Environmental Coordinator

This position functions as staff expert for environmental regulations, compliance, and habitat assessment in development and execution of public works projects. This position also advises on appropriate environmental impact mitigation for various county projects. Advises Road Maintenance on Best Management Practices (BMPs) for specific projects.Develop and implement environmental policy for the department and, as requested, for the county.
Complete applications for various permits as required by State and/or Federal resource or regulatory agencies in conjunction with road construction and maintenance projects.
Prepare SEPA checklists and compile environmental assessments.
Identify wetland areas that will be impacted by construction projects and prepares mitigation plans and plant enhancement plans.
Conduct ongoing monitoring following completion of construction as required by permit processes and prepares written reports as required by resource or regulatory agencies.
Advise staff on re-vegetation and mitigation necessary to conform with permit requirements. Assist staff with the identification of deficiencies in mitigation efforts on construction and maintenance projects. Work with outside agencies responsible for mitigation requirements.
May be assigned to act as project manager for specific environmentally oriented projects, or projects that require coordinated efforts with agencies outside of the County.
Manage, develop and improve the environmental regulatory compliance and evaluation processes for the department. Provide backup for coordination and management of environmental records and compliance information.
Assist Public Works in the development BMPs as they relate to the environmental issues associated with road construction or maintenance.
Train county forces in ESA 4(a) understanding, compliance, and implementation using BMPs.
Provide public relations and education during property acquisitions for required project mitigation. Coordinate, meet and communicate with environmental organizations having concerns and interests in road projects impacts.
Represent the department to State and Federal agencies, other county departments, local governments, advisory committees, and volunteer groups to coordinate work efforts on environmentally related issues.
Respond to public concerns regarding the environmental impacts of road projects. Provide public relations and education. Work with other agencies and volunteers to coordinate work efforts.
Develop computer databases to assist in project tracking requirements.
May be assigned to perform environmental assessments, biological assessments, site visits, permit application review, develop grant applications, or similar tasks for other county departments.
Regular, reliable and punctual attendance. Show initiative in performing job functions. 
Perform related work as required.

Knowledge of:      

• All Federal, State and local regulation affecting wetlands and aquatic environments, including (but not limited to): the 1987 Federal Manual for Identification and Delineation of Jurisdictional Wetlands, the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), shoreline requirements.
• Local governmental and political decision-making processes.

Skills in:
•      Wetland mitigation, salmon ecology and stream rehabilitation/ mitigation for fish habitat.

Ability to:
•      Conduct effective research and evaluate complex data to prepare clear and concise written and oral reports.

WORKING CONDITIONS: (The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Mason County provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions)

Work is performed both outdoors and indoors. Outdoor work may occur during inclement weather. Indoor work takes place in a clean and climate controlled workspace. Site inspections or evaluations may involve exposure to rough terrain, noise, dust, traffic, and construction debris. With or without reasonable accommodation, the employee may be required to sit, speak, and hear. The employee may frequently use hands to handle writing utensils, computers, and office supplies that involve repetitive arm, wrist, or hand movements. The employee may occasionally stand, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, or crawl. Vision needs may include the ability to see up close and at a distance, distinguish color, maintain peripheral vision, judge depth, and adjust focus. The employee may occasionally move materials weighing up to approximately thirty five pounds. Job site visits may require walking on uneven, rocky, or rough ground.

Position requires mental acuity to ensure thorough analysis of situations in a fast-paced environment. Employee is required to maintain confidentiality of information within the department. May be required to deal with irate, disgruntled individuals requiring the use of conflict management skills. Employee is frequently required to perform work in confidence and under pressure for deadlines, and is required to maintain professional composure and tact, patience and courtesy at all times.

•      A Bachelor Degree in natural resource or environmental sciences, fisheries or wildlife biology, ecology, hydrology, or a closely related area.
•      Two (2) years of professional-level environmental experience, with a minimum of six (6) months field science, preferably in the public sector.
 
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
•      A valid Washington State drivers' license.
•      Maintenance of current skills and additional training as needed.

This position is required to follow chapter 13 of the Mason County Personnel Policy.  If offered the position you must provide a Abstract Driving Record from the WA State DOL.

Salary : $60,225 - $73,379