Temporary; Seasonal Watershed Inspector Cedar Falls Watershed

Position Description

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking an outdoor professional to serve as a Temporary Watershed Inspector
. Watershed Inspectors are an integral part of a unique Watershed Protection Team that traverses some of the most beautiful valleys, ridges, and summits within the Cascade Mountains seven days a week, as they protect the Cedar River and South Fork Tolt Watersheds that are the source of drinking water for 1.6 million customers.

This Temporary Watershed Inspector position is part of an inclusive outdoor‑mindful crew that provides watershed monitoring on more than 100,000 acres of forest land. Priority work includes proactive security, access permitting, recreation monitoring, boundary enforcement, hydrological data collection, wildfire suppression, and all‑hazard incident response.

About Seattle Public Utilities:

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community‑centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.6 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), checkout the:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectation
• Strategic Business 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.

Primary Temporary Watershed Inspector Job Responsibilities

• Monitor all watershed activities on foot, vehicle, boat, and aircraft.
• Enforce City Watershed Water Quality regulations and assist law enforcement as needed.
• Collect hydrological data and perform sampling by foot, boat, and helicopter.
• While working alone, perform regular security patrols and challenging boundary posting tasks in remote mountainous terrain in all weather conditions.
• Provide professional level access and control, including the use of several integrated security systems and products.
• Document and meet numerous deadlines and task expectations through the regular use of a mobile application using an issued cell phone and tablet.
• Respond to all‑hazard emergencies and incidents including wildfires, search and rescue missions, medical aides, hazardous material spills, storm‑related damage and various enforcement scenarios.

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.

One (1) year of college education in forestry, law enforcement, natural resources, fire science, environmental science, parks and recreation management, or a related field, OR one year of experience in forestry, law enforcement, natural resource management, fire science, parks and recreation management, environmental science or watershed protection or related field. A combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class will be considered.

• Possess a valid Washington State Driver's License.
• Ability to complete a Washington State Patrol background check to become an Emergency Vehicle Operator to drive and operate wildland firefighting engines.
• Must certify and meet National Wildfire Coordinating Group standards for Firefighter 2 at the Arduous fitness level. Current Arduous test is carrying a 45lb pack along a 3‑mile flat course in less than 45 minutes. This test will be conducted in April. Failure to complete the test will terminate the temporary…