Job Information
City of Bellingham Natural Resources Worker Lead in Bellingham, Washington
Natural Resources Worker Lead
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Natural Resources Worker Lead
Salary
$29.21 Hourly
Location
City of Bellingham, WA
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
24-NR Worker Lead
Department
Public Works
Division
Public Works Natural Resources
Opening Date
06/28/2024
Closing Date
7/15/2024 8:30 AM Pacific
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit
Local 1937
Description
Benefits
Questions
Nature of Work
Do you have interest in ecological and habitat restoration? Enjoy leading a team to restore and improve natural areas on public land? Apply to join the Natural Resources Restoration team as the Lead!
Please note: If you are interested in the Natural Resources Worker I/II position as well, you will also need to apply to that position before it closes.
This position performs manual field work for the Natural Resources Division of Public Works. Provides support to Natural Resources programming including the Lake Whatcom Watershed Property Acquisition Program, Habitat Restoration Program and Wetland Mitigation Program. Serves as lead to Natural Resources Workers I & II with responsibility for providing on-site instruction, day-to-day direction, communication and support to ensure the needs of Natural Resources programs are met. Leads and participates in ecological restoration activities through the performance of planting native plants, weed management, irrigation and construction and maintenance activities. Performs manual labor and field work involving operation of heavy equipment and hand and power tools. Decommissions, reroutes and maintains trails and constructs signage, fencing and pedestrian boardwalks. Collects, documents and records data. Researches questions, investigates issues, makes recommendations and carries out objectives under the direction of the Supervisor.
This position will start at Step 1 ($29.21/hour). Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 Collective Bargaining Agreement (https://cob.org/about/employment/labor-agreements-pay-schedule) and City policy. The 2023 full hourly range for this position is $29.21 - $35.91. For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures.
City of Bellingham employees receive medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as life insurance and long-term disability. Additional benefits include flexible spending accounts, a medical insurance opt-out program, and access to our employee assistance program. All eligible City employees are enrolled in a Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (https://www.drs.wa.gov/) pension plan. Additionally, employees may elect to participate in the City’s 457 deferred compensation retirement savings plan.
Employees will receive 12 paid holidays in addition to one paid floating holiday each year. Employees accrue 8 hours total of contract and state sick leave per month in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement and Washington State Law. At the time of hire, employees will accrue 7.33 hours of vacation per month. Vacation accruals increase based on years of service. Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employee to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.
For additional information regarding benefits and compensation Information please visit the following:
Labor Agreements, Pay Schedules and E-Team Employee Handbook - City of Bellingham (cob.org) (https://cob.org/about/employment/labor-agreements-pay-schedule)
Employment Benefits - City of Bellingham (cob.org)
Closing Date/Time: Mon. 7/15/24 8:30 AM Pacific Time
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Provides day-to-day oversight of lower classified Natural Resources field crew (Natural Resources Worker I & II) in the absence of the supervisor. Ensures safe and efficient performance of daily work. Provides training, on-site instruction and day-to-day direction. Supports the Natural Resources Field Supervisor in implementing and communicating work assignments. Refers complex technical questions, conflicts and personnel issues to Supervisor. Uses Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) to create and manage work orders for field staff.
Leads and participates in daily field preparation and implementation of native landscape restoration, mitigation and property conservation activities such as clearing the worksite; soil amendments; grading; planting; mulching; weed management including herbicide application, brush cutting and manual weeding; forest management and thinning; structure and debris removal; installation, maintenance and repair of irrigation systems; fish isolation and fish salvage; and construction and maintenance of signs, fences and boardwalks. Performs quality assurance and quality control of work performed.
Leads the operation and maintenance of a native plant nursery under the direction of the Supervisor, including planting seedlings, watering, plant propagation, and ensuring proper inventory. Ensures appropriate levels of cleanliness and organization are maintained.
Leads and participates in activities associated with decommissioning, rerouting and maintaining trails. Work involves revegetation, constructing/demolishing bridges and signage, and configuring drainage.
Conducts rapid site assessments of restoration, mitigation and property conservation sites for completeness, effectiveness, maintenance needs, hazards and encroachments. Initiates work orders based on findings.
Documents and inputs monitoring data for parameters such as vegetation, water quality, geomorphic and fish and wildlife, as needed.
Assists in hiring and training lower classified Natural Resources Worker positions. Provides support in reviewing experience and training requirements and participates in panel interviews.
Operates light equipment such as chainsaws, mowers, riding mowers, line trimmers, brush cutters, miter saws, field sweepers, tracked wheelbarrows, pressure washers and a variety of hand tools and hand power tools.
Operates heavy equipment such as pickup trucks with trailer attachments, dump trucks, small tractors with 3-point attachments (Category 1 & 2), backhoes and excavators.
Performs manual labor such as digging, shoveling, raking, lifting, and pushing a wheelbarrow.
