Water Quality Specialist 3 - Pollution Response and Correction

Posting number: 26-00745

Department: Planning and Public Works

Division: PPW Surface Water Management

Job classification: Water Quality Specialist 3

Posting type: Open

Categories: Code Enforcement, Community Services, Engineering, Environmental Services, Planning and Development, Public Safety, Public Works, Trades, Agriculture, Land Use, Wetlands, Laboratory, Community Development, Utilities, Project Management, Forestry, Hydrogeology, Geology/Hydrology, Construction Trades, Green-Collar/Environmental, Horticulture, Geographic Information Systems, Stormwater

Summary

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Examples of duties

Why it's a Great Opportunity: In this role, you'll play a key part in protecting Pierce County's streams, lakes, groundwater, and Puget Sound by investigating pollution incidents, responding to spills, and helping prevent contaminants from entering the stormwater system. You'll inspect public and private facilities, identify sources of pollution, collect and analyze environmental samples, and work with property owners, businesses, and partner agencies to resolve water quality concerns. Every day brings a different challenge, combining field investigations, technical analysis, problem-solving, and collaboration to protect our community's natural resources.[LK1]

 Why it's a Great Department: PPW stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies. PPW’s team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community. The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few!

Learn more about Planning and Public Works here.

How to be Successful in the Role: Success in this role comes from combining strong technical knowledge with excellent communication and investigative skills. You'll need to analyze potential pollution sources, interpret environmental data, conduct inspections, and apply stormwater regulations while working collaboratively with colleagues, regulatory agencies, businesses, and the public. Attention to detail, conflict resolution, GIS proficiency, and the ability to work independently in both field and office environments will help you effectively support pollution prevention and environmental compliance efforts. Responsibilities also include documenting inspection results, updating storm system maps, supporting enforcement actions, and providing internal training to Pierce County personnel on IDDE procedures, source control practices, and field inspection methods.

Your Future in this Role:  A career with Pierce County means joining an organization committed to your growth and success. Through our robust online learning and variety of training opportunities, Pierce County ensures continuous professional development throughout your journey. This dedication extends beyond individual advancement, it reflects a broader mission to foster welcoming communities, maintain safe infrastructure, and promote equitable access to opportunities.  

Core daily responsibilities:

• Lead of a water quality unit or program or project; assign work to a specific work unit and ensure tasks are completed correctly and timely; may approve leave requests and work schedules; provide input on performance evaluations.
• Conduct field investigations, interview witnesses, research property information, review applicable codes, photograph site, take water quality samples and gather additional evidence as necessary to confirm or identify violations. 
• Provide direction, assistance and training to less experienced employees. 
• Correspond with citizens, engineers, contractors, and other agencies in matters of spill prevention, water quality protection, and stormwater management; respond to complex questions and information requests regarding best management practices and stormwater management regulations. 
• Oversee stream flow discharge following the USGS guidelines. 
• Conduct monitoring of publicly-owned outfalls for stormwater characterization. 
• Conduct effectiveness monitoring of specific best management practices. 
• Conduct flow monitoring.