Soil Scientist Associate

Clackamas County employees work to serve the public and enrich our community. In that spirit, we pledge to hold ourselves to these standards at all times in our interactions with customers and one another:

· Service · Professionalism · Integrity · Respect · Individual accountability · Trust

By incorporating these values into our daily routines, we can better serve our customers, ourselves and our projects. We’re always looking to improve. That’s the Clackamas County SPIRIT.

Clackamas County Core Values

Clackamas County is committed to building a community where people thrive, have a sense of safety, connection, and belonging, so that everyone is honored and celebrated for the richness in diversity they bring.
We encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds and lived experience to apply.

CLOSE DATE

This Job Posting closes at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) on Tuesday, May 30th, 2023.

Please Note: The application deadline may be extended to expand the pool of qualified candidates. Any recruitment timeline changes will be communicated to all who have initiated an application process or have submitted an application.

Annual Pay Range: $68,442.50 - $74,971.05

Hourly Pay Range: $32.905047 - $36.043773

Salary offers will be made within the posted pay range and will be based on a candidate's experience (paid or unpaid) that is directly relevant to the position.

Clackamas County proudly offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including competitive wages, cost-of-living adjustments, merit increases (for eligible employees), and a robust sick and vacation plan for regular status employees.

We encourage and support employee health and wellness by offering, health and wellness classes and events, and alternative care benefits, so you can customize your wellness needs to fit your lifestyle.

Employee benefits become effective the first of the month following an employee’s date of hire.

Attractive benefits package and incentives for employees in regular status positions are detailed below.

Generous paid time off package, including:

• 12 hours of vacation accrued per month
• 8 hours of sick accrued per month
• 10 paid holidays and 1 personal day per year

Other Benefits:

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP):
  • Employer paid 6% PERS retirement contribution (The county currently pays the employee’s share of the retirement contribution.)
  • OPSRP members get vested after five years of contributions or when they reach age 65
• A Choice of Medical Plans that include chiropractic coverage, alternative care, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• A Choice of Dental Plans
• Robust EAP and wellness programs, including gym discounts and wellness education classes
• Longevity pay
• Other retirement Savings Options that allow for additional retirement funds savings, including an option to contribute a portion of employee earnings on a pre or post-tax basis to a 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
• A variety of additional optional benefits (see links below for additional information)

This is a full time County position represented by AFSCME.

AFSCME: Department of Transportation (DTD) Full Time Benefits

Learn More About Benefits

• Are you passionate about protecting water quality?
• Do you enjoy a blend of office and field work, in all the diverse climate and environmental conditions Oregon can offer?
• Are you an organized self-starter that enjoys the opportunity to review and participate in a variety of different types of projects?
• Do you enjoy working with property owners and contractors to help find solutions for their onsite wastewater needs?
• Do you have a personal commitment to putting ethics into practice by holding yourself to high levels of professionalism, honesty, objectivity, and accountability?

If you answered “yes” to the questions above, please read on! We are searching for a motivated and team-oriented individual with strong communication and interpersonal skills to join our Septic and Onsite Wastewater team at the Clackamas County Department of Transportation & Development as a Soil Scientist Associate.

If selected for this position, your main focus will be to conduct soil investigations and plan reviews to determine the feasibility of septic system installation. You will be responsible for evaluating proposed sites for on-site sewage disposal and inspecting newly constructed, existing or failing on-site sewage disposal systems consistent with Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) codes and County ordinances. Additionally, you will be responsible for reviewing other permitting applications to ensure compliance with DEQ codes. You will have an opportunity to work onsite in the office, as well as out in the field, conducting field inspections.

Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*

• Must meet the minimum education requirements of either an Environmental Health Specialist Trainee or a Wastewater Specialist Trainee as established by the Oregon Health Authority, outlined below:

Environmental Health Specialist Trainee Minimum Education Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree and at least 45 quarter hours, or the equivalent semester hours, in science courses relating to environmental sanitation from an accredited college or university; or
• At least 15 quarter hours, or the equivalent semester hours, in science courses relating to environmental sanitation from an accredited college or university and at least five years of experience in environmental sanitation or related activities, under the supervision of a registered environmental health specialist or a person possessing equal qualifications.

Wastewater Specialist Trainee Minimum Education Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, including at least 45 quarter hours or the equivalent in soil science courses; or
• A graduate degree in soil science from an accredited college or university

Note: Soil science schooling obtained while serving in the United States Public Health Service or a branch of the Armed Services of the United States may be credited toward the soil science course requirement under this section.

