Engineering Specialist – Water Resource Protection

Engineering Specialist – Water Resource Protection

As one of the fastest growing cities in the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver is building a city of the future through innovation, sustainable development, excellent leadership and effectively working with an engaged community. Our growth is guided by our core values of livability, sustainability and resiliency, innovation, and equity and inclusion, and we accomplish our work through collaboration, innovation, compassion and empowerment. If who we are speaks to you, and if you're the type of person who is interested in joining a team dedicated to working with the community to prevent pollution and keep our waterways clean then the City of Vancouver may be for you.

We're currently recruiting for an Engineering Specialist – Water Resource Protection. The primary responsibilities for the job are to conduct site visits at businesses, industrial operations, construction sites and residential properties for regulatory compliance with City's Water Resource Protection, erosion prevention, surface water management and enforce municipal code provisions along with state-issued stormwater permits and guidelines. This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt union position. This position is covered under the provisions of an agreement between the City and the OPEI union. The schedule for this position is M-F, 8am to 5pm. Open until filled. First review - October 20, 2025.

Essential Functions

• Develop and implement and inspection, education and enforcement program for the protection of surface and groundwater resources citywide. Respond to spills and coordinate with local, State and Federal agencies.
• Perform compliance inspections at construction sites to verify erosion prevention measures are installed according to approved plans and that best management practices are followed on site. Drive a City vehicle in a safe and appropriate manner in order to travel between work sites.
• Coordinate with City departments and services on ordinance compliance, policy and project development applicable to the protection of water resources. Work with staff in Engineering, Operations, Community Development Department and the Water Resources Education Center to develop and implement compliance programs.
• Develop and present education and outreach programs on water resources protection and practices to City staff, developers, contractors, engineers, architects, business owners and the general public; work with trade organizations and neighborhood associations to develop effective programs.
• Investigate water protection and erosion-related complaints and referrals to determine causes and make recommendations for correction and prevention. Document conditions in databases, take photos and keep records of issues. Prepare reports or data analysis on incidents.
• Design and develop inspection guidelines and guidance documents for technical assistance for other technicians. Provide training and instruction on implementing best management practices.
• Issue warnings, correction notices, stop work orders or civil citations as deemed appropriate to the situation for non-compliance with local ordinances. Document conditions and keep detailed records of compliance issues. Follow through with additional code enforcement action as necessary to assure compliance is achieved, and represent the City at appeal hearings, as needed.
• Understand and interpret the stormwater, erosion control, water resources and code enforcement ordinances and related legal documents. Provide technical expertise to other department staff, the regulated community, and the public on the risk of environmental or health impacts from projects or operations.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience and Education

• Four (4) years of related experience, increasingly responsible technical engineering experience in environmental science, engineering, inspecting or a related field.
• Equivalent to a Associate's Degree from an accredited college with major course work in engineering or a related field.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills

• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.
• Ability to utilize specialty software for documenting inspections, permitting, etc. and use Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

• Possession of a Valid Driver's License
• Ability to obtain a Washington State approved Certified Erosion & Sediment Control Lead (CESL) certification within six (6) months of hire

Knowledge

• Working knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of civil engineering
• Principles and practices of science and engineering
• Best Management Practices for surface and groundwater protection
• Pollution prevention and erosion control programs and best management practices
• Public, private and community issues and relationships to water resources
• Project management techniques
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws that pertain to: stormwater and groundwater protection
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
• Use of personal computers and basic software

Abilities

• Read and interpret various kinds of maps, engineering drawings, construction plans and other technical materials and documents, such as specifications, engineering manuals, survey information, computer manuals, engineering code provisions, state and federal guidelines
• Interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations
• Understand and interpret engineering plans and specifications
• Compile technical data and prepare statistical and narrative reports for field studies
• Prepare accurate engineering records
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Operate a personal computer and appropriate software
• Provide a high level of customer service at all times
• Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work
• Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others
• Perform work in accordance with sound safety practices
• Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver's Operating Principles
• Consistently provide quality service
• Maintain regular and dependable attendance
• Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive.
• Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player.
• Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public.
• Works in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk. Complies with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.

This position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check, a basic criminal background check, and a driving abstract.

The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just a verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change. We developed and continue to develop strategies to enhance employee-centered programs, eliminate recruitment and advancement barriers, elevate employee understanding of DEI and cultural competency and build an inclusive and welcoming place to call work. We hope you'll consider joining us on the journey!

The City of Vancouver believes every employee plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace. The City of Vancouver promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice and accomplishes work by creating safe work environments, complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.

At the City of Vancouver, we value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is key to innovation, effectiveness and a positive culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.

Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans' preference when applying for City of Vancouver positions. Honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouses or spouses of honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability who would like to be considered for a Veterans' preference for this job should provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the City can reasonably provide them without imposing an undue hardship on the