Aquatic Resources and Policy Advisor

Position Description
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 Aquatic Resources and Policy Advisor is part of a team of Strategic Advisors in the Science Policy Unit providing leadership and oversight of utility environmental policy and activities with respect to meeting City Light's mission, particularly protection of aquatic resources and utility assets from environmental harm, environmental stewardship, and environmental compliance; tracking/reviewing environmental policies and engaging with agencies/stakeholders as needed to advocate for City Light's interests; integrating the best available science with policy to enable informed action on City Light's part; leading strategic scientific research to inform policy/decision-making; as well as providing technical support for environmental science, permitting and policy work for City Light as needed.

This position will serve as a Key Advisor and Subject Matter Expert in the area of fish and aquatic ecology, water quality, aquatic invasive species, and associated policy/regulatory requirements. In this role, the advisor will make recommendations for City Light's policies with respect to environmental stewardship, salmon recovery, water quality protection, and aquatic invasive species risk reduction/response. In this capacity, this position represents these interests when attending external stakeholder meetings and reporting back to City and City Light leadership at all levels as appropriate.
Job Responsibilities
Here is more about what you'll be doing:

• Lead the development and implementation of a Department-wide Aquatic Invasive Species Program and SOP, including making policy recommendations to City Light's General Manager, ELLBU Officer, and other members of the Executive Team that have significant long-term implications for City/City Light infrastructure and operations.

• Serves as the Environmental Lead/Point-of-Contact for coordinating environmental review and permitting of City Light work at the Cedar Falls Project, coordinating with SPU and City Light Business Units (ELL in particular) to secure the necessary resources and oversee/manage the completion of various environmental regulatory compliance work on the Project, including (but not limited to) the ongoing Cedar Falls Long-term Plan and Habitat Conservation Plan.

• Provide technical support to the ongoing South Fork Tolt Relicensing effort and current license implementation as well as other projects and responsibilities of the Science Policy Unit as needed.

• Implement the FERC license 401 (water quality) Certification for the Boundary Project.

• Represent City Light on the Snohomish Policy Development Committee, Snohomish Technical Committee, Snoqualmie Salmon Recovery Forum, relevant WRIAs, and other salmon recovery policy related fora.

• Provide policy review, input, and comments as a subject matter expert on Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, and other relevant legislation and policy as needed.

• Collaborate with other City Light divisions and between City departments to improve understanding of impacts to water quality and fish populations of City Light activities as well as opportunities to support salmon recovery.

• Collaborate with partners in state and federal agencies, Tribes, non-governmental organizations, as well as research and educational institutions on aquatic resource monitoring, research and management issues of regional concern, and participate in stakeholder groups at watershed and regional scales.

• Coordinate with the City Light System Operations, Operators, and SPU water managers on the management of flows to protect salmon and steelhead spawning, incubation, and rearing in the Cedar and South Fork Tolt Rivers downstream of the respective hydroelectric projects. This often requires being on call after normal business hours.

Qualifications
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 and has:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Environmental, Natural, or Physical Science or equivalent degree.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience with environmental impact analysis, interdisciplinary studies, species mitigation/restoration/recovery planning, as well as policy review and analysis relating to aquatic ecosystems.

License: 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 aquatic ecology.
• Ability to work effectively with people with varying expertise and backgrounds, understand several scientific disciplines, and handle multiple and varied assignments.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental laws, regulations, and policies applicable to Washington state (e.g., Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, Aquatic Invasive Species management).
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Additional Information
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 .
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The full salary range for this position is $47.85to $71.80 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.

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: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers .

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:
"Most" Employees Plans - Human Resources | seattle.gov

Closing Date/Time: 12/5/2023 4:00 PM Pacific