Natural Resources Field Supervisor

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Natural Resources Field Supervisor

Salary

$89,952.00 - $108,996.00 Annually

Location

City of Bellingham, WA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

24-NR Field Supervisor

Department

Public Works

Division

Public Works Natural Resources

Opening Date

05/24/2024

Closing Date

6/17/2024 8:30 AM Pacific

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

231

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Nature of Work

Do you have a passion for enhancement of natural resources through restoration, mitigation and public land management? Do you enjoy an active fast-paced work environment? If so, the City of Bellingham’s Public Works Natural Resources Division (https://cob.org/services/environment) is seeking an experienced leader to supervise our team of Natural Resources Restoration Workers.

This position combines supervisory and technical knowledge with implementation of the construction, maintenance, operation, restoration, monitoring, and inspection of native ecosystems in support of the Public Works Department’s Natural Resources Division Field Programs; programming includes the Lake Whatcom Watershed Property Acquisition Program, Habitat Restoration Program and Wetland Mitigation Program. The work involves direct responsibility for planning, scheduling, assigning, and supervising work crews engaged in restoration, mitigation, protection, and conservation field activities. Develops, recommends and oversees field-related program goals and objectives and evaluates effectiveness of field work. Ensures permit requirements are met and monitoring protocols are followed for assigned areas.

SALARY AND BENEFITS INFORMATION:

The current full salary range for this position is $7,496/month - $9,083/month.

Research has demonstrated that salary negotiation can further inequality due to bias across gender and race. To prevent negotiation bias, the City places new employees within the published salary range based on qualifications and professional experience as listed on the application material, in accordance with City policy. This is in line with the City's commitment to accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Candidates who exceed the minimum experience requirements shall be given credit for advanced step placement at the rate of one additional pay step for each two full years of directly related or equivalent professional experience beyond the minimum requirements. Candidates who meet minimum qualifications or have experience that is not directly related or in a lower-level position will be placed at step one in the salary range. For positions that require a bachelor’s degree, one additional step may be granted for applicants with a master’s degree in a related field when the master’s degree is not required to meet minimum qualifications. The City's HR Department regularly evaluates minimum qualifications to provide equitable employment opportunities.

For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures.

This position is represented by a union. Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the Teamsters (Supervisory and Professional Unit) Collective Bargaining Agreement (https://cob.org/about/employment/labor-agreements-pay-schedule) and City policy.

City of Bellingham employees receive medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as life insurance and long-term disability. Additional benefits include flexible spending accounts, a medical insurance opt-out program, and access to our employee assistance program. All eligible City employees are enrolled in a Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (https://www.drs.wa.gov/) pension plan. Additionally, employees may elect to participate in the City’s 457 deferred compensation retirement savings plan.

Employees will receive 12 paid holidays in addition to one paid floating holiday each year. At the time of hire, employees will accrue 8 hours of sick leave and 10 hours of vacation per month. Vacation accruals increase based on years of service. Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

For additional information regarding benefits and compensation Information please visit the following:

• Labor Agreements, Pay Schedules and E-Team Employee Handbook - City of Bellingham (cob.org) (https://cob.org/about/employment/labor-agreements-pay-schedule)

• Employment Benefits - City of Bellingham (cob.org)

Closing Date/Time: Mon. 06/17/24 8:30 AM Pacific Time

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

• Develops, plans, coordinates, implements, and monitors the field work functions of the Public Works Natural Resources Field Operations Programs. Supervises a variety of ecological restoration and property conservation activities such as native landscape restoration, installation of native plants, weed suppression and site maintenance; forest thinning; trail rerouting and decommissioning; structure installation/removal; construction and maintenance of signs, fences and boardwalks; fish isolation and fish salvage; and the installation, maintenance and repair of irrigation systems. Designs, plans, and determines scope of work, materials, time and cost projections for field work. Procures materials and support to perform work. Uses Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to create and manage work orders for field staff.

• Supervises implementation of work to meet and adhere to program area goals and objectives. Plans, organizes and delegates day-to-day field operations and special projects. Implements and adheres to policies, procedures, and best practices for program area. Interprets applicable rules and regulations and ensures work standards comply with applicable regulations, policies, permits and procedures.

