Urban Creek and Floodplain Science Advisor (SA2)

Position Description
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking an experienced and dedicated Urban Creek and Floodplain Science Advisor (SA2) to join our dynamic team in the Drainage and Wastewater Line of Business. At SPU, we are committed to safeguarding Seattle's natural resources and providing clean, reliable water and waste services to our vibrant community. Our mission is to create a sustainable and resilient city by managing urban natural resources effectively. As an Urban Creek and Floodplain Science Advisor, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of our city's natural resources and contributing to environmentally responsible decisions. As an Urban Creek and Floodplain Science Advisor, you will be the driving force behind providing scientific rationale for programmatic, planning, project and policy recommendations concerning urban watersheds to Executive decision makers, senior managers, and elected officials. Your expertise as a science advisor will be instrumental in leading and guiding Drainage Capital Improvement Projects in the City of Seattle.

This position is responsible for identifying needs, developing cases for projects and programs, providing scientific review of plans and project designs, performing comprehensive planning and policy analysis, supporting the initiation and implementation of strategic programs and projects, and monitoring project and program performance. Additionally, this role will contribute to scientific research, monitoring, and evaluation, as well as function as SPU's key science advisor in the management of urban creeks and floodplains. The Advisor will be responsible for presenting and recommending the best options for protecting and improving Seattle's urban watersheds, taking into consideration life-cycle costs, regulatory requirements, and coordination with other jurisdictions. If you have a passion for protecting and improving urban watersheds and excel in strategic advisory roles, please apply!

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations. We deliver high quality, vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. In addition, SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities. Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the highest benefits possible for every investment we make.
For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), please visit:

• SPU Workplace Expectations (Download PDF reader)
• Strategic Business Plan
• Shape Our Water Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

Why join us?
We know work isn't only about what you do, it's also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Hybrid work schedule opportunities
• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free public transportation options
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Job Responsibilities

• Develop strategic recommendations and provide technical leadership and scientific review for Drainage Capital Improvement Projects.
• Establish service levels, evaluate capital improvement projects and programs critically, and advise on projects from inception to implementation, and extending into performance monitoring and ongoing adaptive management.
• Collect baseline information concerning urban watershed conditions, analyze and identify needs and actions, developing compelling business cases for projects and programs.
• Conduct comprehensive planning and policy analysis to inform decision-making processes.
• Provide scientific review and leadership in the selection, initiation, implementation and oversight of strategic programs and projects aimed at enhancing urban watershed resources.
• Lead scientific research and monitor project performance to ensure successful outcomes of new projects and programs.
• Identify needs, develop business cases for projects and programs, and perform comprehensive planning and policy analysis.
• Support program development by identifying emerging issues related to flooding, water quality, habitat, and salmon.
• Manage consultant contracts, including scope of work, project direction, and contract expenditures.
• Represent the City to external audiences and stakeholders in intergovernmental technical and policy forums.
• Present and recommend the best options for protecting and improving Seattle's urban aquatic resources, considering life-cycle costs, regulatory requirements, and coordination with other jurisdictions.
• Initiate and maintain positive relationships with local, state, and federal jurisdictions, natural resource agencies, and Native American tribes.
• Represent the City in outreach and education forums about urban watersheds.
• Identify needs, develop business cases for projects and programs, and perform comprehensive planning and policy analysis.
• Provide the scientific rationale and documentation for grant applications to fund urban creek and floodplain projects.
• Provide technical support and scientific review of other City department projects that impact urban watersheds.
• Respond to questions or concerns from both the public and other government agencies regarding Seattle's urban watersheds.

Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain the complete listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change as conditions require.
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree in natural or physical sciences, environmental sciences, river or floodplain science including aquatic ecology, fluvial geomorphology, hydrology, fish biology), environmental studies or planning, or another related field.

Experience: A minimum of five years of increasingly responsible professional experience in urban creek and floodplain restoration, watershed science and assessment, environmental project or program planning, river and floodplain ecology, salmon recovery, or another related field.

Certification/License: Valid Washington State Driver's License

Combinations of appropriate education, training, certification, and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability to the minimum education and experience requirements.
Additional Information
The Ideal Candidate Should Possess:

• Comprehension of watershed science and assessment, watershed planning, creek and floodplain restoration, fisheries biology, aquatic ecology, and a basic understanding of geomorphology, hydrology, and water chemistry.
• Ability to provide policy recommendations related to surface water management, salmon recovery, and urban natural resources protection and restoration.
• Experience working on creek focused capital projects throughout multiple project stages, including site characterization, design, permitting, construction, performance evaluation and long-term adaptive management.
• Familiarity with drainage conveyance systems and reviewing design plans.
• Ability to produce brief and informative summaries of complex regulatory and policy issues to managers, executives, and other stakeholders.
• Experience in public outreach and involvement with demonstrated ability to communicate with public and stakeholder groups about urban watershed issues.
• Ability to lead technical staff and direct reports (temporary employees and interns).
• Experience developing a study design and managing surveys (e.g., aquatic and floodplain habitat, flow and sediment, water quality, and salmon and other aquatic organisms).
• Familiarity with environmental regulations and permitting affecting aquatic habitat in western Washington, and State and Federal fish passage requirements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to work independently, ability to work respectfully and inclusively with internal and external communities and exhibit excellent customer service.
• Experience working on complex projects and programs in coordination with federal, state, and local agencies, tribal governments, local stakeholders, and community groups.
• An awareness and commitment to advancing race and social justice equity, especially in providing equitable access to drainage services.
• Experience managing consultant contracts and overseeing project direction.
• Demonstrated ability to manage interdisciplinary environmental studies, projects and/ or programs including establishing specific and measurable goals, developing project scope and boundaries, delegating tasks, ensuring productivity, and promoting open and transparent communication among staff.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment.
• Field assignments entail exposure to all types of weather, traffic, hazardous/toxic substances, and work in or near construction sites.
• May be required to lift over 50 pounds.
• May be required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time.

Ready to Make a Difference?
If you have a passion for protecting and improving urban watersheds and possess the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply for the Urban Creek and Floodplain Advisor position at Seattle Public Utilities. Join us in our mission to create a sustainable and resilient city by managing urban watersheds effectively.
Application Process: In addition to completing your online application please attach your current Resume and Cover Letter. Your cover letter should address how your education, training and experience meet the qualifications of the position.

Workplace Environment (Telework Expectation): This position allows for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be required to come into the office twice a week. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.The full salary range for this position is $93,354.48 - $140,083.92 annually.

Benefits: 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

Who may apply:The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle 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.

Questions? Contact Erika Monroe at Erika.Monroe@seattle.gov

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/ .

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: 9/19/2023 4:00 PM Pacific