NOTE: This is an internal promotional opportunity for current Skagit County employees

Skagit County’s Natural Resources Division is seeking a Natural Resources Technician – Source Control Inspector. This position assists Skagit County, Mount Vernon, Sedro Woolley, and Burlington in meeting their National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements by performing business source control inspections in all four jurisdictions. The position will independently perform on-site source control inspections at a variety of facilities including restaurants and industrial and commercial businesses to ensure compliance with source control best management practices (BMP’s) prescribed in the Washington state Department of Ecology Stormwater Manual for Western Washington and may coordinate closely with these various outside agencies.

• Salary upon hire is in accordance with Skagit County promotion policy.
• Progressive increases are based on years of service with Skagit County, up to 8 total steps (top step $40.66/hr.). The Natural Resources Technician (Source Control) is range 14 of the AFSCME Public Works salary schedule.

Identify, coordinate, and conduct initial business/site inspections, complaint response inspections, and follow-up inspections.

Respond to complaints and reports of stormwater violations such as illicit discharges, spills, and water quality concerns and recommend a course of action for corrections.

Provide information, education, and technical assistance to property owners, contractors, and property management firms regarding operational and structural best management practices to address pollution at the source, and related regulations, statutes, codes, and permit requirements. May distribute education materials as needed.

Organize and maintain inspection data and prepare monthly and annual reports summarizing business/site inspections conducted for each jurisdiction.

Coordinate with code enforcement staff at each jurisdiction as needed.

Develop and refine the inventory of businesses in Skagit County’s NPDES area.

Participate in the development, review, revision, and updating of inspection program Standard Operating Procedures.

Research information related to waste and stormwater regulations/requirements for application to a wide range businesses and industries.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

May be tasked with performing related duties. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the position description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical path to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Engineering, Physical Science, Biology, or related fields, AND
• Two (2) years of experience in Municipal Stormwater Permit compliance, inspection/permitting, environmental or water resource programs, or investigating and resolving customer concerns
• Bilingual Spanish/English is desired, but not required.

Requires knowledge of:

• Source control best management practices necessary to prevent pollution
• Stormwater management systems
• Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit, the Clean Water Act, and Skagit County Stormwater Management and Water Pollution code
• Database management
• Research methods
• Operation of standard office equipment and computer programs including Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Requires the ability to:

• Discuss complex water quality and natural resources subjects in plain talk.
• Effectively and efficiently investigate stormwater quality problems.
• Identify and trace illicit discharges to the conveyance system and surface waters.
• Communicate and negotiate with business owners, both in writing and verbally.
• Use interpersonal skills to establish and maintain good working relationships with business owners, other employees, and the public.
• Work effectively with a computer, utilizing various spreadsheet, word processing, and database software.
• Work independently with good organizational skills, prioritizing work to perform all assigned duties in a timely manner with a high level of accuracy.
• Work independently and function well as a team member.
• Communicate tactfully and courteously with customers, both internal and external verbally and in writing and demonstrated capacity for relating well to people from a variety of backgrounds.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain within six months of hire, a Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) certification, and the ability to maintain for the duration of employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed both in an office environment and at business sites with varying weather and terrain. Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods, walk, climb stairs, and operate a vehicle.

May occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 40 pounds.

Frequently drives a motor vehicle to perform duties in the field, at multiple sites, or travel outside of the County. May work near noisy machinery with the possibility of exposure to a variety of environmental and chemical allergens standard to the area of assignment. Possibility of exposure to hostile and offensive language from the public.

Hazards:

Those present in a normal office environment. Physical hazards on-site include variable weather and terrain, water-related hazards, traffic, and construction equipment. Fieldwork may require walking on steep or uneven terrain. Exposure to extreme weather conditions, rough terrain, and potential hazards from emergency conditions.

SELECTION PROCESS:
Following review of applications and resumes, the highest qualified applicants will be interviewed and may be tested. After a selection is made, all applicants not selected will be notified in writing. Skagit County reserves the right to use applications received for this posting to fill any other positions within this classification which may open within six months following the closing of this position.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non-discrimination in its employment practices. American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice: Individuals, who need an ADA accommodation to complete the application, test or interview process, please call: (360) 416-1380.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.