• Supervises the work of the Natural Resources Field Workers and Natural Resources Worker Lead, including hiring, training and evaluating staff. Assigns work, develops performance standards and monitors performance. Develops and prepares annual work plans in coordination with other management staff. Makes recommendations and implements employment actions, including corrective action, as needed.

• Oversees the implementation of rapid site assessments of restoration, mitigation and property conservation sites for completeness, effectiveness, maintenance needs, hazards, and encroachments. Determines and prioritizes actions for Natural Resources Restoration Crew based on inspection and monitoring data. Initiates work orders based on findings.

• Works with the Environmental Coordinator and Mitigation Coordinator to coordinate field crew assistance with monitoring tasks.

• Oversees the operation and maintenance of a native plant nursery. Ensures appropriate supply and care of native plants. Directs transplant and planting to field sites when appropriate.

• Oversees the proper use and maintenance of all field and monitoring equipment within the program areas including maintenance coordination, inventory, repair history, replacement and ordering.

• Originates and manages contracts for consultants for program services including additional field work, professional expertise and general program support.

• Prepares permit applications for permits necessary to conduct field work within program area. Directs and coordinates work under relevant permits to ensure regulatory compliance. Assists with preparation of reporting required under permits.

• Assists with the development of field operations budget for program areas including estimating and tracking expenditures for maintenance, purchase of equipment, gear, materials and supplies. Follows established procurement processes including bid package formation, submittal and review.

• Investigates and responds to complaints, information requests and issues in a courteous and prompt manner. Assists with preparation and organization of information, graphics and written material to be used in presentations for the public, including at public meetings and events, as requested.

• Acts as technical resource for field expertise in ecological restoration and maintenance. Provides technical information to assist the Public Works Natural Resources Division, other departments, outside agencies and community interests to aid in decisions about best management practices and specifications.

• Plans and oversees an Integrated Pest Management Program using a system of guidelines for best management practices. Coordinates and supervises pesticide application in accordance with City, State and federal regulations.

ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED:

• Acts as a resource to management and employees in assigned program area.

• Assists with preparation of grant proposals, grant reporting, and administration, as needed.

• Performs other related work of a similar nature and level.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is frequently performed in an office setting at a desk or computer terminal. Work is also frequently performed outdoors in developed and undeveloped areas with exposure to outdoor weather conditions. Frequent exposure to difficult terrain, loud noises and water. Employees are required to use appropriate safety equipment and follow established safety policies. Employees are required to wear personal protective equipment as needed, such as hard hat, safety vest, steel toed boots, eye and ear protection, and chaps, among others.

Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job, including:

• Frequently operate a computer and other office machinery such as a keyboard, mouse, phone and fax machine;

• Frequently communicate accurate information and ideas with others;

• Hear and see sufficiently to respond quickly in a noisy, fast-paced environment while meeting mandated safety standards;

• Frequently operate a motor vehicle and move throughout City facilities and worksite locations;

• Frequently walk up to five miles through water and uneven terrain, loose soil and sloped surfaces;

• Frequently lift and move heavy objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Experience and Training

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Management, Environmental Studies, Ecology, sciences, project management, public administration or closely related field.

OR

• Four years equivalent work experience in native landscape restoration construction, maintenance, and forestry,

AND

• Two years supervisory experience in a relevant field.

• Experience in program development and oversight.

• Experience using a variety of computer software systems (word processing, database, spreadsheet, geospatial tools (e.g. ESRI products).

• Experience in Puget Sound Lowland native and invasive plant identification.

• Experience in Pacific Northwest salmon/trout identification preferred.

• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the candidate with the knowledge, skill and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position considered.

Necessary Special Requirements

• Employment contingent upon passing criminal convictions check and child and adult abuse records check.

• Valid Washington State driver’s license by the time of hire and good driving record. A three-year driving abstract must be submitted prior to hire.

• Ability to secure and maintain a valid First Aid and CPR certification within six months of hire.

Selection Process

As part of the application process, a cover letter is required.

Within the cover letter, please answer the following questions:

• Please indicate why you are interested in this position, and why this position is the next right step for you in your career.

• Provide a brief summary of your education, experience and qualifications for this position.

