Water Quality Specialist

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.

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)

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.

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.

• 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 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…