Engineering Technician (Limited-Hour)

The City of Kent is currently accepting applications for the temporary, limited hour position of Engineering Technician 2 in Public Works Engineering. Are you a dedicated professional who is passionate about the environment, particularly efforts to enhance environmental quality? The main focus of this position is the performance of technical and customer service work performed in the planning and development of habitat/capital projects and monitoring programs. Responsibilities also include grants research, application and reporting, along with the creation of tools and presentations used to educate others on environmental management issues. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual who has relevant education and experience in environmental science, environmental inspections and assessments, wetlands management, habitat restoration/enhancement, ecological sustainability, solid waste management, and/or fish and wildlife management.

The person in this position will work no more than 28 hours per week. This position is not benefited and not represented by a union. Please contact Human Resources if you have questions regarding the employment status of this position.

**A cover letter and resume are required with your online application in order for your application to be considered complete. Uploading your resume to auto-fill portions of the application does not automatically attach it to your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered for this position. Please note that you cannot attach documents to your application after it has been submitted. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your online application, please call our office at ... and we will do our best to assist you.**

This position is open until filled.

HOURLY RATE:

$42.87

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under the direction of the Environmental Supervisor, or designee, perform inspections of projects and properties to ensure compliance with environmental regulations; and perform other field reconnaissance and reporting duties related to water quality and natural resources within and around the City of Kent.

Work is characterized by performing independent, routine, and sometimes specialized technical duties associated with environmental conservation programs including but not limited to natural resources and ecological infrastructure projects. Duties include, but are not limited to, performing field inspections of construction and mitigation sites; maintaining inspection files and records; communicating with property owners and consultants/contractors, internal departments, external agencies, etc.; collecting data and writing reports and attending meetings as required. The incumbent will also investigate water quality and environmental issues, including reports of illegal dumping, spills, stormwater-related, or critical habitat/wetlands complaints.

Work is performed under general supervision. The supervisor defines objectives, priorities, and deadlines. The incumbent plans and carries out assignments and handles problems and deviations in accordance with instructions, policies, procedures, and/or accepted practices. Work is evaluated for technical soundness and conformity to practice and policy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collect samples (soil, plant, water, animal/fish) from construction sites and natural resources conservation areas; identify appropriate parameters for analysis; prepare samples for delivery to laboratories for evaluation; summarize and interpret laboratory sample analytical results for reporting and enforcement actions as necessary.

• Assist in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data/information and preparing monitoring reports.

• Assist in identifying wetland restoration and mitigation areas, developing plan elements and securing permits.

• Perform field reconnaissance and natural resources/water quality investigations to identify and assess environmental problems and natural resources conservation and project mitigation/restoration areas.

• Investigate reports of unpermitted activities and hazardous chemical spills or illicit discharges onto wetlands and critical areas. Assess magnitude and possible remedies and notify appropriate internal and external response parties per standard operating procedures.

• Assist with the contracting process including development and/or review of qualifications and scopes of work, selection/evaluation of consultants/contractors, routing requests for contract, monitoring contract budget and contractor performance, recommending contract changes if necessary, and processing of invoices.

• Provide input and direction to the public, developers, and consultants on the preparation of wetlands/critical area plans and reports.

• Assist in developing educational materials associated with protecting natural resources, water quality/quantity; including but not limited to presentations, brochures, flyers, signage, and handouts.

• Actively support the vision, mission, values, and goals of the department and the City.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES:

Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles of environmental science, natural resources management, land use and watershed management

• Wetlands identification, delineation, assessment and monitoring

• Wetland plants identification

• Fish biology and fisheries science

• Riverine ecosystems and reservoir habitats and biota

• Salmonid fish habitat requirements

• City codes and other applicable state and federal regulations related to critical areas, stormwater management, municipal water supply, and construction standards

• City utilities, including water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater

• Applicable health and safety regulations

• Methods, procedures, and materials used in construction

• Erosion and sediment control

• Stormwater management practices and systems

• GIS and use of GPS technologies

• Computer software programs applicable to the position

• Recordkeeping and file management techniques

• Research and analytical methods, practices, and procedures

SKILLED IN:

• Oral and written (both technical and creative) communications

• Field investigation of potential environmental problems including wetlands/critical habitats, stormwater management issues and pollutant sources

• Analyzing technical material related to management and protection of natural resources, fish and wildlife, wetlands, and critical areas

• Using qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze data/findings

• Establishing and maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships with others

• Correctly using English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary

• Maintaining accurate records and preparing routine reports and correspondence

• Effectively planning and organizing work

• Using interpersonal relations in a tactful, patient, and courteous manner when dealing with fellow employees, contractors/vendors, and citizens/public.

• Anticipating problems and eliminating them where possible, or coming up with solutions

ABILITY TO:

• Perform construction compliance and restoration/mitigation site visits and inspection

• Work independently or in a team setting and ability to track multiple projects and tasks

• Understand construction plans, site drawings, sketches, and electronic files

• Perform moderate physical labor including, but not limited to, inspecting natural resource sites, walking on irregular terrain, etc.

• Identify project/environmental issues while in the field

• Read, interpret, and apply laws, codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures

• Analyze situations and adopt an effective course of action to solve practical problems

• Plan, organize, and prioritize work assignments to meet schedules and timelines

• Maintain records and prepare reports

• Work effectively on multiple projects concurrently

• Effectively present information in one-on-one situations to the supervisor and/or other employees of the City and to respond to inquiries from within the office or the public

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education: Associate degree or higher education in an accredited college/university specializing in environmental science/studies, natural resources management, fish and wildlife biology, geology/hydrogeology, ecology, or related field; and

Experience: Two (2) years of work experience in the areas of environmental science, environmental inspections and assessments, wetlands management, ecological, and/or fish and wildlife research.

Or: In place of the above requirement, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS :

• Valid Washington State driver's license, or the ability to obtain within thirty (30) days of employment

• Valid First Aid/CPR card, or the ability to obtain within ninety (90) days of employment

• Must successfully pass the City's pre-employment driver's records check and maintain an excellent driving record and other required background inquiry

MACHINES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Typical business office machines and equipment including, but not limited to, personal computer and related software, GIS equipment, soil/water sampling tools/equipment, telephone, cellular phone, pager, fax machine, copy machine, and calculator. The incumbent is also required to operate a City vehicle.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described herein 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 incumbent is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear normally with or without mechanical assistance. The incumbent must regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 80 pounds or more with assistance. Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. 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.