Salary: $46.39 - $58.80 Hourly
Location : WA 98057-2906, WA
Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week
Job Number: 2025VS23741
Department: DLS - Dept. of Local Services
Division: Permitting
Opening Date: 01/24/2025
Closing Date: 2/9/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: C1 : PROTEC17-DES, DLS, DNRP
Full- or Part-Time: Full Time
SummaryIn 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 - Wetland Ecologist. The person in this role will provide advance-level technical support services to a professional multi-disciplinary team. Primary responsibility is the investigation of sites for proposed residential or commercial development and identification of issues relating to code compliance focused on public safety, natural resources, and surface water features. This position requires the evaluation of wetland delineations, wetland and stream reports, site plans, maps, surveys, and other documents to determine their accuracy in describing existing field conditions and involves at up to fifty percent (50%) field work year-round in all weather conditions. Emphasis will be placed on review of consultant reports, rating forms, impact analysis, compensatory mitigation proposals, and site plans for compliance with applicable King County critical area regulations. 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 Applying 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.
- Evaluate previous studies, examine field conditions, assess the functions and values of regulated critical areas such as wetlands, streams, and other aquatic features; and identify issue and concerns.
- Assess existing field conditions and the potential impacts of construction, environmental improvement activities or other development.
- Participate in 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 violation complaints.
- Use computer software to perform calculations, store, and track data.
- Work as a team member support staff.
- Screen applications and 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 to technical staff, management, and the public; interact with clients (public or internal customers) on technical issues and questions.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills Minimum Qualifications:- Professional experience withevaluation of wetland delineations, wetland and stream reports, site plans, maps, surveys, and other documents.
- Ability to convey technical information to the public (both applicant/developers and concerned citizens), government agencies and environmental consultants.
- Experience with examining field conditions, assessing the functions and values of regulated critical areas such as wetlands, streams, and other aquatic features; and identify issue and concerns.
- Ability to quickly relate codes, public rules, and ordinances to observe proposed building site conditions.
- Knowledge of personal computer applications for word processing, spreadsheets and/or databases.
- Data collection skills.
- Excellent graphic presentation, oral and technical writing skills.
- Skill in reading and interpreting engineering plans and reports.
- Ability to promote 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.
Desired Qualifications:- A biology or ecology related degree or equivalent work experience.
- Certification as a Wetland Scientist.
- Knowledge of basic GPS (global positioning system data collection and processing).
- Field or inspection related work.
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 InformationApplicants who pass the initial screening will be invited to participate in a 15-minute phone interview the week of
February 17, 2025. If selected to move forward after the phone interview, you will be invited for a virtual interview the week of
February 24, 2025. This recruitment may be used to fill vacancies for up to 6 months, including career service, short-term temporary (STT), term-limited temporary (TLT) and/or special duty assignment (SDA) opportunities for current King County career service employees who have passed their probationary period.
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.
Forms and Materials: A completed
King County Application is required. We highly recommend that you also provide a 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.
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 position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standard Act and is eligible for overtime pay, with prior supervisor approval.
Emergency Designation Status: This position has been designated as:
Non-Mission Critical - Employees who staff county functions or services that may be delayed, suspended, or diverted in an emergency while essential functions are prioritized Mission Critical.
Unless otherwise directed by the County Executive, department director or agency head, all employees, regardless of designation, are expected to report to work or request leave during an emergency or inclement weather. For more detailed information, please visit HR Policy County Operations During Emergency Situations and the King County Guidelines for Workforce Management in an Emergency.
Union Membership: PROTEC17
Teleworking Requirement: This is a hybrid position. 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.
King County has a robust collection of 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.
If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact
Vivienne Swai, HR Analyst, by email at , or by phone at 206-477-1538.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite activity centers
- Employee Giving Program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
For additional information about employee benefits, visit our
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
01
Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? ANDIs this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? ANDDo you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
- Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my Career Service role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
- No.
02
If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided:1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice2. The department you worked in3. The effective date of your layoff
Required Question
