Environmental Coordinator (Part Time)

Join our team as a part-time Environmental Coordinator (.5 FTE) and take your career outdoors while also playing a key role in project management from the office! In this exciting role, you’ll lead hands-on restoration projects to enhance streams, wetlands, and marine habitats, while also determining project objectives, budgets, and staffing. From conducting field studies to developing program strategies, you’ll be at the forefront of environmental sustainability both in the field and in the office. If you’re ready to contribute to natural resource conservation and work in diverse, dynamic conditions, this position is the perfect fit for you!

The Environmental Coordinator performs a variety of professional and technical work and field duties associated with the development and implementation of the Natural Resources Division’s Restoration Program. Develops, recommends and implements program goals and objectives and evaluates effectiveness. Requires advanced knowledge of watershed ecology and environmental sciences as well as a high degree of accuracy since error or negligence may compromise the City's natural  resource programs and permits.  

SALARY AND BENEFITS: 

The current full salary range for this position is $3,861/month - $4,677/month. Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the Teamsters Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy.

Research has demonstrated that salary negotiation can further inequality due to bias across gender and race. To prevent negotiation bias, the City places new employees within the published salary range based on qualifications and professional experience as listed on the application material, in accordance with City policy. This is in line with the City's commitment to accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Candidates who exceed the minimum experience requirements shall be given credit for advanced step placement at the rate of one additional pay step for each two full years of directly related or equivalent professional experience beyond the minimum requirements. Candidates who meet minimum qualifications or have experience that is not directly related or in a lower-level position will be placed at step one in the salary range. For positions that require a bachelor’s degree, one additional step may be granted for applicants with a master’s degree in a related field when the master’s degree is not required to meet minimum qualifications. The City's HR Department regularly evaluates minimum qualifications to provide equitable employment opportunities.

For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here’s a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page.

• 5 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 12 paid holidays 1 floating holiday per year
• 4 hours of sick leave accrued monthly
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match

 

Accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

Closing Date/Time: Mon. 3/17/25, 8:30 AM Pacific Time 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

1. Determines project and program objectives and approach within defined program parameters, budgets and staffing. 
2. Develops, coordinates and implements the restoration and fish passage projects to improve stream, wetland, upland and marine habitat.
3. Designs and implements environmental monitoring and field studies to evaluate status and trends of water and habitat quality and the effectiveness of restoration and mitigation projects and programs.
4. Originates and manages contracts for consultants for program services including design, permitting, field data collection, sample analysis, data analysis, report writing, general program support, and professional expertise. 
5. Writes grant proposals, manages grant implementation, grant reporting and administration. 
6. Prepares permit applications for Scientific Collection Permits and other permits as needed to conduct work and implement programs. Directs and coordinates work under relevant permits to ensure regulatory compliance. Prepares and submits all reporting required under permits.
7. Collects a variety of field data, including but not limited to: water quality, vegetation, amphibians, birds, mammals, macro invertebrates, fish and wetlands using standards established by the City of Bellingham and applicable regulatory agencies.
8. Evaluates and interprets monitoring data utilizing a variety of specialized equipment and instrumentation. Uses various computer programs, databases and spreadsheets to validate, analyze and manage data. Writes scientific, technical and programmatic reports for environmental monitoring programs. Analyzes monitoring results to identify problem areas and implement solutions.
9. Plans and conducts quality assurance/quality control to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory guidelines and standards.
10. Serves as the City’s Restoration Program representative; coordinates with other City departments, internal and external committees and state and federal agencies such as the Department of Ecology and the US Army Corps of Engineers.  
11. Supervises lower level staff, interns, work study and/or volunteers assigned to program area. Assigns, supervises and evaluates work; provides training, develops performance standards and monitors performance. Makes recommendations regarding employment actions, including discipline, as needed. Participates in the selection of new employees. 
12. Responds to citizen inquiries regarding restoration projects and environmental monitoring. Prepares information for public consumption and presents information at public meetings and events. 
13. Reviews development applications and provides comments and recommendations to City staff and applicants related to the expertise and knowledge associated with the Restoration Program.

Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job, including:

• Perform outdoor data collection duties under inclement conditions;
• Visual acuity to differentiate and key out aquatic biota; 
• Dexterity to manipulate sampling equipment and computer keyboard; 
• Adequate hearing for telephone and radio communications; 
• Stand for long periods of time, including in streams; 
• Walk up to five miles over and through water and rough terrain on a regular basis;
• Frequent lifting of up to 25 lbs.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in an office setting and outdoors, exposing employee to inclement weather, noise, fumes, construction, traffic hazards and environmental hazards. This position requires the ability to walk up to 5 miles in and around streams and rivers. Employees are required to use appropriate safety equipment and follow standard safety practices.

• Bachelors of Science degree in environmental sciences, ecology, natural resources management, fisheries biology, chemistry, general biology, or hydrology. Master's degree is preferred. 
• Three years related work experience conducting habitat restoration or improvements and ecological field studies.
• Experience in program development and oversight.
• Experience using a variety of computer software systems (word processing, database, spreadsheet, geospatial tools (e.g. ESRI products).

An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the applicant with the knowledge, skills and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the job will be considered. 

• Valid Washington State driver’s license and good driving record.  A three-year driving abstract must be submitted at the time of hire, with periodic submission of driving abstract per City policy.
• Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.
• Employment contingent on passing a criminal background check (See Fair Hiring Practices).

**You are encouraged to print a copy of this job announcement for your reference as the process moves along**

As part of the application process, a cover letter is required.
  Within the cover letter, please answer the following questions:

1. Please indicate why you are interested in this position, and why this position is the next right step for you in your career. 
2. Provide a brief summary of your education, experience and qualifications for this position.

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 supplemental questions). Application materials should comprehensively document your experience and skills related to the position responsibilities and experience/training requirements. As part of the City’s commitment to reducing bias in the hiring process, Human Resources redacts personally identifiable information for reviewers. Only the documents listed as required will be reviewed.

Interviews for the most qualified candidates are tentatively scheduled for the week of April 14, 2025. Invitations to participate in the Interview process will be sent via e-mail on or around April 1, 2025.
 
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.

Salary : $3,861 - $4,677