Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. 
 
The Environmental Management Strategic Advisor position will serve as a Key Advisor and Subject Matter Expert in the Environment Land and Licensing Business Unit in the areas of environmental characterization and cleanup, hydrogeology, water rights, and associated policy/regulatory requirements. In this role the position directly manages several environmental compliance and water rights-related programs. Overall, the role protects SCL from financial risks and other consequences (regulatory, political, public affairs) of not complying with environmental laws, while enabling the utility to complete large, critical projects on time, within budget and in an environmentally responsible manner. This position will report to the EMC Unit Manager.Here is more about what you’ll be doing: 

The advisor is engaged in multiple programs and has responsibilities in several areas, including:

• Oversees environmental management of City Light-owned properties and associated sampling/characterization and cleanup projects.

• Leads and manages programs under Washington Model Toxic Control Act (MTCA) and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) (Superfund) throughout City Light’s service territory as well as at the Utilities Skagit, Boundary and Cedar Falls projects.

• Manages the utility’s portfolio of Water Rights and associated projects.

• Provides expertise in ground water hydrology and hydrogeology.

• Serves as an advisor with technical knowledge and experience, regularly consulting with staff on environmental matters, particularly related to characterization of and remedies for impacts from past utility operations, environmental stewardship, and preventive measures to avoid impacts from current activities. 

• Manages National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting for wastewater treatment in the Skagit.

The position regularly advises management, supervises/mentors’ staff and interfaces with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Park Service, WA Department of Ecology, King County, WA Department of Health, tribal interests, private citizens and organized community and stakeholder interests regarding various aspects of the above. Additionally, the position frequently works or collaborates with other City of Seattle Departments, including SPU, SDOT and Parks. 

Because it regularly deals with the Department’s environmental compliance issues, this position is directly involved in developing and implementing strategies that directly affect current and potential future financial obligations of the City of Seattle.

Required Qualifications: In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes.
 
This position applies technical expertise and experience on a regular basis, both in independent decision-making as well as in its strategic recommendations to other professional staff and Management. The following are required for this position:

• Bachelor’s degree in Earth Sciences, Geology, Hydrogeology, or Engineering (or related field, or a combination of equivalent education and/or experience).
• Seven years or more of progressively responsible experience as an environmental professional in the Pacific Northwest. 
• Expertise and progressively responsible experience in environmental soil and ground water characterization and cleanup and related sciences. 
• Progressively responsible experience managing environmental programs with multiple project components and assignments, including large budget management.
• Experience working in team settings with interdisciplinary studies and policy review.
• Ability to work effectively with people with varying expertise and backgrounds and other scientific disciplines.
• Knowledge of federal, WA state, and local environmental laws, regulations, and policies. 
• Washington State Driver’s License or equivalent mobility.

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• Master’s degree in geology, hydrogeology, or engineering
• Expertise in hydrogeologic/hydrologic sciences. 
• Demonstrable experience successfully managing environmental programs in a utility setting, preferably in the hydropower sector.
• Experience in water rights management including perfecting water rights in Washington State
• Experience with wastewater treatment-related NPDES permitting.
• Experience with environmental permitting for large and small projects.
• Strong written and oral communication skills. 

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.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________The full salary range for this position is $52.50to $78.78 per hour.
 
Application Process
Please submit the following with your online application: 

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement 
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience. 

Incomplete applications may not be considered.
 
Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light 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. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA , people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
 
Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
 
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. 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.
 
Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: http://www.seattle.gov/light/.