Maintenance and Monitoring Ecologist

Full Job Description

Do you love working outdoors monitoring, maintaining, designing and adaptively managing projects that improve our natural environment?

Have you led and/or worked on a crew tasked with restoring and/or monitoring natural habitats for fish and wildlife? If so, King County may have an opportunity for you!

The Water and Land Resources Division (WLRD) is recruiting two (2) Maintenance and Monitoring (M&M) Ecologists to help monitor and steward our flood control and habitat restoration projects for the Capital Section (the folks involved in large and small flood control and habitat enhancement projects across the County).

In addition to the current opening, this recruitment may be used to establish a pool of qualified candidates to fill future Environmental Scientist II TLT positions throughout the Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP) over the next six (6) months.

About the Role: The M&M Ecologists (Environmental Scientist II) will assist Senior Ecologists and project managers in monitoring, maintaining and adaptively managing Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) within the WLRD Capital Section.

Two positions are being hired to work as a team (or sometimes individually or with larger teams) to perform effectiveness monitoring on projects to assess whether projects are meeting their environmental and flood control goals.

This monitoring may include in-the-field vegetation, soils, fish, ground and surface water and physical feature monitoring as well as data entry, QA/QC, analysis and write-up.

These positions will also draft scopes of work (SOW’s), inspect and direct landscaping contractors and other work groups in maintenance and adaptive management actions needed to improve project performance.

Additionally, M&M Ecologists will assist Senior Ecologists with design and implementation of CIP’s and small habitat restoration projects enrolled in the Small Habitat Restoration Program (SHRP).

M&M ecologists will work on a wide variety of projects and have opportunities to learn the art and science of restoration from many skilled specialists including senior ecologists, engineers, geologists and project managers

Click on the links below to find-out more about some of the incredible projects and programs you may be able to help monitor and maintain!

• Jan Road: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/flood-services/capital-projects-studies/jan-road-levee-setback
• Lower Russell: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/flood-services/capital-projects-studies/lower-russell-levee-setback-project
• Small Habitat Restoration Program: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/projects/habitat-restoration-unit/small-habitat-restoration-program
• Tolt Pipeline Protection Project: https://kingcountyfloodcontrol.org/reducing-flood-risk-a-look-back-at-completed-flood-mitigation-projects-3/

These positions follow a hybrid work model, blending remote and in-person work.

About the Team:
King County Water and Land Resources Division’s (WLRD) River and Floodplain Capital Unit (RFCU) plans and builds multi-benefit flood risk reduction projects that preserve, restore, and enhance the natural function of flood-prone areas. We protect critical infrastructure, structures and residents from flooding, but also work diligently and creatively to restore natural habitats, ecological functions, aquatic conditions and recreational opportunities while carefully considering tribal concerns, equity, agricultural and regulatory interests, social and environmental justice. These positions also work jointly with the WLRD Habitat Restoration Unit (HRU) on projects that are purely for restoration purposes that promote salmon recovery.

WLRD is a well-funded nationwide leader in integrated floodplain management and developing innovative and science-based flood risk reduction habitat enhancement strategies to improve river and environmental conditions across King County’s six major river systems (White, Green, Cedar, Sammamish, Snoqualmie, and Skykomish).

RFCU implements a diverse work program to reduce flood risks to the constituents of King County in a manner that restores river and floodplain processes, considers equitable outcomes and future conditions related to climate change, and provides a collaborative and engaged professional environment where staff can grow and thrive.

HRU specializes in process-based restoration and is dedicated to recovering ecosystems for fish and wildlife species while making the most of limited resources.

Who Are We?
The Water and Land Resources Division (WLRD) is at the forefront of King County’s efforts to protect and restore clean water and healthy habitat and strengthen the resilience of communities, environment, and infrastructure in the face of climate change. We are a dedicated workforce of more than 450 supported by an annual budget of ~$280 million. WLRD has a strong track record of developing innovative strategies to protect working farms and forests, restore habitat, improve water quality, and provide county residents with equitable access to green space. We house the Land Conservation Initiative, which aims to preserve our last, most important lands. Our forestry and agricultural programs help individuals protect their lands and support local food production. We house four salmon recovery forums where we collaborate with scores of partners to plan, design, and build habitat projects. We partner with regional jurisdictions to help residents and businesses reduce the threats posed by production, use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials. We are the primary service provider to the King County Flood Control District, contributing to flood preparedness and constructing and maintaining facilities that restore rivers and reduce risk. Our one true local service to unincorporated King County is stormwater management, protecting water quality, reducing flooding, and building and maintaining facilities. Finally, we provide regional science and laboratory services to an array of customers, maintaining high-quality data sets used to assess water quality and habitat trends, and provide Best Available Science to inform decision making. In two words, we are a watershed utility.


