Senior Engineering Technician

Bellevue Utilities provides future focused utility services to the community, for current and future generations. Our mission is to actively support public health and safety, quality neighborhoods, and a healthy and sustainable environment and economy by effectively managing drinking water, wastewater, storm and surface water, and solid waste in the City of Bellevue. We have an exciting opportunity for you to use your knowledge and experience to support this mission as anEnvironmental Compliance Senior Engineering Technician. Bellevue Utilities is seeking an experienced and motivated professional to manage our post-construction monitoring (PCM) program to comply with capital project permit requirements and optimize plant health and survival, while also supporting other environmental compliance and permitting activities based on needs.

At the City of Bellevue, we are committed to providing exceptional customer service, upholding the public interest, and contributing to meeting the community’s vision. Our people bring unique skills and qualities to the table, embrace the values of integrity, accountability, and commitment to service, and take pride in the work we do. You’ll work in an environment where innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement is highly encouraged and supported. Also, our motto is “Bellevue Welcomes the World, Our Diversity is Our Strength”, and that’s what makes the City of Bellevue an exciting place to work, live and explore.

• Manage the Utilities Department’s post-construction monitoring (PCM) program to mitigate construction impacts from capital projects and ensure plant survival.
• Coordinate with capital project managers to identify upcoming PCM work required by local, state and federal permits.
• Oversee PCM program consultants and contractors, including procurement, contracting, monitoring, reporting, invoicing, etc.
• Conduct site assessments to determine plant health and permit compliance. Where appropriate or most efficient, perform field work to correct minor problems.
• Oversee and direct mitigation work performed by volunteers during special events.
• Respond to stakeholder inquiries (e.g. neighbors, park users, etc) and provide subject matter expertise to resolve issues and meet customer needs.
• Ensure that PCM sites are safe for contractors, City staff and for the public.
• Assist with or advise capital project managers concerning other permitting needs (in addition to PCM).
• Coordinate with Utilities operations & maintenance and/or Parks Department staff regarding ongoing plant maintenance needs to be performed by City personnel.
• Assist in obtaining easements and right-of-entry to perform monitoring on private property, where required.
• Lead or assist with public outreach and engagement.
• Other tasks as assigned, based on interests and skills of the successful candidate.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

• Works under the general supervision of the Utilities Planning Manager.
• No formal supervisory responsibilities.

• Experience with PCM permitting, and with mitigation site monitoring is required. This includes familiarity with local plant community and weeds, familiarity with integrated pest management for controlling weeds, ability to assess site conditions and plant health, coordination with landscape contractors, etc.
• Working knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations and construction project permitting relevant to environmental mitigation is required. This may include shorelines, aquatic resources, wetlands, critical areas, and endangered species, etc.
• Knowledge of natural ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest is desired, including local biology, vegetation, hydrology, geology and soils.
• Knowledge of natural resource management techniques such as exotic plant and invasive species control is desired.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers, coworkers, consultants, contractors, regulators, and the public, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to initiate, coordinate, provide follow-up, and complete diverse projects involving natural resource management.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, coworkers, and elected and appointed officials.
• Knowledge of a wide variety of municipal, state, and federal codes, regulations, and ordinances.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in environmental science, biology, or another related field. Master’s degree is preferred.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in environmental science, environmental planning, permitting, or other combinations of education and work experience that allows the candidate to perform the essential duties for this position.
• Microsoft office products proficiency
• Project management training and experience is desired
• Washington State Driver's License is required or the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Work involves moving, communicating, operating computer equipment, light tools, and reaching.
• The work requires the ability to perform essential job functions under adverse weather conditions and on uneven, sloped ground (stream banks, landscaped areas, etc).
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 40 pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet while in the office or moderately loud when in the field.

FLEXIBLE/HYBRID WORKING:

A hybrid work schedule is available for this position after an orientation period. Remote work for this position is subject to the department's operational needs and will be discussed with candidates during the selection process. Full-time remote work is not an available option. Once hired, employees must reside in the State of Washington and within reasonable commuting distance to Bellevue City Hall.