Solid Waste Addendum Only - Environmental Specialist I

Solid Waste Addendum Only - Environmental Specialist I

Salary

$64,571.28 - $82,411.20 Annually

Location

Cathcart-8915 Cathcart Way, Snohomish, WA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-PWK9411R-OCT-BU

Department

Public Works

Division

Public Works Solid Waste Environmental

Opening Date

10/15/2026

Closing Date

10/25/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

OPEN TO MEMBERS OF AFSCME 109 PUBLIC WORKS - SOLID WASTE ADDENDUM BARGAINING UNIT ONLY.

This job posting is to fill an Environmental Specialist I position open to the following employees:

• All current regular AFSCME 109 Public Works-Solid Waste Addendum Bargaining Unit employees. Current Solid Waste regular employees will have precedence based on seniority date.
• Current AFSCME 109 Public Works-Solid Waste temporary employees.

Come join the Environmental Service Section (ESS) of the Solid Waste Division (SWD)! We are currently seeking qualified candidates to fill an Environmental Specialist I position.

This position will assist the ESS workgroup in a variety of tasks throughout the Snohomish County Solid Waste Facilities including:

• Environmental monitoring, inspection, and maintenance of landfill gas and flaring facilities;
• Leachate collection systems monitoring, sampling, treatment, conveyance system maintenance, and troubleshooting; and
• Stormwater, surface water and groundwater quality monitoring and sampling at all SWD facilities.

This is a hands-on field role that requires working around leachate, wastewater, strong odors, solid waste facilities, and all types of weather. Candidates must be reliable, safety-focused, proactive, quick to learn, able to apply new information, communicate clearly, and work well both independently and with a team.

The position also requires participation in a rotational on call/standby schedule with other ESS staff, including responding to after-hours (weekday and weekend) calls, system alarms, and emergencies as needed.

Selection Process:

Please attach a resume and cover letter summarizing your work experience and skills that are relevant to this position. Your cover letter must elaborate on why you are the ideal candidate for the Environmental Specialist I position. Your resume and cover letter should be reflective of your style and organized to clearly articulate the information.

Additionally, please respond to the supplemental essay question in this job posting.

You must also attach your unofficial transcript with your online application. If you do not attach your unofficial transcript, you will be removed from the hiring process.

Qualified applicants will be required to pass a:

• Written exam: Qualified applicants will be emailed instructions to schedule an in-person written exam.
• Interview: Applicants who pass the written exam and are selected to advance to the interview phase will be notified by email with instructions to self-schedule their interview.
• Professional reference checks and credential verification
• Criminal Background Check
• Post-offer medical examination and a Physical Abilities Evaluation (PAT) performed by a qualified healthcare professional selected by Snohomish County.

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their Snohomish County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

For information about this job opportunity and posting, please email: SPW-Recruitment.

Job Duties

BASIC FUNCTION

The Environmental Specialist I is an entry level position in the Environmental Services Section (ESS) where employees gain basic knowledge on assisting in the environmental monitoring, inspection, and maintenance of landfill gas and flaring facilities, leachate collection treatment and conveyance systems and water quality monitoring sites at ESS controlled functions.

STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Visually inspects landfill gas and flaring facilities and leachate collection and conveyance facilities for alarms, equipment irregularities or malfunctioning systems; calls on outside assistance as necessary; maintains daily records of equipment operations.
• Assists in maintaining and monitoring the leachate collection and conveyance facilities at solid waste facilities; monitors such things as flow, temperature, pump operations and pH content.
• Assists in collecting samples and assists in preparing field data reports documenting readings and observations; delivers samples to the proper laboratory as required.
• Assists in monitoring ground water at solid waste sites; assists in collecting ground water samples from monitoring wells utilizing approved collection techniques; delivers samples to the proper laboratory as required.
• Assists in monitoring surface and storm water runoff at solid waste sites; assists in collecting surface and storm water samples utilizing approved collection methods; assists in field tests conducted to determine field constituents of each sample; delivers samples to the proper laboratory as required.
• Assists in the maintaining and monitoring of gas extraction and flaring facilities; assists in recording required information on a data recorder.
• Assists in the monitoring of vactoring operations at solid waste facilities.
• Cleans and assists in maintaining monitoring equipment.
• Assists the ESS Supervisor in performing annual inventory.

STATEMENT OF OTHER JOB DUTIES

• Performs routine labor as assigned.
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Fifteen (15) credits of vocational or college level course work in at least two (2) of the following fields: chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, natural sciences or water quality; AND one (1) year of experience in the field of solid waste or related industry. Must pass job related tests.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• A valid Washington State Driver's License is required for employment.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a 40-hour certification in Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) within six (6) months of employment.
• A valid First Aid Card is required within six (6) months of employment.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination prior to employment.
• Participation in a medical surveillance program that includes baseline, periodic, and exit monitoring.
• Ability to pass the annual lung capacity test for wearing respirators.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a Washington State Department of Ecology Group OIT Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators Certification within twelve (12) months of employment.

A job offer will be conditioned on satisfactory results of a post offer medical examination or inquiry.