Apply now for a rewarding career at the Water and Land Resource Division of King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP). Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits, and growth opportunities.

Requirements

What You Will Be Doing:

Coordinate and collaborate with senior project ecologists to design and implement effectiveness monitoring studies to determine if a project is meeting its goals and objectives.

Assist in developing maintenance and monitoring (M&M) plans, collect and record environmental data, and assist with analysis and write-up of monitoring data and monitoring reports.

Assist with development of objectives and contractor scopes of work for stewardship and maintenance of flood control and habitat restoration project sites.

Also inspect contractor and other work group maintenance efforts, review invoices and other deliverables, and prescribe adaptive management measures that help projects meet their goals and objectives.

Assist Senior Ecologists with project design, pre-project data gathering, permitting, construction monitoring and stewardship of flood control and restoration Capital Improvement Projects (CIP’s).

Design and implement small restoration projects to support King County’s Habitat Restoration Unit (HRU) and the Small Habitat Restoration Program (SHRP).

Typical projects include wetland and streamside planting, livestock fencing, in-stream habitat improvements, removal of small barriers to fish migration and removal of invasive/non-native plants.

Qualifications

Qualifications You Bring:

Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, fisheries, environmental science, natural resource management, or a related technical field AND specialized experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform all of the duties described.

A master’s degree in a related field is an acceptable substitute for the required specialized experience.

Experience collecting and recording environmental monitoring data and interpreting results.

Specific experience collecting vegetation, soils, water quality, and/or water level data is especially desired as is experience with environmental QA/QC, wetland delineation, remote sensing and geographic information systems.

Knowledge of at least two of the following areas as it relates to river and watershed ecology: fisheries biology, plant identification, geomorphology, riparian restoration and/or invasive plant management.

Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.

Resiliency: Rebounds quickly from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations.

Required Licenses:

• Valid Washington State driver's license or the ability to obtain one prior to starting work if selected for this position.

Competencies You Bring:

• Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Optimizes Work Processes: Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Manages Complexity: Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Plans and Aligns: Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Being Resilient: Rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations.

It Would Be Great if You Also Bring:

• Experience working on or leading an environmental restoration crew involved in on-the-ground habitat improvements.

Additional Information

Working Conditions:

Remote and Onsite Work Details: The Capital Section works in a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting.

The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104.

Other work locations are at project sites and other site locations near the rivers of King County and at the King County Office of Emergency Management in Renton, WA.

Remote Work Location Requirement: Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely.

The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment.

Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

Work Schedule: These full-time positions will work a 40-hour work week. These positions are covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and are overtime eligible.

The typical work schedule is 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday– Friday. Work outside the typical work schedule including early mornings, evenings and weekends may be required from time to time.

Participation in flood warning and emergency response programs and activities in support of King County's Flood Warning Center operations during flood events.

Union Representation: These positions are represented by PROTEC Local 17A bargaining unit.

Physical Requirement: These positions require the ability to conduct regular physical site inspections and evaluations. Walking on uneven terrain for extended periods of time is required.

Field conditions include brushy, forested environments; river, stream and wetland corridors; and slippery, uneven surfaces and dynamic conditions in the outdoors.

Work tasks also likely will include in-water situations involving wading and the use of rafts or canoes.

Ability to complete King County provided Swiftwater Rescue Training course within 6-months of employment will be required.

Workplace Exposures: Though infrequent, incumbent will be occasionally required to work in areas being treated with herbicides and/or near heavy equipment.

Proper safety precautions and PPE (possibly including masks, safety glasses, hardhats, gloves, boots and other protective clothing) will be provided and utilized.

Duration: This recruitment aims to fill two (2) Term-Limited Temporary (TLT) positions with an anticipated duration of three (3) years.

If the position is filled by a King County employee who has successfully completed their initial probation, they will be offered the role as a Special Duty Assignment.

Application and Selection Process:
We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews.

The final candidate will be required to successfully pass a pre-employment physical.

Please ensure that your application materials clearly detail how your skills and experience meet the minimum qualifications outlined in this posting.

Applications without the following required materials may not be considered for this position.

To apply, submit a:

• Complete Online Application with response to supplemental questions.
• Resume.
• Cover Letter (not required but will be reviewed if submitted).

Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.

Who to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Isaac Good at (206) 848-0576 or igood@kingcounty.gov.

Discover More About the Water Land & Resources Division: Visit our website.

Discover More About DNRP: Visit our website, explore an interactive map of our recent accomplishments and check us out at Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Keeping King County Green News.

Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.

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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.