NATURAL RESOURCES SPECIALIST IIIWHATCOM COUNTY JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION:
DE,PARTMENT:
REPORTS TO:
Natural Resources Specialist III
Public Works
Stormwater Program Manager
RANGE:
FLSA:
EEO:
190.0
NE
1
SI]MMARY
Provides oversight of two watershed utilities. Provides professional planning, scientitic services
and project leadership to ensure natural resources programs are conducted in accordance with the
County's mission to address public health, safety, welfare, and quality of life for citizens of
Whatcom County. Organizes, coordinates and facilitates the efforts of diverse individuals, groups
and agencies with utility involvement.. Implements programs and analyzes effectiveness.
Coordinates the collection, development and analysis of data and other information. Exercises
independent judgment in analyzing problems, issues and situations; develops and implements
recommendations. Plans, conducts and presents at public meetings. Assists management and
other staff, as directed. Complies with legal standards and requirements.
Depending upon assignmenl, the incumbent may perform some or all of thefollowing dulies,
which are a representative sample of the level of work approptidte to this position,
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Administers programmatic aspects of utility programs including annual fee roll process, annual
updates/adjustments to impervious surface layers, rate adjustments and f'ee inquiries, and annual
inspection reports.
Assists with development ofannual and biennial project budget proposals. Communicates changes
and progress and completes projects on time and within approved budget.
Develops and manages interJocal agreements, contracts, letters of agreement and grants.
Completes associated paperwork and processes to procure services. Locates, completes and
utilizes grants in meeting program objectives. Monitors and ensures all requirements ofgrants and
contracts are met.
Responds to a variety of inquiries and requests from landowners. Determines action required and
coordinates response.
Assists with annual review of capital improvement program. Provides information and
recommendations within scope of knowledge. Participates in scoping, permitting and pre-
construction tasks. Assists with bid prep, bid notices and awards and meeting assistance. Assists
with payment processing and project closeout.
Participates in maintenance planning and small works programs. Develops work plan and joint
project schedule with the National Potlution Discharge Elimination system (NPDES). Assists
engineer with project charter, conducting site evaluations, determining t'easibility and selecting
projects. Coordinates repair work, reports maintenance needs to assigned staff, and reviews
proposed developments fbr potential stormwater impacts.
Participates in water quality monitoring programs. Collaborates with other county programs on
water quality outreach efforts. Publishes monthly sampling results and biotoxin closure updates
for recreational shellfish harvesting.
Prioritizes and plans work activities using resources effectively. Plans for additional resources
and integrates changes smoothly and in a timely manner.
Plans, conducts and presents at various types of meetings, including public meetings. Develops
project plans and coordinates or acts as a member ofteam or group activities facilitating problem
resolution. Provides staff support and presentations to advisory committee meetings and retreats.
Assesses and assures compliance, interprets and applies regulations equitably, explains services,
identifies customer needs and maintains effective relationships.
Prepares complete reports on time with supporting conclusions and recommendations. Records
information and data accurately following procedures. Maintains database and GIS points. Tracks
activity, develops individualized plans and submits documentation on time. Researches, retrieves,
updates and analyzes complex information and data. Formulates recommendations anticipating
possible ramifications and appropriately communicates significance of findings.
Creates or updates policies, procedures, tasks, workflows and systems, as assigned.
Performs work on special projects that may be outside normal area of assignment, as directed
Performs duties of lower- and similarly-classified positions and other duties, as assigned.
Requires knowledge of:
The field of assignment sufficient to perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of
responsibility as illustrated by example in this job description.
Principles, practices and procedures of effective water resources and environmental
management. Stormwater and surface water environmental issues. Current methods used lor
the preservation, protection and enhancement of water resources. Shellfish harvesting and
marine resource issues.
Permit appiication and compliance procedures related to federal, state, and local environmental
permits and land use regulations.
Fiscal management, including budget preparation, grant administration, service and
Develops and manages public education and outreach programs. Produces monthly e-newsletters,
maintains notification lists, hosts outreach booths at community events, and provides regular
presentations to community groups including County Council.
ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES
Trains and works closely with temporary and other staff, as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Requires a Bachelor's degree in natural resources, environmental science, water resources
management or a closely related field, AND four (4) years ofprogressively responsible experience
in stormwater management including two years of independent project management and
grant/contract management.
intergovemmental contract administration, expenditure control and record keeping.
Applicable technical and scientific tools.
Principles of planning, time management, project coordination, group dynamics, and prograrn
and process evaluation.
Applicable local, state and federal laws, rules, regulations, polices and procedures.
Computer operation and a variety of office software including word processing, spreadsheet and
database applications.