Preferred Special Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*

• Experience as an Environmental Health Specialist, Wastewater Specialist, Geologist, or Engineering Geologist
• Experience working in a septic, wastewater, or public sector environment
• Experience working within a regulatory framework
• Experience working with the public within a regulatory environment

Pre-employment Requirements:

• Must pass a post-offer physical assessment; accommodation requests will be reviewed on an individual basis in compliance with State and Federal legislation.
• Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the County's driving policy

Post-employment Requirements:

• Within 60 days of hire incumbent must obtain registration by the State of Oregon as an Environmental Health Specialist Trainee or Wastewater Specialist Trainee as defined by the Oregon Health Authority.
• Within 2 years of hire incumbent must obtain registration by the Oregon Health Authority as an Environmental Health Specialist or Wastewater Specialist

Key Competencies for Success in this Role
We are searching for someone who:

• Has strong communication skills, including the ability to explain and present complex, technical information to individuals with various levels of technical knowledge and skills
• Has the ability to handle a wide range of situations and circumstances effectively, positively and professionally
• Can multitask and prioritize projects within time constraints and competing deadlines, as well as a track record of meeting deadlines
• Has a collaborative, team-oriented approach to work, but also is flexible, self-motivated, and can work independently
• Possesses strong problem-solving skills and active/reflective listening skills
• Is able to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the public as well as County partners and customers

• For Veterans qualified for Veteran’s Preference: If you believe you have skills that would transfer well to this position and/or special qualifications that relate to this position, please list those skills and/or qualifications in the open-ended question at the end of the application and explain how those skills and/or qualifications relate to this position.

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Provides customer service by answering questions regarding septic permit processes, soil evaluation studies, soil investigations, existing septic system reviews and variance procedures.
• Conducts septic feasibility studies; inspects septic construction permits; gathers information to determine whether the site is suitable for a septic system; analyzes soil samples and determines if soil characteristics, slope, surface water, and potential ground water sources meet current standards.
• Drafts preliminary designs of septic systems based on landform, soil and groundwater conditions in accordance with Department of Environmental Quality rules and County codes and protocols.
• Investigates complaints of septic violations of environmental law or local codes.
• Prepares reports and completes correspondence regarding field investigations; maintains files and records for septic inspections and programs.

Working knowledge of: Department of Environmental Quality regulations; general principles of geology, hydrology and soil science; septic design, septic system design standards and practices; basic math and statistics; on-site septic system field inspection procedures and practices; County permit process and zoning regulations; English grammar and composition.

Skill to: Interpret and create scale drawings; determine soil profiles and textural classifications; discriminate between functional, marginal and non-functional septic systems; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; provide advice on septic system installations; interpret topographic maps and profiles; prepare detailed reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Duties require frequent standing, walking, squatting, bending, twisting, kneeling, reaching, digging, balancing, climbing, fine motor control, and the ability to lift 50 pounds and carry up to 25 pounds. Duties also involve frequent exposure to confined spaces, loud noises, slippery and/or uneven surfaces, dust, and adverse weather conditions.

This position works 40 hours during a standard workweek of Monday through Friday. Specific hours of work will be discussed with the candidate selected for this position at the time an offer of employment is extended.

Please Note: This position is eligible for hybrid on-site/telework subject to the Clackamas County Teleworking Policy and based on the Department’s business needs. The exact amount of on-site/telework and schedule will be discussed with the hiring manager during time of offer. Telework locations cannot be located outside of Oregon or Washington. Washington residents must perform 50% of their time on-site at Clackamas County.

Clackamas County is in a prime location in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area and is recognized nationally as one of the most livable areas in the United States. Located on the southern edge of the City of Portland and extending to the top of Mt. Hood, Clackamas County is part of a thriving region in the Northwest. It has a population of about 420,000 residents.

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ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The mission of the Department of Transportation and Development (DTD) is to assist residents and businesses in creating vibrant, sustainable communities through innovative and responsive public service.

DTD is responsible for a broad range of county services involving land use planning and permitting, building permits, county code enforcement, solid waste and recycling, road construction and maintenance, surveying, plat approvals, public land corner restoration and dog services. The county’s urban renewal programs also report to DTD.

Learn more about the divisions in DTD

Clackamas County only accepts online applications.

Help With Your Application:

Application Process

Help with the Application

If you have any questions or issues you may contact the Department of Human Resources at 503-655-8459 or e-mail us. Our office hours are Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time (closed on Fridays).

HOW TO CLAIM VETERAN'S PREFERENCE

Request Veterans' Preference

Learn more about the County's Veterans' Preference

VISA SPONSORSHIP

Clackamas County does not offer visa sponsorships. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete an I-9 and confirm authorization to work in the United States.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Clackamas County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the Department of Human Resources prior to the recruitment close date. You may request an accommodation during the online application process.

Lindsay Roberts, Recruiter
LRoberts2@clackamas.us