Read, analyze, interpret and explain technical procedures and governmental regulations
• Prepare clear and concise reports, business correspondence, and other regulatory documentation
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from elected officials, groups of managers, contractors, developers, engineers and the general public
• Maintain records
• Effectively communicate both orally and in writing
• Plan, organize and prioritize work schedule independently
• Analyze and propose responses to state and federal regulations

SKILLS FOR THE POSITION MAY BE GAINED THROUGH EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, RELEVANT JOB EXPERIENCE or a COMBINATION, SUCH AS:
Education: Bachelor's degree in environmental science or related degree; and
Experience: Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in environmental science.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid Washington State drivers license, or the ability to obtain within thirty (30) days of employment
• Must successfully pass the City's pre-employment driver's records check; complete the City's Defensive Driving Course; and maintain an excellent driving record
• Valid First Aid/CPR Card, or the ability to obtain within thirty (30) days of employment.
• New employees must successfully pass the City's pre-employment substance abuse screening
• Must successfully pass a position specific background inquiry

MACHINES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Typical business office machinery and equipment used include, but are not limited to, personal computer and related software, telephone, copy machine, and calculator.
Standard and specialized hand and power machines, tools and equipment used in field water quality monitoring including, but not limited to, pH, D.O., turbidity and temperature meters, field distance measurement tools, digital cameras, etc.
The incumbent is required to operate a City vehicle.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk and hear normally with or without mechanical assistance. The employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move in excess of 30 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed in an indoor/outdoor field environment and in an indoor office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical tools and may be walking/climbing high, precarious places. The employee may be frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, outside weather conditions including inclement weather, and other risks associated with the job performance. The employee is occasionally exposed to vibration. The incumbent is subject to driving from site to site. During field work, the incumbent may be exposed to individuals who are irate or hostile. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate in the office and moderate to loud in the field.
The City of Kent is an Equal Opportunity Employer.