Requires the abilitlt to:
Perform as a technical resource for assigned project areas.
Facilitate resolution of complex or unique problems or complaints
Plan, coordinate, orgarize and schedule programs, processes and services. Prepare, research,
aralyze, administer and change plans, policies and work programs as necessary.
Use tact, discretion, persuasion, diplomacy, respect and courtesy to gain the cooperation and
commitment of others and establish and maintain efTective working relationships and rapport
with public officials, consultants, contractors. developers, citizen groups. department heads. co-
workers, employees, representatives of other agencies, entities or private organizations, and
diverse members of the public.
Listen attentively and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals and
groups in clear, concise language appropriate for the purpose and parties addressed, including
facilitating groups and preparing and making technical and/or public presentations which can be
understood by non-technical listeners, and prepadng and/or directing the preparation of
comprehensive written reports, materials and correspondence.
Fulfill the commitment of the
departmental customer service.
County to provide outstanding public, intra- and inter-
Read, understand, interpret, analyze and apply appropriately the terminology, instructions,
policies, procedures, legal requirements and regulations pertinent to the area of assignment.
Estimate and analyze costs and effectiveness of programs, accurately work with numbers and
interpret statistical information, as assigned.
Organize, prioritize and coordinate work projects, plans and assignments. Be attentive to detail,
maintain a high degree of accuracy and recognize, resolve and correct discrepancies in data or
information. Work effectively in a multi-task environment. Take appropriate initiative. Apply
good judgement, creativity and logical thinking to obtain potential solutions to problems within
the scope of knowledge and authority or refer to the appropriate source. Develop ways to
improve and promote efficient work methods.
Initiate, compile, compose and/or edit correspondence, records, narrative, statistical and financial
Safety precautions, practices and procedures applicable to the area of assignment.
reports and other applicable documents and assure all pertinent information from appropriate
sources is included and accurate.
Proficiently operate offrce equipment standard to the area of assignment.
,
Maintain cunent knowledge for assigned areas and adapt to new technologies, keeping technical
skills up-to-date and using technology to increase productivity.
Work independently and cooperatively as a member of a team.
Maintain appropriate level of confidentiality on all matters.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have a driving record that meets County standards and possess a valid driver's license at time of
hire and throughout employment.
Must pass job-related tests.
Background check must meet County criteria.
Must be eligible to cross between the United States and Canada.
Must obtain a First Aid/CPR card within six months of employment and maintain throughout
employment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in an office setting, in meeting rooms, in public settings, or at field locations
throughout Whatcom County. Sits or stands for long periods of time. May occasionally carry items
weighing up to 25 pounds. Moves throughout the County's facilities. May be required to attend
meetings or perform duties outside ol normal office hours. Periodically drives motor vehicle to perform
duties at other sites or travel out ol the County. Traverses rough terrain and inclines. Works in. on or
near water, on ladders, on and near bridges, often in remote locations of close quarters. May travel by
boat, river raft, aircraft and may stand for long periods of time outside in all tlpes of weather. May
work near noisy machinery in the field. Possibility of exposure to a variety of environmental and
chemical allergens standard to the area of assignment. Possibility of exposure to hostile and offensive
Ianguage from the public. Uses appropriate safety equipment and follows established work safety
policies, practices and procedures.
The statements contained herein reflect, as of the date sign€d, general details as necessary to describe thc principal functions of this job, the level of
knowledge ard skill typically required and the scopc of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.
Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including $ork in other functional areas. to cover absenc€s or relief. to equalize peak work periods or
otherwise to balance the workload. At its sole discretion. Wlarcom County may consider combinalions ofeducalron. experience, certifications. and training
in lieu ofspecifically required qualifications contained herein.
Whatcom Com!* provides equal employment oppo(unilics (EEO) to all emplo)ccs and applican6 for employmenl withoul regard to race, color, religion,
national origin, sex, age. marital stanrs, sexua! orienration, disability, milIary servrc€. genetics, and any other legally p.otected class. Whatcom County also
complies with applicable state and local laws goveming nondiscrimination in employment.
Employe e Stdtus:This is an FLSA non-exempt position and, as such, is paid hourly and is entitled lo
0ve
2
DateSigna
JDE Job Entry JDE SD.cial Reouirenents
o
Job Code: Nl25
Job 6roup:
w/C Code: 1501
Group: 1000
Security: l,evel I
Driving: Periodicall)
CDL] N
BBP: N
Cash Handling: N
Medical Privacy: N
PhysicalCapaciq: N
l'hysical: N
Polygraph: N
Psychological: N
Natural Resources Specialisl IILPW.JOB MK 2/18/20
.ldministntirc l sr
Reason for Changel
Reclassificalion