Description
City of Seattle
Senior Watershed Inspector (On-site)
SALARY
$48.42 - $52.32 Hourly
LOCATION
WA, WA
JOB TYPE
Classified Civil Service, Regular, Full-Time
JOB NUMBER
2025-00020
DEPARTMENT
Seattle Public Utilities
DIVISION
Water Line of Business
OPENING DATE
03/05/2025
CLOSING DATE
4/1/2025 4:00 PM Pacific
Position Description:
An online application, including responses to the supplemental questionnaire, must be fully completed for consideration.
Seattle Public Utilities is seeking a Senior Watershed Inspector to protect the pristine Cedar River and South Fork Tol Watersheds while leading a team of dedicated Watershed Inspectors in the Watershed Protection Section. As a key member of the Section's Leadership Team, you'll expertly balance field operations, staff development, and environmental stewardship to safeguard our region's essential water supply.
This on-site uniformed lead position requires proficiency of all Watershed Inspector duties while working independently to lead watershed protection activities in the field, enforce regulations, conduct security patrols (by foot, vehicle, aircraft, or boat), collect hydrological data, operate security systems, document work through mobile applications, prepare reports, install signs in remote areas, control aquatic invasive species, suppress wildfires, and respond to emergencies including search and rescue operations. Based at Cedar Falls Headquarters (34 miles east of Seattle near North Bend), this position requires 100% on-site presence with no telework options available
Job Responsibilities
Scheduling & Supervision
Develop and manage comprehensive daily schedules for Watershed Inspectors, including coordination of time-offrequests, patrol routes, field assignments, posting routes, hydrological monitoring, and contractor site inspections
Provide backup coverage for the Watershed Protection Office as needed
Training & Onboarding
Lead orientation sessions for new employees on Watershed Protection protocols and best practices
Train and evaluate new Watershed Inspectors to ensure adherence to departmental standards and protocols
Field Operations
Perform strategic patrols to monitor work sites, roads, fences, gates, and watershed facilities for potential threats towater quality
Enforce City access and control regulations by addressing unauthorized personnel on restricted lands and reportingviolations to appropriate authorities
Educate and inform visitors about recreation area rules and regulations to promote compliance and environmentalprotection
Investigations & Reporting
Create detailed, factual case reports documenting incidents and observations with precision and thoroughness
Conduct comprehensive investigations including evidence collection, scene photography, witness interviews, anddetailed documentation
Execute complex investigations and produce detailed incident reports to support decision-making processes
Assist management with confidential personnel matters, including preparation of necessary documentation andcommunications
Equipment & Security
Research, evaluate, and procure specialized equipment to support watershed protection operations
Become proficient in security systems including closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitoring, electronic gateoperations, and facility security
Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain the complete listing of activities, duties or responsibilitiesthat are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change as conditions require
Qualifications
Education/Experience:
One (1) year of college education in forestry, law enforcement, natural resource management, fire science, watershed protection or a related field AND one (1) year of verifiable supervisory or lead worker experience in a natural resource protection role.
OR
A combination of education and/or training which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class.
License, Certification and Other Requirements:
Current Washington State driver's license.
Must pass a criminal background check.
Advanced First Aid Certifications which includes Professional Rescuer CPR and AED; Operations Level for SwiftwaterRescue, Technical Rope Rescue and Hazardous Material Response
(within two years of appointment).
National Wildland Firefighting Incident Qualification Card
(within one year of appointment).
Waterworks Operator certification and/or Commercial Driver's license to operate Wildland fire apparatus with tankand air brake endorsements may be required.
Eligible to receive a limited commission as a peace officer from the local authority having jurisdiction.
Work Environment/Physical Demands:
Works outdoors independently in all weather conditions
Daily walking exceeds four miles
Navigates steep, unstable terrain alone
Must work flexible shifts including weekends and evenings
Physical demands include climbing precipitation towers, digging post holes, and lifting over 50 pounds
May encounter confrontational individuals such as trespassers or poachers, creating potentially dangerous situations
Handles potentially toxic/hazardous chemicals including chlorine and glycol
Desired Qualifications
Previous wildfire suppression experience and Natural Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Certifications documentedin Incident Qualification System (IQS) State or ICQS Incident Certified Qualification System (ICQS) Federal at theSquad Boss and Incident Commander Type 5 level.
Previous law enforcement training and/or experience in rural/backcountry settings with limited backup andcommunications
Self-motivated with ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining thorough communication
Proficiency using various technological applications and devices to document daily activities
Experience working or patrolling high-traffic recreation areas
First responder experience in search and rescue, technical rescue, avalanche travel, and EMS
Ability to collaborate effectively on special projects in a team environment
Special Conditions
Required to wear a provided uniform while on duty (annual boot allowance provided after 12-month probationaryperiod, subject to current Labor rules and agreements)
Must be able to work a schedule of 4–10-hour days, subject to change
Watershed Protection covers 365 days a year, 7 days a week, so schedules can vary
Overtime and/or scheduled standby may be required during emergencies or incidents of concern
Position requires driving off-road/4x4 vehicles, operating boats, riding bicycles, driving fire apparatus, and flying inhelicopters when patrolling, collecting hydrological data, and fighting wildfires
Primary work location is Cedar Falls (near North Bend, Washington)
Must have reliable transportation to workplace, as winter weather can create temporary challenging road conditions
Additional Information
The full salary range for this position is:
$48.42 - $52.32 per hour. 3/5/25, 2:36 PM Job Bulletin
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/%7B0%7Dseattle/jobs/newprint/4846867 3/5
Employer
City of Seattle
Address
Seattle Municipal Tower
700 5th Avenue, Suite 5500
Seattle, Washington, 98104
Website: Seattle Public Utilities | Seattle.gov - Utilities | seattle.gov