Additional Information

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• use of personal computers
• analytical problem solving
• general mathematics and chemistry
• word processing software
• spreadsheet software

Ability to:

• communicate professionally and effectively both orally and in writing
• work effectively with the general public, the business community and co-workers
• diagnose and troubleshoot routine electrical and mechanical problems
• read, understand and follow safety rules and regulations
• understand and execute oral and written instruction
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors and co-workers, consultants and representatives of government agencies
• understand and interpret work related laws, regulations and procedures
• make independent decisions under pressure
• defensive driving practices and procedures
• manage time and meet deadlines

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

Lifting in excess of fifty (50) pounds of tools and sampling devices in awkward positions is required. Walking long distances over rough terrain and working in confined spaces with hazardous gases and obnoxious odors present is required. Manual dexterity is required for the operation of assigned equipment and personal computers.

SUPERVISION

The employees in this classification report to the Environmental Monitoring Supervisor and receives technical oversight from the Environmental Specialist Lead. The monitoring functions are performed independently at worksites throughout the county. Work submitted may be spot checked for completeness and accuracy.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work is performed in an office environment and outside in all types of inclement weather conditions at solid waste disposal sites throughout the county. The employee is exposed to unpleasant odors, dust and debris. The employee is required to wear county supplied safety equipment and coveralls when in the field or operating assigned facilities. This position may be assigned to a rotational weekday or weekend standby/call-out duties to support system alarm, emergencies and other ESS functions as needed.

Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.

Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.

EEO policy and ADA notice

Snohomish County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees that receive a regular appointment who work at least 20 hours a week.

Visit www.snohomishcountywa.gov/Benefits to learn more about the following benefits.

County Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Retirement
• Basic Group Term Life Insurance/ Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• Commuting Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Partners for Health Employee Wellness Program
• Leave & Holidays

Voluntary Benefits

• Deferred Compensation 457(b)
• Supplemental Group Term Life Insurance
• Additional Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Supplemental Individual Insurance Policies

Healthcare Premiums

• Regular full-time employees: If you work 35 or more hours per week, you will pay these monthly premiums for medical insurance. The County pays the monthly premiums for vision, dental, and basic life insurance.
• Regular part-time employees: If you work between 20 and 34 hours per week, you will pay pro-rated monthly premiums for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. The Countys contribution toward the premium for an employee in a regular part-time appointment will be pro-rated in an amount equal to the F.T.E. percentage the employee is assigned.

Note: Temporary employees, seasonal employees and paid interns may be eligible for medical insurance benefits. Review the Countys ACA Employer Shared Responsibility Guide to learn more.

01

This job posting is open to current regular or temporary Snohomish County AFSCME 109 Public Works-Solid Waste Addendum Bargaining Unit employees only.

Are you a current regular or temporary Snohomish County AFSCME 109 Public Works-Solid Waste Bargaining Unit employee? If no, you will be removed from the hiring process.

• Yes
• No

02

Following are a series of supplemental questions designed to assess your job-related experience and qualifications. Please note that as part of the screening process your responses will be reviewed in conjunction with your general online application. The employment history and education detailed in your general application must validate/support your responses to the supplemental questions. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the review/selection process.

A resume may be submitted, but it will not substitute for the general online application or supplemental questions; responses such as "see resume" or "see application" will not be considered.

Do you agree to answer each question truthfully and that your responses can be supported by your general application/work history and by your references?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have fifteen (15) credits of vocational or college level course work in at least two (2) of the following fields: chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, natural sciences, or water quality?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have at least one (1) year of experience in the field of solid waste or related industry?

• Yes
• No

05

Please attach your unofficial transcript.

Do you understand if you do not attach your unofficial transcript, you will be removed from the hiring process?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have a valid Washington State Drivers License or the ability to obtain one within thirty (30) days of hire?

• Yes, I have a valid Washington State Drivers License
• No, but I have the ability to obtain one within thirty (30) days of employment
• No, I do not have the ability to obtain one within thirty (30) day

07

The following items are requirements of this position; however, Snohomish County will provide training for each of them:

• A valid First Aid/CPR Card is required within six (6) months of employment.
• Obtain a forty (40) hour HAZWOPER certification within six (6) months of employment.
• Obtain a Washington State Department of Ecology Group OIT Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators Certification within twelve (12) months of employment.

Ability to pass the:

• Base-line physical for hazardous materials handling.
• Annual lung capacity test for wearing respirators.
• I understand and agree that I will be required to receive training for the listed items within the timelines indicated.

08

Your resume, cover letter, and responses to the supplemental essay questions will be scored to determine whether you advance to the interview stage. You must score at least 70% to qualify for an interview. Interviews will be scheduled for the most qualified applicants.

Do you understand your scores will determine eligibility for an interview, and all experience MUST be documented in the work experience section on your application?

• Yes
• No

09

Please attach a resume and cover letter summarizing your work experience and skills that are relevant to this position. Your cover letter must elaborate on why you are the ideal candidate for the Environmental Specialist I position. Your resume and cover letter should be reflective of your style and organized to clearly articulate the information.

Do you understand if you do not attach a resume and cover letter you will be removed from the hiring process?

• Yes
• No

10

Describe a field experience that shows your ability to conduct environmental monitoring, sampling, or inspections relevant to the ESS Environmental Specialist I role. Briefly explain the procedures or technical knowledge you learned, how you applied them independently, any issues you identified or resolved, how you communicated your findings, and the equipment, sampling methods, or recordkeeping systems you used.

Required Question

Employer Snohomish County

Address 3000 Rockefeller Ave M/S 503

Everett, Washington, 98201

Phone (425) 388-3411

Website http://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/2553