Senior Water Quality Specialist

Senior Water Quality Specialist

Salary
$ - $ Annually

Location
Seattle - Regional area, WA

Job Type
Career Service (Exec)

Job Number
2026IG27636

Department
DNRP-Natural Resources & Parks

Division
WLRD
-Water & Land Resources

FLSA
Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit
C1 : PROTEC
17-DES, DLS, DNRP

Full- or Part-Time
Full Time

Hours/Week
40 hours/week

Summary
This is an internal transfer opportunity only. Consideration is only being given to King County PROTEC Local 17A bargaining unit employees eligible for a lateral transfer (transferring within the Engineer III classification and having passed probation).

We are seeking to hire a Senior Water Quality Specialist (Engineer III) to join the County’s Water Quality Compliance Unit. This team is focused on ensuring regulatory compliance with state and federal rules, as well as fostering innovation in research and technology that improves water quality. As a member of the Water Quality Compliance Unit (WQCU), you will be working within the Stormwater Services Section of the Water and Land Resources Division.

A large portion of this work is dedicated to refining and updating the Surface Water Design Manual, a critical regulatory document used by many jurisdictions within the region. This is a challenging and rewarding role, allowing you to contribute to the development of stormwater design criteria and research/evaluate new and emerging technology related to stormwater management. This position will also act as a liaison to the Department of Local Services – Permitting Division, providing subject matter expertise to them as needed and work with DLS to develop partnership opportunities with the development community.

As Senior Water Quality Specialist, you will be immersed in stormwater treatment media and materials review for use in Surface Water Design Manual facilities. You will also be providing your expertise and insight in developing King County’s annual reports and review of regulatory requirements. This position also participates in as‑needed constructability reviews for Stormwater Service’s Asset Management Unit, assisting with special project feedback and contributing to King County code revisions and policy updates.

This position requires excellent communication skills (verbal and written); a strong science or engineering background; knowledge of stormwater source control and treatment technologies; and knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to stormwater.

This position follows a hybrid work model, blending remote and in-person work.

King County staff and residents truly care about improving water quality. The hard‑working, skilled, and enthusiastic staff within the Stormwater Services Section (SWSS) are ready and willing to work to that end. This position will work closely with co‑workers who have a wealth of technical, scientific, and organizational expertise and knowledge, fostering a strong sense of teamwork. If you enjoy contributing a positive impact to the environment and the community through stormwater management, excel at communicating with the diverse communities and collaborating with others to safeguard water quality, this position would be a perfect opportunity for you.

The Water and Land Resources Division (WLRD) is at the forefront of King County’s efforts to protect and restore clean water and healthy habitat and strengthen the resilience of communities, environment, and infrastructure in the face of climate change. We are a dedicated workforce of more than 450 supported by an annual budget of ~$280 million. WLRD has a strong track record of developing innovative strategies to protect working farms and forests, restore habitat, and improve water quality, and provide county residents with…