Assists Natural Resources Field Supervisor in responding to public inquiries and concerns. Investigates complaints and issues and resolves those that are within scope of authority. Assists with collection of information, data and photos for presentations and public meetings and events.
Assists with the implementation of an Integrated Pest Management Program using a system of guidelines for best management practices. Applies herbicides in accordance with City, State and federal regulations.
Communicates logistical needs to Supervisor.
ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED:
- Performs other related duties within the scope of this classification and of the classes below.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is frequently performed outdoors in developed and undeveloped areas with frequent exposure to outdoor weather conditions. Work is occasionally performed in an office setting at a desk or computer terminal. The work involves moderate risks when handling and applying herbicides and working with mechanical tools and equipment. Frequent exposure to difficult terrain, loud noises and water. Employees are required to use appropriate safety equipment and follow established safety policies. Employees may be required to wear personal protective equipment, such as vests, helmets, gloves, chaps, boots etc. This is a field work position with continuous physical exertion requirements.
Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job, including:
Frequently communicate accurate information and ideas with others;
Hear and see sufficiently to respond quickly in a noisy, fast-paced environment while meeting mandated safety standards;
Frequently perform repetitive tasks such as field preparation, vegetation maintenance, extended equipment operation such as a backpack blower and manipulate sampling equipment and operate small hand tools;
Move throughout City facilities and worksite locations;
Frequently operate a computer and other office machinery such as a keyboard, mouse, phone and fax machine;
Frequently operate mechanical and electrical equipment of varying lengths and width;
Frequently walk up to five miles through water and uneven terrain, loose soil and sloped surfaces;
Stand, stoop, dig, bend, reach, kneel, squat and ascend and descent equipment.
Occasionally work from heights;
Frequently lift and move heavy objects up to 50 lbs. and occasionally transport objects up to 100 lbs.
Experience and Training
High School Diploma or equivalent.
Two years of experience as a Natural Resources Worker II, OR four years equivalent experience in construction, maintenance and restoration of native landscapes.
Experience utilizing a computer and computer software including word processing software, email and performing data entry.
Experience in Puget Sound Lowland native and invasive plant identification.
Demonstrated proficiency in operating heavy equipment such as an excavator, dump truck and backhoe.
Associate degree in science preferred.
Experience in Pacific Northwest salmon/trout identification preferred.
Necessary Special Requirements
Employment contingent upon passing a criminal convictions check, child and adult abuse records check and local background check (see Fair Hiring Practices below).
Valid Washington State Driver’s License by time of hire. Good driving record. A three-year driving abstract must be submitted prior to hire, with periodic submission of driving abstract per City policy.
Possess and maintain a Washington State pesticide license through the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) with endorsement for Aquatic applications within one year of hire.
Possess and maintain valid First Aid and CPR certifications within one year of hire.
Possess and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (Class A CDL) with air brake endorsement within six months of hire and to maintain a valid CDL during length of employment.
Must pass CDL-related drug and alcohol testing.
At least 18 years old by time of hire.
Selection Process
You are encouraged to print a copy of this job announcement for your reference as the process moves along
Please ensure your application is complete and all required information has been provided. Standard completeness means all application fields (contact information, personal information, education, work experience, references, and required supplemental questions). Provide as much detail as you believe will fully describe your experience and training.
Application Review Process:
Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must provide specific, detailed information so an initial determination can be made regarding your level of qualifications for this position. Applicant status will be updated on or around July 16, 2024.
Experience and Training Rating: Applicants that meet minimum qualifications will go through an Experience and Training Rating. Relevancy of your experience and training, together with composition, grammar, spelling and punctuation will be considered when evaluating responses. Applicant status will be updated on or around July 25, 2024.
The top six (6) scoring applicants from the Experience and Training Rating will be invited to participate in an Oral Board Interview, tentatively scheduled for the week of August 5, 2024.
Applicants will be notified via email of Final Scores & Ranks. The final ranking of the register will be based on total scores for the following: Supplemental Question Review (40%) and Oral Board Interview (60%). Applicants must achieve a passing score of 60% or higher from the Oral Board Interview to be placed on the eligibility list.
Final candidates will be referred to the department for additional examination, assessment, or test.
This recruitment process will create a Civil Service eligibility register that will be used to fill current and future vacancies as they become available. There is currently 1 full-time vacancy in Public Works Natural Resources. This position is represented by a union.
If you wish to claim Veterans’ Preference Points, please complete the Veterans Scoring Criteria Declaration Form (https://cob.org/wp-content/uploads/COB-Veterans-Scoring-Criteria-Declaration-PDF.pdf) and upload it to your application with your DD214.
Please Note: Candidates will receive updates regarding application status via email. Please be sure to check your email frequently, including your spam folders for messages filtered by your email providers.
Equal Opportunity:
Our environment is characterized by respect for cultural backgrounds, belief systems, and ethnic diversity. The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its work force. We do not make decisions on the basis of an individual's race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40+), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment.
