Position Description

 
Are you a dedicated professional who is passionate about the environment, particularly efforts in ecological restoration?
 
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking a Restoration Ecologist (Sr. Environmental Analyst) in the Watershed Management Division to provide technical expertise, analyses, and recommendations on complex environmental issues to support efficient and forward-looking decisions that have City-wide significance, with financial and potentially legal implications.
Reporting to the Natural Resources Manager, this position will work within the interdisciplinary team of the Natural Resources Section with limited supervision. The primary duties are invasive species management and ecological restoration throughout the Cedar and Tolt municipal watersheds and the Lake Youngs Reservation. You will be responsible for practicing ecosystem monitoring and management in Seattle’s municipal watersheds that are managed for drinking water supply, threatened species protection, habitat protection, and ecological restoration. The Restoration Ecologist will be responsible for interpreting policies, recommending policy changes, applying environmental regulations, making decisions in areas of uncertainty, and exercising discretion in adapting or recommending new policies to specific projects.
 
About Seattle Public Utilities:
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations. We deliver high quality, vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. In addition, SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities. Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the highest benefits possible for every investment we make.
 
SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We support and hold ourselves accountable to this commitment by eliminating barriers to access and providing employees with equitable opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage the Invasive Species Program for the Cedar and Tolt municipal watersheds and the Lake Youngs Reservation; survey, monitor, map, and control invasive plant species using manual and chemical (herbicide) control; and report results to Seattle City Council.
• Support the Restoration Planting Program for the Cedar River Municipal Watershed under the Habitat Conservation Plan.
• Collaborate with the Natural Resources team on ecological restoration, including planning, implementing, and monitoring habitat restoration projects; provide technical and logistical support for aquatic, riparian, and upland restoration activities; conduct long-term riparian and terrestrial ecosystem monitoring of plant communities and ecosystem change.
• Understand and comply with environmental laws and regulations applicable to utility operations and natural resource protection, including, but not limited to: Washington State and King County noxious weed laws, Cedar River Watershed Secondary Use Policies, Cedar River Habitat Conservation Plan, South Fork Tolt Watershed Management Plan, Muckleshoot Settlement Agreement, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and Washington Forest Practice Act.
• Collaborate with partners in government agencies, Tribes, non-governmental organizations, and research and educational institutions on monitoring, research, and management issues of regional concern.
• Develop and administer consultant and service contracts, manage budgets, and train and supervise seasonal employees and interns.
• Review strategic decisions and projects for environmental compliance and sustainability
• Provide technical expertise, analyses, and recommendations on complex environmental issues that have City-wide significance, with financial and potentially legal implications; review strategic decisions and projects for environmental compliance and sustainability; participate in climate adaptation and risk management.
• Stay informed about developments and innovations in natural resource management, invasive species, and climate change adaptation through literature review, continuing education, and professional meetings.

Work Environment/ Demands: 

• Work may be performed outdoors alone or in groups, including in remote wilderness locations; on rivers and reservoirs; and/or in a normal City office/work environment.
• This work requires the use of a 4x4 vehicle to travel on gravel and rough roads, sometimes in inclement weather.
• May require rotating on-call duty for spill response and other emergencies. May require long workdays and occasional weekends during seasonal peak workloads.  
• Must be physically able to carry heavy loads (45 pounds) over long distances and to traverse by foot through densely wooded terrain and steep inclines in all weather conditions.

Qualifications

Experience: Five (5) years of experience in environmental research, environmental law, impact analysis, environmental compliance, toxic substance management, or related field.
 
Education: Bachelor’s degree in natural or physical sciences, environmental sciences, planning (with emphasis on environmental issues), public administration/policy (with emphasis on natural resources), or related field.

Other combinations of education, training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability.

Licensing/Certification:

• Hazardous materials/toxics work may require specialized health & safety training and certification
• Current State of Washington driver license.

Additional Requirements

• Washington State Department of Agriculture Public Pesticide Operators license with aquatic endorsement (must obtain within 3 months of hire)

To be successful in this role, a candidate should possess some of the following attributes: 

• Direct experience in ecological restoration and/or invasive plant survey, monitoring, and control.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies applicable to permitting of typical utility-related activities and environmental projects.
• Proficiency in geospatial software such as ArcGIS and field mapping using GPS and/or field mapping apps. 
• Knowledge and experience of wetland, riparian, and upland forest habitat restoration.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other environmental science disciplines, including aquatic biology, wildlife biology, hydrology, and forest ecology. 
• Experience in developing and administering contracts and budgets. 
• Excellent problem-solving skills with ability to analyze situations, identify existing or potential problems, and recommend solutions.
• Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP) through the Society for Ecological Restoration.

Driving  Points System
 0 Points – Parking Tickets
 1 Point Each – Any moving violation, collision, stop sign, defective equipment, speeding, seat belt, failure to signal, cell phone, etc. – any and all moving violations
 4 Point Each  – Suspended license, negligent driving, reckless driving, racing.
 5 Point Each – Hit & Run, Vehicular Assault, DUI/DWI or other Alcohol-related offense.

 *If your total score is more than 4 points in the last 5 years, you may not be considered for employment in a position that requires driving. 

Workplace Environment (*Telework Expectation):    
Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment; however, due to the ongoing pandemic and Covid-19 state and local restrictions, hybrid telework/office/field assignment work will be available until at least January 2022; consistent with HR guidelines, and as circumstances dictate. We continue to seek guidance from local public health agencies and will proceed accordingly with any necessary changed or needs regarding "workplace location" expectations.

Additional Information

Who may apply: 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.  

All City of Seattle employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Failure to submit proof of vaccination or qualify for a reasonable accommodation will result in withdrawal of a job offer.

Application Expectation

• An online application including response to the supplemental questionnaire must be fully completed for consideration.
• Please DO NOT attach resumes and cover letters, as they will not be considered in the review of candidate qualifications. 

This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information. A job offer is also contingent upon successful completion of a pre-placement physical examination.