Natural Resources Specialist 1/2

Job Summary

Natural Resources Specialist I: This is the entry level in the Natural Resources Specialist classification series. This is professional and technical assistance work in support of various departmental projects and programs within Clark County, specifically related to environmental impact areas and with emphasis on environmental resource plans, programs, policies, and administration of critical areas regulations.

Natural Resources Specialist II: This is the journey or fully experienced level in the Natural Resources Specialist classification series. This is professional and technical assistance work in support of various departmental projects and programs within Clark County, specifically related to environmental impact areas and with emphasis on environmental resource plans, programs, policies, and administration of critical areas regulations.

This is a professional and technical position in support of Wetland and Habitat Review in the Community Development Department, related to environmental impact areas and with emphasis on environmental resource plans, programs, policies, and administration of critical areas regulations. The position is responsible for performing plan reviews, site analyses, wetland identification and characterization; assessing habitat functions and values; identifying compatible land uses and their respective effects on ecological functions; understanding appropriate mitigation measures to restore or replace ecological functions; and working with other County departments, local municipalities, external agencies, technical consultants, and the community.

Specific natural resources work includes office and field work such as conducting inspections; gathering and reviewing field information; mapping using GPS/GNSS equipment and GIS software; tracking and maintaining equipment and supplies; data analysis; customer service; reviewing plans and technical reports; preparing environmental documents and permit requirements, and non-technical or semi-technical reports and decision documents and presenting findings at public hearings.

This position may be filled as a Natural Resources Specialist I or II depending on experience.

Qualifications

Natural Resources Specialist I Education and Experience: Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in environmental science, botany, biology, fisheries, forestry, soil science, water resources, wildlife biology, archeology, cultural resources, or in any other discipline applicable to the requirements of the position; OR Any combination of education and experience which would demonstrate the ability to satisfactorily perform the work will be considered.

Knowledge of: Planning principles, techniques, and current trends in the areas of environmental, natural, archeological and cultural resource management; environmental laws; methods and objectives of urban and regional planning and development, land use concepts, demography; water quality and water resource data gathering and analytical tools, methods, and operation; water quality and water resource concepts and theory; wetland ecology, hydrology, plants and soils, wetland classification systems, and habitat behavior; farming practices and their potential impacts on fish and wildlife; applicable Federal, State and local laws, regulations, policies and procedures; graphic and statistical presentations.

Ability to: Think conceptually, observe and evaluate trends, analyze data, and draw logical conclusions; communicate effectively, orally and in writing; gather, analyze, evaluate and synthesize data and assist in the formulation of comprehensive plans; identify plant and soil classification; interpret habitat behavior in the field; collect, analyze biological and physical data using standard research methodology; perform field work to collect environmental samples; meet and work with co-workers, public and private management officials, community groups, and the general public in an effective, pleasant and courteous manner; interpret and apply administrative guidelines and policy; read a variety of maps, plans and charts; make oral presentations to large groups of people.

Natural Resources Specialist II Education and Experience: Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in environmental science, botany, biology, fisheries, forestry, soil science, water resources, wildlife biology, archeology, cultural resources, or in any other discipline applicable to the requirements of the position; any combination of education and experience which would demonstrate the ability to satisfactorily perform the work will be considered AND One (1) year experience in a position comparable to Natural Resources Specialist I; AND Qualified candidates must have a valid driver’s license.

Knowledge of: Planning principles, techniques, and current trends in the areas of environmental, natural, archeological and cultural resource management; environmental laws; methods and objectives of urban and regional planning and development, land use concepts, demography; water quality and water resource data gathering and analytical tools, methods, and operation; water quality and water resource concepts and theory; wetland ecology, hydrology, plants and soils, wetland classification systems, and habitat behavior; farming practices and their potential impacts on fish and wildlife; applicable Federal, State and local laws, regulations, policies and procedures; graphic and statistical presentations.

Ability to: Think conceptually, observe and evaluate trends, analyze data, and draw logical conclusions; communicate effectively, orally and in writing; gather, analyze, evaluate and synthesize data and assist in the formulation of comprehensive plans; identify plant and soil classification; interpret habitat behavior in the field; collect, analyze biological and physical data using standard research methodology; perform field work to collect environmental samples; meet and work with co-workers, public and private management officials, community groups, and the general public in an effective, pleasant and courteous manner; interpret and apply administrative guidelines and policy; read a variety of maps, plans and charts; make oral presentations to large groups of people.

SELECTION PROCESS

If you wish to upload a resume or other documents: Resumes and documents must be attached together in the ‘Resume Upload’ section of the application.  Multiple files are allowed, but all applicant attachments must be uploaded simultaneously, as there is no way to edit or append uploaded materials after submitting the application. 