Fair Hiring Practices
The City provides individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense an equal and fair opportunity to obtain employment.
The City will not inquire about an applicant's criminal history until after a conditional job offer has been made.
The City will disregard the prior arrest and conviction record of an otherwise qualified individual unless the offense is directly related to the job position for which the individual has applied.
The City will notify an otherwise qualified applicant about a potentially disqualifying conviction and give the applicant an opportunity to submit information regarding the accuracy of the criminal records as well as evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation, as appropriate.
There are many good reasons for working at the City of Bellingham. The work is rewarding and you have an opportunity to serve your community. Another good reason is the great benefits that the City offers its employees. See our benefits section (https://www.cob.org/employment/pages/benefits.aspx) for additional information.
This position is represented by The Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 bargaining unit. Specific benefit information including Holidays, Vacation Accruals, Health, Dental and Vision Plans with cost sharing and Deferred Compensation Match can be found in the Local 1937 labor agreement (https://cob.org/wp-content/uploads/1937-2022-2023-CBA.pdf) .
This position is covered by the State of Washington Department of Retirement Systems PERS plan. PERS requires mandatory employee and City contributions. Please visit the DRS website (http://www.drs.wa.gov/) for more information on PERS.
Civil Service Information
This position is subject to the Bellingham Civil Service Commission. When a vacancy occurs, the top fifteen candidates or the top 25% of the register will be forwarded to the department for further consideration. All new Civil Service employees are subject to a one-year probationary period. A candidate may challenge the scope, content, or method of an examination or test, and a protest may be filed in writing with the Examiner within five (5) days following the date of the challenged examination. A candidate may also challenge the scoring of an examination or test, failure of the candidate on any part of an examination, or clerical error in examination results of any examination or test, and a protest may be filed in writing with the Examiner within five (5) days of notification of the challenged result. The Examiner shall consider all timely filed protests and make appropriate corrections if an error is demonstrated.
Veteran's Scoring Criteria
Applicants who have been honorably discharged from active military duty may be eligible to receive veteran's scoring criteria points as provided by Washington State Law (RCW 41.04.010). If you wish to claim Veterans’ Preference Points, please complete the Veterans Scoring Criteria Declaration Form (https://cob.org/wp-content/uploads/COB-Veterans-Scoring-Criteria-Declaration-PDF.pdf) and upload it to your application with your DD214.
01
Do you have a High School Diploma or equivalent?
Yes
No
02
Do you have two (2) years of experience as a Natural Resources Worker II, OR four years equivalent experience in construction, maintenance and restoration of native landscapes.
Yes
No
03
If you answered yes to Question #2, please describe your experience in the construction, maintenance and restoration of native landscapes. Be sure to include positions and dates.
04
Do you have experience utilizing a computer and computer software including word processing software, email and performing data entry?
Yes
No
05
Do you have experience in Puget Sound Lowland native and invasive plant identification?
Yes
No
06
If yes, please describe your experience. Be sure to include positions and dates.
07
Do you have demonstrated proficiency in operating heavy equipment such as an excavator, dump truck and backhoe?
Yes
No
08
If yes, please describe your experience. Be sure to include positions and dates.
09
Please select which of the following preferred qualifications you have. If you have none, this will not disqualify your application.
I have an Associate degree in science.
I have experience in Pacific Northwest salmon/trout identification.
I do not have any of the preferred qualifications.
10
Do you have or are you willing to obtain a Washington State drivers license and provide a 3-year driving history prior to hire?
Yes
No
11
Are you willing and able to possess and maintain a Washington State Pesticide license through the Department of Agriculture (WSDA) with endorsement for Aquatic applications within one (1) year of hire?
Yes
No
12
Are you willing and able to possess and maintain valid First Aid and CPR certifications within one (1) year of hire?
Yes
No
13
This position requires a Class A CDL with air brakes endorsement within 6 months of hire and to maintain a valid CDL during length of employment. Please select your status:
I currently possess a valid CDL license
I am willing to obtain a CDL within the required 6 months
I do not have a CDL and will not obtain one
14
Are you willing and able to pass CDL-related drug and alcohol testing?
Yes
No
15
Will you be at least 18 years of age or older by time of hire?
Yes
No
16
Describe your experience leading a team while implementing habitat restoration, mitigation or maintenance on public land. Please be specific and include positions and dates.
17
Describe your experience in creating a culture of safety, inclusion and efficiency among lower classified staff. Please be specific and include positions and dates.
18
If you are requesting Veteran's Preference points, a completed Veterans Scoring Criteria Status Declaration is required along with a copy of your DD214. The required form is in the Selections Process section of the Job Posting. Check "YES" here if you are attaching a Veteran's Declaration form and DD214.
Yes
No
Required Question
Agency
City of Bellingham
Address
104 West Magnolia Street Bellingham, Washington, 98225
Phone
360-778-8228
Website
http://www.cob.org/employment
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