Senior Environmental Coordinator

The salary range for this position is $6,257.00-$8,322.00 monthly. 

Thurston County Public Works is recruiting for a Senior Environmental Coordinator to join our dynamic, energetic, and innovative Office of the County Engineer’s team. The successful candidate will have experience managing and providing oversight on environmental issues related to public construction and maintenance activities. The candidate should demonstrate knowledge of environmental permitting and regulatory requirements as well as be able to serve as the lead technical contact for environmental and biological issues.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Completes or oversees the completion of applications for environmental permits for County maintenance and construction projects and responds to questions or changes requested by permitting agencies. Reviews and analyzes performance data to include identification of problems, analyzes and evaluates deficiencies or difficulties, and provides management with alternatives and recommended courses of action.
• Prepares and submits grant applications. Develops and maintains records management systems to provide for proper evaluation, control and documentation of environmental permits. Evaluates contract requirements submitted to ensure requirements are met, monitors quality of deliverables, tracks performance, which may include some financial and program audits.
• Responsible for overseeing permit compliance on construction activities to ensure records, training and best management practices are current and consistent with permit requirements.
• Conducts environmental risk assessments of road maintenance operations to identify potential environmental impacts and coordinates environmental review and permitting.  Negotiates road maintenance environmental permits with Public Works divisions, other departments, and state and federal agencies.
• Oversees and establishes methodologies for data collection, analysis, and complex environmental studies related to environmental impacts of transportation and road maintenance activities. Coordinates data collection and processing to facilitate a consistent and comprehensive information system.
• Prepares and presents reports to hearing bodies, committees, community groups, and private organizations to explain environmental plans related to the department's activities and the impact of development on the community.

To view the full job classification, click here: Senior Environmental Coordinator

Essential Personnel:This position is considered to be an essential worker and may be required to work during non-business hours or closures in order to meet operational requirements and needs.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment - Work is performed in an office environment and outdoors while doing site investigations. Investigations require working on rough terrain, in wetlands, and being in proximity to heavy equipment. 
• Schedule - Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Workload demands may occasionally require work outside the assigned work hours.
• Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings. Travel to worksites is required. 
• Customer Interactions - Daily interactions via phone, in-person, and video with Thurston County staff and the public.

WHO WE ARE: 

The Thurston County Public Works Department, located in Olympia, Washington, is a national award-winning agency in delivering quality projects to our community. Our mission is to provide excellent public services in all areas of our business. We actively help our staff develop and grow professionally, we bring together resources across divisions to achieve organizational goals, we are always ready to respond to community needs, and we are an American Public Works Association accredited agency, consistently meeting industry best practices benchmarks. 

Our Core Values:

• Accountability - We take responsibility for our actions and the resulting outcomes.
• Customer Service - We provide our customers with the highest level of service and quality.
• Innovation - We strive to continuously improve processes, performance, and results.
• Safety - We demonstrate an uncompromising commitment to safety.
• Teamwork - We work together toward achieving a common recognized end. 

Mission - To provide excellent public services in all areas of our business. 

Vision - The premier public works organization, accountable and transparent in all services we provide to our community. 

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage.

WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle. 
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information.  
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paidholidays. 
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry.  We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences. 
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan. 
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program that allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Why you’ll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmers markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com.

Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold.  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university with major course work in environmental studies, engineering, planning, geography, public administration or a related field that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position. A master's degree is preferred.
• Four years of experience that demonstrates complete knowledge of environmental permitting and regulatory requirements and to apply for and obtain such permits and approvals. Two years' experience as a supervisor or serving in a lead capacity.
• One year of professional level environmental review experience which includes responsibility for performing site inspections and giving information and assistance to the public.
• Ability to utilize the personal computer and related software packages to perform word processing, information retrieval and tracking.
• A valid Washington State Driver's License or the ability to obtain within six months of hire.

DESIRED SKILLS:

• NPDES permit management experience with local, county, or state environmental work.
• Experience with Construction Stormwater Permits, compliance, training and reporting.
• Knowledge of State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), shoreline requirements and environmental laws.
• Experience in wetland mitigation, salmon ecology, and stream rehabilitation/mitigation for fish habitat.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply work related codes, ordinances, legal property descriptions, and other regulations and guidelines.

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact Matt Unzelman, County Engineer at 360-867-2335 or [email protected]

This position is:

• Represented by a Union
• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Eligible for benefits

Items required for consideration:

• Application
• Resume
• Letter of Interest
• Supplemental Questions

Learn more about Thurston County at: Thurston County 

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources, at (360) 786-5498. Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-833-6388) to connect with Washington Relay.