Position Description

An online application 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's qualifications.

Seattle Public Utilities is seeking a talented fish biologist with project coordination skills to join our collaborative and science-driven Aquatic Resources Team. This Fish Biologist position is responsible for providing technical support related the South Fork Tolt FERC re-licensing process, facility operation and maintenance, and capital projects for the City’s South Fork Tolt and Cedar River water supplies. The fish biologist hired for this position will also provide technical support for administration and management of the Cedar River Watershed Habitat Conservation Plan. This position will also coordinate and oversee field efforts in the South Fork Tolt and/or Cedar basins and contribute to long-term water resources planning efforts.

This Senior Fish Biologist serves as a trusted team member providing technical expertise to support the Utility’s aquatic resource needs. Central to this work is teaming with interdisciplinary coworkers and stakeholders to develop and fulfill Seattle’s mitigation agreements. This position will report to the Aquatic Resources Manager in the Water Planning and Program Management Division within the Water Line of Business and support the Division in other aquatic resources needs, as assigned.

If you feel this may be the perfect job for you, please continue reading …and APPLY!

About Seattle Public Utilities (SPU): Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.6 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), please visit:

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justiceas core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

Why join our team?

We know work isn’t only about what you do, it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

Hybrid work schedule opportunities
Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
Generous benefits package
Free Orca Pass
City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Job Responsibilities

Provide technical expertise and support to SPU and the City of Seattle in fisheries biology and aquatic ecology, water quality and environmental regulatory compliance.
Manage technical studies including developing contracts and scopes of work, overseeing budgets, field data collection, and reviewing data and deliverables (i.e., reports) for accuracy and completion.
Analyze aquatic resources data, write and review fisheries documents and communicate results within the City and to external parties.
Manage programmatic technical and financial data reporting, storage and retrieval.
Lead and contribute to aquatic and water quality field studies on reservoirs and rivers.
Plan and administer aquatic resources mitigation programs in consultation with federal, state, tribal governments, and non-governmental organizations.
Serve as an aquatic resources technical and subject matter expert for capital and planning projects for the City and SPU.
Interact and work with a multicultural and diverse group of individuals and teams.
Perform work in alignment with the City of Seattle's Racial Equity & Social Justice framework.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Experience:A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in in environmental research, environmental law, impact analysis, environmental compliance, toxic substance management, or a related.

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

Experience/Education Equivalency:A combination of education, training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class may be substituted for the required education or experience.

License, Certification and Other Requirements: Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Special Conditions: Physical requirements: Ability to work outside in various aquatic (lakes, rivers, streams) and terrestrial (steep, uneven terrain) environments and in adverse weather conditions.

Desired Qualifications:

Experience in fish biology, water quality, salmon recovery, limnology, and environmental permitting.
Practice in fisheries and aquatic data collection and comfortable leading field studies in various habitats.
Experience at scientific study oversight, design and reporting results to various audiences including organizational leadership, members of the public, stakeholders and Indian tribal members and staff.
Experience in programmatic projects involving aquatic resources, such as FERC licenses, habitat conservation plans or mitigation plans.
Organized, self-directed, and a good team player.
Enthusiastic for both field and office work, taking on challenging projects and building teams.
Proficient at use of computer software to analyze, monitor, evaluate, and communicate technical and programmatic results.

Additional Information

How to Apply: Please fully complete an online application. Please DO NOT attach resumes and cover letters, as they will not be considered in the review of candidate's qualifications.

Workplace Environment:This position allows for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Starting November 4, 2024, City employees will have the option to work remotely two days a week. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.

The full salary range for this position is $54.03 - $62.96 per hour.

Benefits:The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

Pre-Employment Physical Information: SPU’s safety program requires a pre-employment medical assessment as a condition of employment in this position.

Background: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 with an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

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.

If you have any questions, please contact Charles Gilmore at charles.gilmore2@seattle.gov

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/.

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