Salary Range
6,845.00 - 8,750.00
Job Summary
As one of the fastest growing cities in the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver is building a city of the future through innovation, sustainable development, excellent leadership and effectively working with an engaged community. Our growth is guided by our core values of livability, sustainability and resiliency, innovation, and equity and inclusion, and we accomplish our work through collaboration, innovation, compassion and empowerment.
If who we are speaks to you, and if you’re the type of person who is interested in joining a team dedicated to working with the community to prevent pollution and keep our waterways clean then the City of Vancouver may be for you.
We’re currently recruiting for a Senior Engineering Technician – Surface Water. The primary responsibilities for the job are to conduct site visits to businesses, industrial sites, construction sites, and residential properties to inspect storm water facilities and evaluate operations for compliance with the ordinances including the City’s water resources protection, erosion prevention, and surface water management regulations, enforcement code ordinances, and state-issued storm water permits and guidelines.
This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt union position. This position is covered under the provisions of an agreement between the City and the OPEIU union. The schedule for this position is M-F, 8am to 5pm.
Salary for this position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement with negotiated step increases based on seniority. Candidates meeting the minimum requirements for the position will be at the beginning of the listed range, equal to Step 1. Directly related experience, certifications and relevant credentials exceeding minimum requirements will be considered for step credit at hire, with such credit not to exceed Step 4, the approximate midpoint of the listed range, unless otherwise stipulated in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Job Details
Essential Functions:
- Conduct inspections of storm water facilities for compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program as well as other water resources protection, erosion prevention, and surface water management regulations, enforcement code ordinances, and state-issued storm water permits and guidelines. Follow inspection guidelines and guidance documents to provide technical assistance. Provide training, instruction, and education on implementing best management practices to residents, businesses, and contractors, for the protection of surface and ground water resources citywide. Drive a city vehicle in a safe and appropriate manner to travel between sites.
- Respond to customer and public inquiries and complaints; explain and interpret codes, policies, standards, fees, and procedures to members of the public, contractors, engineers, architects and others. Investigate water-related complaints and referrals. Collect field data and verify conditions to determine causes and make recommendations for correction and prevention related to water quality and quantity problems.
- Coordinate with city departments and services on ordinance compliance, policy, and project development applicable to the protection of water resources, including erosion prevention and sediment control. Work with staff in engineering, operations, the Community and Economic Development Department and the Water Resources Education Center to implement compliance programs.
- Develop and present education and outreach programs on water resource protection and practices to city staff, developers, contractors, engineers, architects, business owners, and the public; work with trade organizations and neighborhood associations to develop effective education and outreach programs.
- Issue warnings or correction notices as deemed appropriate to the situation for noncompliance with local ordinances. Follow through and coordinate with other city staff on additional code enforcement action as necessary to ensure compliance is achieved, and support other city staff at appeal hearings, as needed.
- Understand and interpret stormwater, erosion control, water resources protection, and code enforcement ordinances and related legal documents.
- Perform inspections at construction sites to verify that erosion prevention measures are installed according to approved plans and that best management practices are followed at the site.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
Experience and Education
- Two (2) years of increasingly responsible technical engineering experience in environmental science, engineering, inspecting or a related field. Equivalent to an Associate's Degree from an accredited college with major course work in engineering or a related field.
- Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Computer Skills
- Basic skills in AutoCAD
- Intermediate skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
- Basic skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS/ArcMap)
Required Licenses and/or Certifications
- Possession of a valid driver's license
- Ability to obtain Washington State approved Construction Site Erosion & Sediment Control Certification within six (6) months
Knowledge
- Principles and practices of civil engineering and construction management
- Best management practices for surface and groundwater protection
- Pollution prevention and erosion programs and best management practices
- Pertinent federal, state and local laws that pertain to: surface water and ground water regulations
- Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment
- Public, private and community issues and relationships related to water resources
- Use of personal computers and basic software
Abilities
- Interpret and apply state and local policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations
- Read and interpret various kinds of maps, engineering drawings, construction plans and other technical materials and documents, such as specifications, engineering manuals, survey information, and computer manuals
- Clearly present technical information in oral, written and graphic forms; speak in front of groups; cope with conflict and disgruntled customers
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
- Work independently in the absence of supervision
- Demonstrate good judgment and decision making
- Operate a personal computer and appropriate software
- Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver’s Operating Principles
- Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees
- Provide a high level of customer service at all times
- Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work
- Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others
- Consistently provide quality service
- Maintain regular and dependable attendance
- Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive
- Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player
- Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work by
focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures. - Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public.
- Works in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk. Complies with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.
This position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check, a basic criminal background check, and a driving abstract.
The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just a verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change. We developed and continue to develop strategies to enhance employee-centered programs, eliminate recruitment and advancement barriers, elevate employee understanding of DEI and cultural competency and build an inclusive and welcoming place to call work. We hope you’ll consider joining us on the journey!
Safety: The City of Vancouver believes every employee plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace. The City of Vancouver promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice and accomplishes work by creating safe work environments, complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.
Diversity and Inclusion: At the City of Vancouver, we value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is key to innovation, effectiveness and a positive culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.
Veterans’ Preference: Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans’ preference when applying for City of Vancouver positions. Honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouses or spouses of honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability who would like to be considered for a Veterans’ preference for this job should provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the City can reasonably provide them without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 360-487-8417 or email hrfront1@cityofvancouver.us
Job Posting End Date
August 19, 2026
