Summary
Primary responsibilities of this position include developing and implementing the Pollution Identification and Correction (PIC) program for the purposes of reopening shellfish harvesting areas and administering the program in accordance with the goals and objectives of federal/state laws. Employee in this project-specific position is responsible for conducting specifically assigned tasks related to surface water quality monitoring and analysis, inspections and tests, education and outreach, and other activities to provide support to the PIC program. This position will report to the South Whidbey Department of Natural Resources (DNR) office, in Langley, WA.
Position may be hired as an Environmental Health Specialist (EHS) 1, 2, or 3 dependent upon qualifications.
Hourly Pay:
EHS1 - $28.14
EHS2 - $30.70
EHS3 - $33.25
This position is intended to be approximately 1-year in duration, through the completion of the existing grant contract period. Efforts will be made to secure additional funding to extend this program, but none is guaranteed.
Job Duties
- Scientific collection of water quality samples, arrange for testing, and interpret data.
- Coordinate with Environmental Health staff for escalation procedures related to non-compliant properties.
- Develop GIS graphic illustrations, reports and presentations.
- Coordinate program activities and represent the program at various meetings involving other agencies and citizen groups.
- Promote public understanding, support, and participation in water quality protection and water resource management efforts.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Responsible for the administration of grant management.
- Coordinate education and outreach programs for the department.
- This position also oversees the seasonal shellfish monitoring program.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- An employee in this position must be able to work positively with the community and staff managers.
- Well-developed organization skills.
- Research and technical writing skills.
- Natural resource, land use, fisheries, ecology and/or water resource policy development, planning, and/or management;
- Knowledge of Federal, state and local environmental and natural resource laws.
- Ability to plan, develop and deliver public presentations which include displays and interactive participation activities.
- Ability to develop outreach material and technical publication skills.
- Good oral and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of research, data collection, data management, and technical writing.
- Knowledge of project management, including budgets and contract negotiations.
- Working knowledge of interlocal agreements, interdepartmental agreements, and consultant contracts.
- Advanced computer skills.
- Ability to maintain a high standard of accuracy, completeness, and efficiency.
- Ability to quickly grasp new techniques, deal with rapid change in events, remain calm in stressful and sometimes hostile situations, and relate to various personality styles in a professional manner.
- Work effectively as a team member within a small office environment and independently with limited supervision.
- Experience or skill with conflict management and/or resolution.
- GIS and data manipulation, management, and presentation of technical and graphical data skills are desired.
Education, Experience & Certifications
EHS-I
- Bachelor’s Degree in a related field + 1 year of natural resource experience.
- Associate Degree + 4 years of relevant environmental or natural resources experience.
EHS-II
- Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field + 3 years of relevant experience.
- Master’s Degree in a related field + 1 year of relevant experience.
- PhD / DPH in a related field; no prior experience necessary.
- Associate Degree + 7 years of total relevant experience.
EHS-III
- Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field + 8 years of experience.
- Master’s Degree in a related field + 5 years of related experience.
- PhD / DPH in a related field + 2–3 years of related experience.
- Associate Degree + 12 years of total relevant experience.
- Ability to successfully complete various required training classes and to obtain certificates necessary for functional skills performance, maintenance, and improvement with the latest advances in the management of natural resources and nonpoint pollution prevention.
- Valid Washington State Driver's License.
- Must be able to pass a background check with WA State Patrol after hire date.
Island County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
* Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Island County does not provide visa sponsorship. *