- Employer: City of Seattle
- Salary: $48.42 – $52.32 Hourly
- Location: WA, WA
- Job Type: Classified Civil Service, Regular, Full-Time
- Job Number: 2025-00020
- Department: Seattle Public Utilities
- Division: Water Line of Business
- Opening Date: 03/05/2025
- Closing Date: 4/1/2025 at 4:00 PM Pacific Time (US & Canada); Tijuana
Position Description
An online application, including responses to the supplemental questionnaire, must be fully completed for consideration.
Seattle Public Utilities is seeking a Senior Watershed Inspector to protect the pristine Cedar River and South Fork Tolt Watersheds while leading a team of dedicated Watershed Inspectors in the Watershed Protection Section. As a key member of the Section’s Leadership Team, you’ll expertly balance field operations, staff development, and environmental stewardship to safeguard our region’s essential water supply.
This on-site uniformed lead position requires proficiency of all Watershed Inspector duties while working independently to lead watershed protection activities in the field, enforce regulations, conduct security patrols (by foot, vehicle, aircraft, or boat), collect hydrological data, operate security systems, document work through mobile applications, prepare reports, install signs in remote areas, control aquatic invasive species, suppress wildfires, and respond to emergencies including search and rescue operations. Based at Cedar Falls Headquarters (34 miles east of Seattle near North Bend), this position requires 100% on-site presence with no telework options available.
About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations. We deliver high quality, vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. In addition, SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities. Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the highest benefits possible for every investment we make.
For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), please visit:
SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.
Why join us? We know work isn’t only about what you do, it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:
- Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
- Generous benefits package
- Free public transportation options
- City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
- Growth potential and advancement opportunities
Job Responsibilities
Scheduling & Supervision
- Develop and manage comprehensive daily schedules for Watershed Inspectors, including coordination of time-off requests, patrol routes, field assignments, posting routes, hydrological monitoring, and contractor site inspections
- Provide backup coverage for the Watershed Protection Office as needed
Training & Onboarding
- Lead orientation sessions for new employees on Watershed Protection protocols and best practices
- Train and evaluate new Watershed Inspectors to ensure adherence to departmental standards and protocols
Field Operations
- Perform strategic patrols to monitor work sites, roads, fences, gates, and watershed facilities for potential threats to water quality
- Enforce City access and control regulations by addressing unauthorized personnel on restricted lands and reporting violations to appropriate authorities
- Educate and inform visitors about recreation area rules and regulations to promote compliance and environmental protection
Investigations & Reporting
- Create detailed, factual case reports documenting incidents and observations with precision and thoroughness
- Conduct comprehensive investigations including evidence collection, scene photography, witness interviews, and detailed documentation
- Execute complex investigations and produce detailed incident reports to support decision-making processes
- Assist management with confidential personnel matters, including preparation of necessary documentation and communications
Equipment & Security
- Research, evaluate, and procure specialized equipment to support watershed protection operations
- Become proficient in security systems including closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitoring, electronic gate operations, and facility security
Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain the complete listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change as conditions require
Qualifications
Education/Experience:
- One (1) year of college education in forestry, law enforcement, natural resource management, fire science, watershed protection or a related field AND one (1) year of verifiable supervisory or lead worker experience in a natural resource protection role.
OR - A combination of education and/or training which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class.
License, Certification and Other Requirements:
- Current Washington State driver’s license.
- Must pass a criminal background check.
- Advanced First Aid Certifications which includes Professional Rescuer CPR and AED; Operations Level for Swiftwater Rescue, Technical Rope Rescue and Hazardous Material Response (within two years of appointment).
- National Wildland Firefighting Incident Qualification Card (within one year of appointment).
- Waterworks Operator certification and/or Commercial Driver’s license to operate Wildland fire apparatus with tank and air brake endorsements may be required.
- Eligible to receive a limited commission as a peace officer from the local authority having jurisdiction.
Work Environment/Physical Demands:
- Works outdoors independently in all weather conditions
- Daily walking exceeds four miles
- Navigates steep, unstable terrain alone
- Must work flexible shifts including weekends and evenings
- Physical demands include climbing precipitation towers, digging post holes, and lifting over 50 pounds
- May encounter confrontational individuals such as trespassers or poachers, creating potentially dangerous situations
- Handles potentially toxic/hazardous chemicals including chlorine and glycol
Desired Qualifications
- Previous wildfire suppression experience and Natural Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Certifications documented in Incident Qualification System (IQS) State or ICQS Incident Certified Qualification System (ICQS) Federal at the Squad Boss and Incident Commander Type 5 level.
- Previous law enforcement training and/or experience in rural/backcountry settings with limited backup and communications
- Self-motivated with ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining thorough communication
- Proficiency using various technological applications and devices to document daily activities
- Experience working or patrolling high-traffic recreation areas
- First responder experience in search and rescue, technical rescue, avalanche travel, and EMS
- Ability to collaborate effectively on special projects in a team environment
Special Conditions
- Required to wear a provided uniform while on duty (annual boot allowance provided after 12-month probationary period, subject to current Labor rules and agreements)
- Must be able to work a schedule of 4–10-hour days, subject to change
- Watershed Protection covers 365 days a year, 7 days a week, so schedules can vary
- Overtime and/or scheduled standby may be required during emergencies or incidents of concern
- Position requires driving off-road/4×4 vehicles, operating boats, riding bicycles, driving fire apparatus, and flying in helicopters when patrolling, collecting hydrological data, and fighting wildfires
- Primary work location is Cedar Falls (near North Bend, Washington)
- Must have reliable transportation to workplace, as winter weather can create temporary challenging road conditions
Additional Information
The full salary range for this position is: $48.42 – $52.32 per hour.
Application Expectation: An online application including response to the supplemental questionnaire must be fully completed for consideration. Please DO NOT attach resumes and cover letters, as they will not be considered in the review of candidate’s qualifications.
Candidates selected to move forward will be required to complete and pass a Work Capacity Test (Pack Test) on an annual basis, which currently involves hiking 3 miles on level terrain while carrying a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes or less.
Pre-Employment/Pre-Placement Requirements:
- As a part of the application process a complete Washington State Drivers abstract will be required for the most competitive applicants. Please do not provide until requested.
- This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SME 14.17. Applicants will be provided with an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
- SPU’s safety program requires a pre-employment medical assessment as a condition of employment in this position
Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City’s website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans
Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Questions? Contact Erika Monroe at Erika.Monroe@seattle.gov Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/.  Â
Employer: City of Seattle
Website: http://www.seattle.gov/jobs
Address: Seattle Municipal Tower 700 5th Avenue, Suite 5500 Seattle, Washington, 98104
