Environmental Scientist II – Geologist

SUMMARY:

In order to hire and maintain a quality workforce that reflects the diversity of the community and works well within our True North values-based organization, the Permitting Division of the Department of Local Services (DLS) is accepting applications for the position of Environmental Scientist II – Geologist.

The person in this role will provide advance-level technical support services to a professional ecological services group.  Primary responsibility is the investigation of sites for proposed residential or commercial development and identification of issues relating to public safety, natural resources, environmental hazards, and surface water features.  This position requires the evaluation of geotechnical reports, wetlands assessments, maps, surveys, and other documents to determine their accuracy in describing existing field conditions and applicability to the proposed activities. It involves at least twenty five percent (25%) field work year-round in all weather conditions.  Emphasis will be placed on evaluation of consultant reports, preparation of comment and information request letters, and document markup using Bluebeam Revu.  This position requires a high level of organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple projects, the ability to prioritize timelines and high level of conflict resolution skills.

JOB DUTIES:

To be considered for this opportunity, you must at a minimum, demonstrate knowledge, skill and ability to:  

Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.

• Conduct and perform portions of scientific research such as evaluating previous studies; examining field conditions; assessing the properties of natural phenomena such as landslide features, slopes, subsurface soil and groundwater conditions, wetlands, streams and rivers; identifying issue and concerns; diagnosing natural conditions; and predicting behavior of natural things.
• Assess existing field conditions and the potential impacts of construction, environmental improvement activities or other developments.
• Review and evaluate analyses and recommendations within geotechnical reports, including those related to slope stability, liquefaction, and erosion hazards.
• Participate in drafting and reviewing related King County regulations, ordinances, and rules.
• Participate in preparing maps and comprehensive written reports for use by technical staff, elected officials, management, and the public.
• Participate in investigating code violations complaints.
• Use computer software to perform calculations, store, and track data.
• Work as a team member supporting ES III staff.
• Screen applications information for completeness relative to both ecological and geological regulations and to determine when appropriate ES III staff is required for supplemental review.
• Participate with other professional staff in identifying and implementing appropriate solutions to problems related to the position's discipline.  May review and recommend approval of site development plans for compliance with appropriate codes for small projects.
• Present conclusions orally and/or in writing to technical staff, management, and the public; interact with clients (public or internal customers) on technical issues and questions.
• Develop scientific monitoring equipment, methods, and plans.
• Participate in leading small-scale projects involving research in the applicable scientific disciplines; assist in management of budget, schedule, and quality.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:

 The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

• Ability to convey technical information to the public (both applicant/developers and concerned citizens), government agencies and environmental consultants.
• Ability to quickly relate codes, public rules, and ordinances to observed proposed building site conditions.
• Knowledge of personal computer applications for word processing, spreadsheets and/or databases.
• Data collection and field observation skills.
• Excellent graphic presentation, oral and technical writing skills.
• Skill in reading and interpreting engineering plans and reports.
• Skill promoting mutual respect and acceptance of all workers in a diverse work group.
• Skill in group problem-solving and decision-making.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements for assigned projects such as environmental or land development regulations.
• Knowledge of methods for the collections and analysis of natural resource data for research.
• Knowledge of small-project management techniques.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR LICENSES:

• A geology related degree or equivalent work experience. 
• Licensed Geologist.
• Knowledge of basic GPS (global positioning system data collection and processing). 
• Knowledge of drafting techniques and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
• Field or inspection related work.

NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS: 

• An offer of employment will be contingent on the success of a pre-employment physical examination.
• Physically able to traverse by foot through densely wooded terrain and steep inclines in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift 20lbs.   
• Must have a valid Washington State driver's license. 
• Must operate a motor vehicle safely throughout the County in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to use office equipment and software.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

Those applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited to interview the week of October 17, 2022.

This recruitment may be used to fill vacancies for up to 6 months. Including career service, special duty assignments, STT and TLT opportunities.

WHO MAY APPLY: This position is open to all qualified applicants. First consideration will be given to current PROTEC17 members in the same classification that are eligible for lateral transfer.

WORK SCHEDULE: The work week is normally Monday through Friday, 7.00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but may at times require work outside of normal business hours. This full-time position is overtime eligible.
 
FORMS AND MATERIALS: A completed King County Application is required. We highly recommend that you also provide a resume and cover letter (no more than 2 pages) summarizing how you meet the experience, qualifications, knowledge and skills for the position.

SELECTION PROCESS: Applicants will be screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews.  Interviews will be conducted via Teams.  Reference checks and file reviews will be conducted.
   
UNION MEMBERSHIP:  PROTEC17
 
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
   Vivienne Swai
   Human Resources Analyst
   206-477-1538
   vswai@kingcounty.gov

Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement
King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.
 
 As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:
 • submit proof of vaccination or
 • have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.

People are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after receiving the final dose of a vaccination approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
 
The Executive Branch includes employees in the Executive branch, the Assessor’s Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff’s Office, and the Executive Office.

Teleworking Requirement 
The work associated with this position will be performed by teleworking, field work, onsite work and meetings as needed. The responsibilities of this position may include regular and ongoing in-office work involving in person customer service in accordance with the division's available customer service options.
 
Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
 
Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required, including the wearing of masks in some situations. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint.
   
King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment.  
 
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. 
 
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play. 
 
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
 
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
 
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement. 

environmental-scientist-ii-geologist | Job Details tab | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com)