Please ensure your application is complete and all required information has been provided. Standard completeness means all application fields (contact information, personal information, education, work experience, references, and required supplemental questions). Provide as much detail as you believe will fully describe your experience and training.

Interviews for the most qualified candidates are tentatively scheduled for July 9, 2024. Invitations to participate in the Interview process will be sent via e-mail on or around June 27, 2024.

Please Note: Candidates will receive updates regarding application status via email. Please be sure to check your email frequently, including your spam folders for messages filtered by your email providers.

Equal Opportunity:

Our environment is characterized by respect for cultural backgrounds, belief systems, and ethnic diversity. The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its work force. We do not make decisions on the basis of an individual's race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40+), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment.

Fair Hiring Practices

• The City provides individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense an equal and fair opportunity to obtain employment.

• The City will not inquire about an applicant's criminal history until after a conditional job offer has been made.

• The City will disregard the prior arrest and conviction record of an otherwise qualified individual unless the offense is directly related to the job position for which the individual has applied.

• The City will notify an otherwise qualified applicant about a potentially disqualifying conviction and give the applicant an opportunity to submit information regarding the accuracy of the criminal records as well as evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation, as appropriate.

There are many good reasons for working at the City of Bellingham. The work is rewarding and you have an opportunity to serve your community. Another good reason is the great benefits that the City offers its employees. See our benefits section (https://www.cob.org/employment/pages/benefits.aspx) for additional information.

This position is represented by the Teamsters 231 bargaining unit. Specific benefit information including Holidays, Vacation Accruals, Health, Dental and Vision Plans with cost sharing and Deferred Compensation Match can be found in the Teamsters 231 labor agreement (https://www.cob.org/employment/Pages/labor-agreements-pay-schedule.aspx) .

This position is covered by the State of Washington Department of Retirement Systems PERS plan. PERS requires mandatory employee and City contributions. Please visit the DRS website (http://www.drs.wa.gov/) for more information on PERS.

01

As part of your application, please submit a cover letter addressing these questions.

-Please indicate why you are interested in this position, and why this position is the next right step for you in your career.

-Provide a brief summary of your education, experience and qualifications for this position.

Have you attached the required documents?

• Yes, I have attached the required cover letter.

• No, I have not attached the required cover letter and understand that my application will be marked incomplete.

  02

  Do you have a Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources Management, Environmental Studies, Ecology, sciences, project management, public administration or closely related field?

• Yes

• No

  03

  If you answered NO to question #2, do you have four (4) years equivalent work experience in native landscape restoration construction, maintenance, and forestry?

• Yes

• No

  04

  Do you have two (2) years supervisory experience in a relevant field?

• Yes

• No

  05

  Do you have experience in program development and oversight?

• Yes

• No

  06

  Do you have experience using a variety of computer software systems (word processing, database, spreadsheet, geospatial tools (e.g. ESRI products)?

• Yes

• No

  07

  Do you have experience in Puget Sound Lowland native and invasive plant identification?

• Yes

• No

  08

  If you answered NO to any of the above questions #2-#7, do you have an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to provide you with the knowledge, skill and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position? Please explain in detail how you meet the requirements.

  09

  Do you have experience in Pacific Northwest salmon/trout identification? [Note: this is preferred]

• Yes

• No

  10

  Do you have a valid Washington State driver's license or the ability to obtain one by time of hire and a good driving record? The successful candidate must submit a three-year driving record abstract prior to hire, with periodic submission of driving abstract per City policy.

• Yes

• No

  11

  Do you have CPR and First Aid certification or the ability to secure certification within six (6) months of hire?

• Yes

• No

  12

  Describe your experience planning, scheduling, assigning, and supervising work crews engaged in restoration, mitigation, protection, and conservation field activities on public land.

  13

  Teamwork and collaboration within the department are important to this position. This position will require you to use your interpersonal skills to lead staff, community members, and volunteer groups.

  Please describe how you have worked effectively as part of a team and one specific example of how you contributed to the team success or achieving a specific goal.

  Required Question

Agency

City of Bellingham

Address

104 West Magnolia Street Bellingham, Washington, 98225

Phone

360-778-8228

Website

http://www.cob.org/employment

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