Natural Systems Specialist 1, 2

City of Eugene•Eugene, OR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Eugene Parks and Open Space Division is seeking a qualified professional to support the oversight, inspection, and compliance of private vegetated stormwater facilities. This program operates under the City’s MS4 NPDES permit, and this position serves within the Stormwater and Medians Maintenance team. If you are committed to clean water initiatives, environmental stewardship, and providing essential services to our community, this role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The ideal candidate is an effective communicator with sound judgment, strong technical aptitude, and the ability to remain flexible while upholding code and permit requirements. In this position, you will work closely with developers, contractors, designers, homeowners, and other stakeholders to support the successful design, construction, and ongoing maintenance of private vegetated stormwater facilities in alignment with municipal and regulatory standards.

Requirements

Natural Systems Specialist 1: Three years of relevant experience in the technical program area.
Natural Systems Specialist 2: Four years of experience in the technical program area (inspecting and overseeing the ongoing operation and maintenance of private vegetated stormwater facilities for compliance).
Background check.
Physical assessment and drug test.
Valid Oregon driver’s license (or, the ability to obtain by date of hire); must pass driving records check and, if hired, maintain a driving record that meets the City’s standard.
Oregon law requires that an out-of-state license holder must obtain a valid Oregon license (with appropriate endorsements) within 30 days of becoming domiciled in the state (ORS 803.355).
Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain an Oregon Department of Transportation Traffic Control Flagger certification.
Possession of, or ability to obtain within the first year, a stormwater inspector certification from an accredited agency.
Knowledge of principles and practices in the assigned technical area, including specialized technical processes and environments, equipment, maintenance and/or operational requirements.
Knowledge of local, state and federal codes as they relate to assigned technical area.
Knowledge of standards and policies in program area.
Knowledge of occupational hazards and safe methods as related to assigned program area.
Knowledge of applicable computerized and/or technical systems.
Technical knowledge of natural areas and vegetation projects requiring application of scientific principles and theory (arboriculture, streams and riparian areas, wetlands, ponds, woodlands, savannahs, and stormwater quality facilities).
Ability to coordinate and prioritize a complex work program and its components; evaluate program results.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relations with City departments, local agencies, developers, contractors, property owners and the general public.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to use conflict resolution, negotiation and communication skills in adverse situations.
Ability to research and maintain records and documents and analyze complex technical issues.
Ability to apply technical standards and evaluate specialized data and findings.
Ability to evaluate the intent of codes or program requirements and mandates.
Ability to maintain accurate and detailed records and prepare complex technical reports.
Ability to use and maintain specialized computer databases and systems.
Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, surveys and construction plans and specifications, and apply standards.
Ability to research and support legal property descriptions.
Ability to interpret and enforce specifications, municipal codes and division policies.
Ability to use tools, diagnostic equipment, and apply findings to specialized processes.
Ability to work independently or in a crew situation.
If required, ability to plan, assign, and lead the work of assigned staff.
Ability to perform physical work in varying weather conditions.
Ability to provide and wear personal protective equipment as required.

Nice To Haves

Specialized course work or technical training in the area of assignment is desirable. Examples include natural resource management, landscape architecture, or green infrastructure.
Natural Systems Specialist 2: Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred.
Experience with vegetated stormwater facility function and maintenance, inspections, program coordination, code compliance, or a level of responsibility similar in nature preferred.
Associate's degree related to the area of assignment (ex. Natural resource management, environmental science, etc.) for Natural Systems Specialist 2.

Responsibilities

Performs “Stormwater Planting” inspections for new development.
Ability to identify approved and prohibited plants.
Works with developers, contractors, and homeowners on meeting permit requirements.
Navigate current software to complete and communicate inspection results.
Performs ongoing operation and maintenance (O&M) field inspections and site observations/investigations to ensure function and compliance with code and/or regulatory requirements.
Provide education and outreach to facility owners, their representatives, designers, construction crews, developers, in-house maintenance crews, and other work groups.
Provide on-site consultations by request.
Provide outreach materials via welcome packets, inspection results, maintenance reminders/recommendations, etc.
Establishes and maintains detailed documentation of inspection, observations, and enforcement activities to ensure accurate records for documenting, tracking and planning program and project activities.
Produce detailed reports to meet regulatory requirements.
Manage private vegetated stormwater system inventory and documentation utilizing current technology.
Develops and recommends policies, procedures, and systems to support program area; assists with evaluating and monitoring program activities; participates in program planning, including annual work plan management.
Functions as subject matter expert in vegetated stormwater facility installation and management, with responsibility for resolving most code conflicts and issues.
Coordinates and works with City crews, other agencies, contractors and property owners to provide complex technical information on municipal codes, ordinances, policies and standards, and state and federal laws applicable to the program area.
Pro-actively stays informed of developments in the assigned technical program area.
Works with property owners and the public to investigate and evaluate complaints and problems; explains regulatory, code, and policy requirements; evaluates regulations related to enforcement activities and determines whether a violation has occurred; determines the best approach to ensure compliance with codes, laws, and policies and for resolving complaints; negotiates mitigation measures, changes, and solutions to problems.
Mediates conflict when disputes arise.
Applies safe work practices and ensures the safety of the public and employees.
Actively supports a respectful workplace and City policies related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Works independently or in a crew situation; may perform physical duties while directing crews or working along-side crews.
May fill in for Public Stormwater Inspector as needed to provide support for public vegetated stormwater program.
Responds to emergency situations to mitigate and/or assist with hazardous situations as assigned; may be required to be available for emergency call outs.
May represent the city in court and in appeals to a hearing official.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Actively supports and respects diversity in the workplace.
Performs related and other duties as assigned.