6-month Temporary (Seasonal) Watershed Inspector for Cedar Falls Watershed

Full Job Description

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking an outdoor professional to serve as a Temporary Watershed Inspector. Watershed Inspectors are an integral part of a unique Watershed Protection Team that traverses some of the most beautiful valleys, ridges, and summits within the Cascade Mountains seven days a week, as they protect the Cedar River and South Fork Tolt Watersheds that are the source of drinking water for 1.6 million customers.

This Temporary Watershed Inspector position is part of an inclusive outdoor-minded crew that provides watershed monitoring on more than 100,000 acres of forest land. Priority work includes proactive security, access permitting, recreation monitoring, boundary enforcement, hydrological data collection, wildfire suppression, and all-hazard incident response.

This temporary assignment is expected to last from mid-March through mid-September of 2025 and are open to all qualified candidates. Candidates must be available for the full 6-months to be eligible.

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost.

SPU also provides drinking water for 1.6 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean.

Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), checkout the:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectation
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

Requirements

Primary Temporary Watershed Inspector Job Responsibilities:

• Monitor all watershed activities on foot, vehicle, boat, and aircraft.
• Enforce City Watershed Water Quality regulations and assist law enforcement as needed.
• Collect hydrological data and perform sampling by foot, boat, and helicopter.
• While working alone, perform regular security patrols and challenging boundary posting tasks in remote mountainous terrain in all weather conditions.
• Provide professional level access and control, including the use of several integrated security systems and products.
• Document and meet numerous deadlines and task expectations through the regular use of a mobile application using an issued cell phone and tablet.
• Respond to all-hazard emergencies and incidents including wildfires, search and rescue missions, medical aides, hazardous material spills, storm related damage and various enforcement scenarios.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

One (1) year of college education in forestry, law enforcement, natural resources, fire science, environmental science, parks and recreation management, or a related field
OR
One year of experience in forestry, law enforcement, natural resource management, fire science, parks and recreation management, environmental science or watershed protection or related field.

License, Certification, and other Requirements:

• Possess a valid Washington State Driver's License.
• Ability to complete a Washington State Patrol background check to become an Emergency Vehicle Operator to drive and operate wildland firefighting engines.

Must certify and meet National Wildfire Coordinating Group standards for Firefighter 2 at the Arduous fitness level.

Current Arduous test is carrying a 45lb pack along a 3-mile flat course in less than 45 minutes. This test will be conducted in April.

Failure to complete the test will terminate the temporary position assignment with the City immediately.


Certifications Requirements:
These certificates and training classes are not needed to apply for the position. The NWCG Firefighter 2 course, if needed, will be delivered in-house in mid-April. If other opportunities present during the temporary assignment, other certification classes shall be considered at the city’s expense.


• National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Firefighter 2 certification (S-130, S-190, & L-180) *This includes the mandatory arduous work capacity test (WCT) which is an annual condition of employment and typically delivered in-house.
• Advanced First Aid or higher (First Aid will be required for all temporary staff in-lieu of this requirement).
• Professional Rescuer CPR/AED
• NIMS Incident Command Systems I-100 and 200
• 24-hour Hazwopper
• Watercraft Inspector Level 2 - Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention
• WA State Boat Operators card

Successful candidates will be required to complete the internal 40-hour Watershed Protection Training on their first week of employment before being assigned regular shifts. This internal training program is a combination of classroom and field training with regular knowledge check exams to ensure a complete understanding of the Watershed Protection work.




Additional Information

The full salary range for this position is $41.09 per hour - $47.78 per hour.
*Temporary employees begin at Step 1 of the pay progression, at $41.09 per hour.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:
• Ability to safely work alone in mountainous terrain in all kinds of weather conditions is essential.
• Annual physical training requirements include the National Wildfire Coordinating Group requirements for Firefighter 2 at the Arduous Level (Work Capacity Test).
• Required to wear a city issued uniform at all times (boots are subject to current Union Agreement).
• Required to work holidays, evenings, and/or weekends, and may require emergency standby.
• Required to regularly lift over 50 pounds.
• Work requires exposure to people who may become hostile or abusive, such as trespassers and poachers; contact with individuals which may lead to potentially dangerous situations.
• Required to safely handle toxic/hazardous chemicals such as chlorine and glycol.

Application Process

• Job offers are contingent upon completion of a Pre-placement Physical and Background Check which includes criminal history.
• A fully completing the online application is required, and we encourage candidates to attach a current resume, and cover letter describing your work experience(s) and how that makes you a good candidate for this OOC role.

Who may apply: This position is open to all qualified candidates.

The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and covered family-members/most employees-plans

If you have any questions, please contact Heather Baldwin-Stewart at Heather.BaldwinStewart@seattle.gov.