Nature of Work

Do you have a passion for protecting our local aquatic resources by improving the effectiveness of aquatic invasive species management? Come join our Public Works Natural Resources_ team!_
This is an 8/9-month benefited seasonal position, budgeted 40 hours per week. This position works a varied schedule including weekends, early mornings, evenings, and public holidays.
This position fulfills seasonal Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program objectives by providing education and watercraft inspection and decontamination services to recreational boaters. The position will interact with members of the public, collect and track survey information, provide boat inspection and decontamination training and communicate with other state and local government staff. This position is responsible for assisting in the preparation and launch of the AIS season as well as in the gathering of data and report preparation at the end of the season. Serves as lead to lower classified AIS Program Staff with responsibility for providing on-site instruction, day-to-day direction, communication and assisting in ensuring professional delivery of service to the public. The AIS Lead may be required to obtain Watercraft Inspection Training Level II Inspector and Decontaminator training and certification.
This position will start at Step 1 ($19.30/hour). The full hourly range for this position is $19.30 - $23.78. Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy.

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 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)
• Employment Benefits - City of Bellingham (cob.org)

Closing Date/Time: Thurs. 01/12/2023 4:30 PM Pacific Time

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

• Performs detailed watercraft inspections and decontaminations for the prevention of the spread and establishment of aquatic invasive species in Lake Whatcom, Lake Samish and other area lakes.
• Provides information to the public on aquatic invasive species prevention and management activities.
• Conducts vessel history surveys with recreational boaters.
• Maintains accurate and detailed records of work performed.
• Collects permit fees and maintains accurate sale and receipt records for each shift.
• Inputs vessel, inspection and permit data using smart phones in the field.
• Provides day-to-day oversight of lower classified AIS staff in the absence of the supervisor. Ensures safe and efficient performance of daily work while providing a high level of customer service to the public. Provides on-site instruction and direction and supports the Aquatic Invasive Species Program Coordinator in implementing and communicating work assignments. Refers technical questions, conflicts and personnel issues to Supervisor.
• Assists in the hiring and training of lower classified AIS Prevention Program seasonal staff. Provides support in reviewing experience and training requirements and implementing the annual open house hiring event. Assists in providing training for hands on and group inspections and other technical inspection functions.
• Participates and provides feedback in regular staff meetings to assess the effectiveness of the Aquatic Invasive Species Program.
• Performs full watercraft decontaminations of high-risk watercraft by following standard protocols used by watercraft inspection and decontamination programs in the western United States.
• Communicates logistical needs to Supervisor.
• Provides written and verbal reports as requested.
• Represents the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program at various educational booth exhibits, displays and fairs.
• Assists with regularly scheduled early detection monitoring activities to detect new invasive species introductions.
• Maintains a professional presence and demeanor at all times.
• Performs inspection data review and analysis at the end of the season to aid in the generation of tables and figures for the annual Aquatic Invasive Species Program report.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES:

• Performs other tasks and related duties as assigned.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed primarily outdoors near water bodies at both rural and urban locations for the duration of seasonal employment. Involves working independently outdoors for long hours in all types of weather. Stands or walks for extended periods of time over rough terrain when performing inspections and conducting vessel screening surveys. Some exposure to conditions such as dust, fumes, noise or odors may occur. Work is intermittently performed in an office setting which may require prolonged periods of sitting. Requires flexible working hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays. Travel may be required to attend training. Employees are required to wear personal protective equipment, use appropriate safety equipment and follow standard safety practices. .

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

• Stand for long periods of time during inclement hot and cold weather;
• Bend, squat, climb and reach on a frequent basis to inspect all internal compartments and surfaces of boats and trailers;
• Fine finger dexterity to manipulate computer keyboard, mouse and inspection equipment;
• Travel on foot to remote areas with uneven ground;
• Travel and movement on a boat;
• Collect and input monitoring and inspection data during inclement weather;
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Experience and Training

• Minimum of one full season of AIS Prevention Program experience.
• Experience working with the public on a daily basis in public outreach, customer service or similar.
• Demonstrated experience in a team leader role preferred.
• Course work in environmental science or knowledge of lake aquatic ecology preferred.
• Experience working with watercraft or basic knowledge of watercraft design and operation preferred.
• High level of comfort using smart phones to collect and process data preferred.

Necessary Special Requirements

• Valid Washington State driver's license and satisfactory driving record. Must provide a three-year driver's abstract prior to hire.
• Watercraft Inspection Training Level II Inspector and Decontaminator certification preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Employment contingent upon passing a Washington State Adult/Child Abuse records check, criminal conviction and local background check (see Fair Hiring Practices below).
• All City Employees are expected to follow COVID related mandates and requirements.

All City of Bellingham employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment, per Mayor Seth Fleetwood’s Executive Order 2021-02.

Selection Process

**You are encouraged to print a copy of this job announcement for your reference as the process moves along**
As part of this process, a cover letter (no longer than one page) is required. Within the cover letter, please answer the following questions:

• Please indicate why you are interested in this position, and why this position is the next step for you in your career.
• 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 required supplemental questions). Provide as much detail as you believe will fully describe your experience and training.

Applications will be referred to the department for review. Interviews for the most qualified candidates are tentatively scheduled for the week of January 23, 2023. The anticipated start date for the 2023 season is mid-February.

Please Note: Candidates will receive updates regarding application status via email. Please be sure to check your email frequently.

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.

Job Type: Temporary

Pay: $19.30 per hour

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