Solid Waste Addendum - Environmental Specialist

We are currently seeking qualified candidates to fill an Environmental Specialist I position.

OPEN TO MEMBERS OF AFSCME 109 PUBLIC WORKS - SOLID WASTE ADDENDUM BARGAINING UNIT ONLY.

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their Snohomish County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

This position will assist the ESS workgroup in a variety of tasks throughout the Snohomish County Solid Waste Facilities including:

• Environmental monitoring, inspection, and maintenance of landfill gas and flaring facilities;
• Leachate collection systems monitoring, sampling, treatment, conveyance system maintenance, and troubleshooting;
• Stormwater, surface water and groundwater quality monitoring and sampling at all SWD facilities.

This is a hands‑on field role that requires working around leachate, wastewater, strong odors, solid waste facilities, and all types of weather. Candidates must be reliable, safety‑focused, proactive, quick to learn, able to apply new information, communicate clearly, and work well both independently and with a team.

The position also requires participation in a rotational on‑call/standby schedule with other ESS staff, including responding to after‑hours (weekday and weekend) calls, system alarms, and emergencies as needed.

Fifteen (15) credits of vocational or college level course work in at least two (2) of the following fields: chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, natural sciences or water quality; AND one (1) year of experience in the field of solid waste or related industry. Must pass job related tests.

• A valid Washington State Driver’s License is required for employment.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a 40‑hour certification in Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) within six (6) months of employment.
• A valid First Aid Card is required within six (6) months of employment.
• Ability to pass a pre‑employment physical examination prior to employment.
• Participation in a medical surveillance program that includes baseline, periodic, and exit monitoring.
• Ability to pass the annual lung capacity test for wearing respirators.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a Washington State Department of Ecology Group OIT Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s Certification within twelve (12) months of employment.

• use of personal computers
• analytical problem solving
• general mathematics and chemistry
• word processing software
• spreadsheet software

• communicate professionally and effectively both orally and in writing
• work effectively with the general public, the business community and co‑workers
• diagnose and troubleshoot routine electrical and mechanical problems
• read, understand and follow safety rules and regulations
• understand and execute oral and written instruction
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors and co‑workers, consultants and representatives of government agencies
• understand and interpret work related laws, regulations and procedures
• make independent decisions under pressure
• defensive driving practices and procedures
• manage time and meet deadlines

Lifting in excess of fifty (50) pounds of tools and sampling devices in awkward positions is required. Walking long distances over rough terrain and working in confined spaces with hazardous gases and obnoxious odors present is required. Manual dexterity is required for the operation of assigned equipment and personal computers.

The employees in this classification report to the Environmental Monitoring Supervisor and receives technical oversight from the Environmental Specialist Lead. The…