Water Quality Specialist 2

Full Job Description

Requirements

Why it's a great opportunity: In this public facing role with the Pierce County Surface Water Management (SWM) team, you will be focused on identifying and responding to activities or incidents that could lead to the discharge of pollutants to stormwater systems and the environment.

You will collaborate with other departments and teams to support the implementation of Pierce County's Phase I NPDES Municipal Stormwater Permit.

You and your team’s efforts will contribute to reducing stormwater pollution that reaches streams, lakes, groundwater, the Puget Sound, and neighboring municipalities' stormwater drainage systems.

Why it's a great department: PPW stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies.

PPW’s team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community.

The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few!

Learn more about Planning and Public Works here.

The Surface Water Management (SWM) division enjoys working together to continuously improve our program by keeping up on new scientific technologies and solving problems to protect our surface waters.

We are a supportive and collaborative group of professional scientists, planners, and engineers who strive to protect and maintain surface water quality for fish, wildlife, and the public.

Learn more about Surface Water Management at About Surface Water Management | Pierce County, WA - Official Website (piercecountywa.gov)

How to be successful in the role: Your success in this role will come from being comfortable doing physical field work (carrying equipment to field sites in a variety of weather conditions, walking over uneven terrain, and interfacing with the public) as well as having strong attention to detail and a positive attitude.

Your experience maintaining field logs, and calibrating instruments as well as working with spreadsheets will be utilized often.

Your ability to work in a team environment, solve problems, be flexible, and have a growth mindset will also ensure your success.

Your future in this role: You will have access to professional development through robust online learning and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success.

This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build on a great career while directly impacting the communities in Pierce County.

Core daily responsibilities:

• Conduct routine and assists with complex on-site inspections of stormwater management facilities associated with industrial, commercial, and multi-family land use; determine or verify the proper operation and maintenance of stormwater management facilities and implementation of stormwater Best Management Practices.
• Perform calibration and maintenance procedures on field sampling and monitoring equipment.
• Refer and direct citizens, engineers, contractors, and other agencies in matters of spill prevention, water quality protection, and stormwater management; respond to routine questions and information requests.
• Perform water-level measurements from surface/ground water monitoring wells.
• Perform field measurements such as water temperature, specific conductance, pH, turbidity and dissolved oxygen from both surface and ground water sources.
• Perform data quality assurance and control and chain of custody processing.
• Perform routine water quality sampling, prepare labels, and complete chain-of-custody reports; conduct sampling and field investigations for Surface Water Management staff, other County departments, governmental agencies and members of the public.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

Qualifications

• A resume and cover letter are required for this position.
• Additional education or experience may substitute for the recruiting requirements.
• Two years of college or post-high school technical training AND
• One or more years of progressively responsible related experience.
• A valid driver’s license is required for this position.

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in relatable field.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Additional Information

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.org/jobs.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration.

Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date.

Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step.

We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career.

We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision.

Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?