Application Review (Pass/Fail) – An online application is required.  Attaching a resume does not substitute for a completed application; incomplete applications will not pass the application review.  Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Practical Exam (Pass/Fail) – This recruitment may require a practical exam which will be job related and may include, but not be limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.  Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Oral Interview – The interview will be job related and may include, but not be limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.  Top candidate(s) will continue in the process.

Employment References will be conducted for the final candidates and may include verification of education.

It is the general policy of the County that new employees should be hired at the lower steps of the applicable range and advance through the range at the normal progression.

 
This is a Local 307 position. First review date: October 27, 2026. This recruitment may close at any time on or after the first review date.

Examples of Duties

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Assists with, develops and executes work projects and programs.
• Reviews and analyzes plans and proposed development activity in relation to its impact on critical areas and to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
• Conducts site visits and inspections; gathers, analyzes and synthesizes data.
• Responds to inquiries and provides input and direction on preparation of plans and permit activity relating information to applicants, County departments, external agencies, technical consultants, and the public.
• Assists in implementing a variety of environmental monitoring programs and projects.
• Assists in the enforcement of violations of County ordinances relating to federal, state and local guidelines and procedures.
• Represents the County on various committees; at neighborhood organization or community meetings; at public hearings; and before other agencies.
• Evaluates program and project accomplishments against established goals and timetables, and makes recommendations.
• Assists in preparing special studies, summaries, statistical data, presentations, and reports.
• Trains, assists, and coordinates the activities of volunteers and the equivalent of less experienced employees.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Water Resources Emphasis:

• Assists in communicating, verbally and in writing, water resources issues in a concise manner.
• Performs water quality and benthic macro invertebrate monitoring; operates temperature and stream stage loggers and data recorders; operates automatic sampling equipment; collects stream discharge measurements; and observes and measures stream physical habitat characteristics using a variety of equipment and instruments.
• Maintains and calibrates field instruments and equipment; ensures vehicle and boat maintenance; prepares for field work; and oversees shipment of samples.
• Maintains and operates the Monitoring Resource Center equipment lending library.

Habitat Emphasis:

• Conducts site visits to determine or verify the presence of fish and wildlife habitats.
• Prepares, reviews, and analyzes habitat mitigation plans.
• Analyzes the proposed development activity in relation to its impact on fish and wildlife habitat.
• Provides input and direction to consultants on preparation of habitat reports, or habitat restoration and/or mitigation plans.
• Responds to questions and inquiries from the general public about ecological processes and habitat.

Wetland Emphasis:

• Conducts site visits to determine or verify the presence of wetlands, including the determination of wetland categories.
• Conducts reviews of wetland delineation reports and function assessments.
• Verifies and conducts wetland delineations, including delineations conducted on problem or disturbed area sites.
• Analyzes the proposed development activity in relation to its impact on the wetlands.
• Provides input and direction to consultants on preparation of wetlands delineations, wetland delineation reports or wetland restoration and/or mitigation plans.
• Responds to questions and inquiries from the general public about wetlands and wetland regulations.

Forestry Emphasis:

• Conducts site visits, and analyzes and evaluates environmental impacts of forest practices.
• Conducts forest studies of a technical nature to facilitate forest management programs.
• Provides advice and assistance regarding implementation of Forest Practices Act; regulates forest activities to ensure compliance with the act by reviewing and accepting or rejecting applications and plans, conducting compliance inspections, taking enforcement actions, and recommending final release from forest practices obligations.

Archeology Emphasis:

• Conducts site visits to determine or verify the presence of cultural materials.
• Prepares, reviews, and analyzes cultural resource reports.
• Analyzes the proposed development activity in relation to its impact on cultural resources.
• Provides input and direction to consultants on preparation of cultural resource reports.
• Responds to questions and inquiries from the general public about cultural resources and archeological regulations.

Salary Grade

Local 307.8A - Local 307.9A

Salary Range

$30.58 - $44.90- per hour

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Equal Opportunity Employer

Clark County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services. Clark County’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at http://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.

Employee Benefits and additional compensation

Clark County provides regular full-time and part-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, vision and dental insurance, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and long-term disability, retirement, and deferred compensation.  Some types of employees in some positions and bargaining units might have different benefits and additional compensation.More specific benefit information for the different bargaining units can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/employee-benefits. Also please refer to the specific bargaining unit contract for additional compensation at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.

Retirement Information

All Clark County employees must participate in a WASHINGTON STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN (PERS, PSERS or LEOFF).Employee contributions begin the first day of work.Current contribution rates vary by plan but could range from 5% to 15% of gross pay, depending on the plan choice. 
 

For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site here: http://www.drs.wa.gov/

If you are in need of ADA/Section 504 assistance for accommodations, please contact Human Resources at (564) 397-2456; Relay (800) 833-6388.