Water Quality Specialist 3 - Pollution Response and Correction

Pierce County•Tacoma, WA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

In this role, you'll play a key part in protecting Pierce County's streams, lakes, groundwater, and Puget Sound by investigating pollution incidents, responding to spills, and helping prevent contaminants from entering the stormwater system. You'll inspect public and private facilities, identify sources of pollution, collect and analyze environmental samples, and work with property owners, businesses, and partner agencies to resolve water quality concerns. Every day brings a different challenge, combining field investigations, technical analysis, problem-solving, and collaboration to protect our community's natural resources. PPW stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies. PPW’s team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community. The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement. Success in this role comes from combining strong technical knowledge with excellent communication and investigative skills. You'll need to analyze potential pollution sources, interpret environmental data, conduct inspections, and apply stormwater regulations while working collaboratively with colleagues, regulatory agencies, businesses, and the public. Attention to detail, conflict resolution, GIS proficiency, and the ability to work independently in both field and office environments will help you effectively support pollution prevention and environmental compliance efforts. Responsibilities also include documenting inspection results, updating storm system maps, supporting enforcement actions, and providing internal training to Pierce County personnel on IDDE procedures, source control practices, and field inspection methods. A career with Pierce County means joining an organization committed to your growth and success. Through our robust online learning and variety of training opportunities, Pierce County ensures continuous professional development throughout your journey. This dedication extends beyond individual advancement, it reflects a broader mission to foster welcoming communities, maintain safe infrastructure, and promote equitable access to opportunities.

Requirements

Four years of college or post-high school technical training AND Three or more years of progressively responsible related experience.
Resume and cover letter are required.
Background check authorization and completion.

Nice To Haves

GIS proficiency
Conflict resolution skills

Responsibilities

Lead of a water quality unit or program or project; assign work to a specific work unit and ensure tasks are completed correctly and timely; may approve leave requests and work schedules; provide input on performance evaluations.
Conduct field investigations, interview witnesses, research property information, review applicable codes, photograph site, take water quality samples and gather additional evidence as necessary to confirm or identify violations.
Provide direction, assistance and training to less experienced employees.
Correspond with citizens, engineers, contractors, and other agencies in matters of spill prevention, water quality protection, and stormwater management; respond to complex questions and information requests regarding best management practices and stormwater management regulations.
Oversee stream flow discharge following the USGS guidelines.
Conduct monitoring of publicly-owned outfalls for stormwater characterization.
Conduct effectiveness monitoring of specific best management practices.
Conduct flow monitoring.
Prepare quality assurance project plans (QAPPs) for monitoring programs.
Conduct and direct on-site inspections of sophisticated or complex stormwater management facilities associated with industrial, commercial, and multi-family land use; determine or verify the proper operation and maintenance of stormwater management facilities and implementation of stormwater Best Management Practices.
Meet with various entities and inform of violations; explain the intent of code and provide options on resolution through written and verbal communication.
Document inspection results, update storm system maps, support enforcement actions, and provide internal training to Pierce County personnel on IDDE procedures, source control practices, and field inspection methods.