6-month Temporary (Seasonal) Watershed Inspector for Cedar Falls Watershed

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking an outdoor professional to serve as a TemporaryWatershedInspector. Watershed Inspectors are an integral part of a unique Watershed Protection Team that traverses some of the most beautiful valleys ridges and summits within the Cascade Mountains seven days a week as they protect the Cedar River and South Fork Tolt Watersheds that are the source of drinking water for 1.6 million customers.

This Temporary Watershed Inspector position is part of an inclusive outdoor-minded crew that provides watershed monitoring on more than 100000 acres of forest land. Priority work includes proactive security access permitting recreation monitoring boundary enforcement hydrological data collection wildfire suppression and all-hazard incident response.

This temporary assignment is expected to last from mid-March through mid-September of 2025and are open to all qualified candidates. Candidates must be available for the full 6-months to be eligible.

About Seattle Public Utilities:Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water drainage and wastewater and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.6 million customers in the region. SPUs work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectation
• Strategic Business Plan

Primary Temporary Watershed Inspector Job Responsibilities:

• Monitor all watershed activities on foot vehicle boat and aircraft.
• Enforce City Watershed Water Quality regulations and assist law enforcement as needed.
• Collect hydrological data and perform sampling by foot boat and helicopter.
• While working alone perform regular security patrols and challenging boundary posting tasks in remote mountainous terrain in all weather conditions.
• Provide professional level access and control including the use of several integrated security systems and products.
• Document and meet numerous deadlines and task expectations through the regular use of a mobile application using an issued cell phone and tablet.
• Respond to all-hazard emergencies and incidents including wildfires search and rescue missions medical aides hazardous material spills storm related damage and various enforcement scenarios.

One (1) year of college education in forestry law enforcement natural resources fire science environmental science parks and recreation management or a related field
OR
One year of experience in forestry law enforcement natural resource management fire science parks and recreation management environmental science or watershed protection or related field.

• Possess a valid Washington State Drivers License.
• Ability to complete a Washington State Patrol background check to become an Emergency Vehicle Operator to drive and operate wildland firefighting engines.
• Must certify and meet National Wildfire Coordinating Group standards for Firefighter 2 at the Arduous fitness level. Current Arduous test is carrying a 45lb pack along a 3-mile flat course in less than 45 minutes. This test will be conducted in April. Failure to complete the test will terminate the temporary position assignment with the City immediately.

• National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Firefighter 2 certification (S-130 S-190 & L-180) *This includes the mandatory arduous work capacity test (WCT) which is an annual condition of employment and typically delivered in-house.
• Advanced First Aid or higher (First Aid will be required for all temporary staff in-lieu of this requirement).
• Professional Rescuer CPR/AED
• NIMS Incident Command Systems I-100 and 200
• 24-hour Hazwopper
• Watercraft Inspector Level 2 - Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention
• WA State Boat Operators card

The full salary range for this position is $41.09 per hour - $47.78 per hour.
*Temporary employeesbegin at Step 1 of the pay progression at $41.09 per hour.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• Ability to safely work alone in mountainous terrain in all kinds of weather conditions is essential.
• Annual physical training requirements include the National Wildfire Coordinating Group requirements for Firefighter 2 at the Arduous Level (Work Capacity Test).
• Required to wear a city issued uniform at all times (boots are subject to current Union Agreement).
• Required to work holidays evenings and/or weekends and may require emergency standby.
• Required to regularly lift over 50 pounds.
• Work requires exposure to people who may become hostile or abusive such as trespassers and poachers; contact with individuals which may lead to potentially dangerous situations.
• Required to safely handle toxic/hazardous chemicals such as chlorine and glycol.

• Job offers are contingent upon completion of a Pre-placement Physical and Background Check which includes criminal history.
• A fully completing the online application is required andwe encourage candidates to attacha current resume and cover letter describing your work experience(s) and how that makes you a good candidate for this OOC role.