Natural Resources Worker I/II - BELLINGHAM CITY OF
City of Bellingham, WA
About the Job
Do you have interest ecological and habitat restoration? Enjoy working outside to restore and improve natural areas on public land? Apply to join the Natural Resources Restoration team.
***Please note: If you are interested in the Natural Resources Worker Lead position as well, you will also need to apply to that position before it closes.***
This series performs progressively responsible manual field work for the Natural Resources Division of Public Works. Provides support to Natural Resources programming, including the Lake Whatcom Watershed Property Acquisition Program, Habitat Restoration Program and Wetland Mitigation Program. Implements native ecological restoration activities through the performance of planting, weed management, construction and maintenance activities. Decommissions, reroutes and maintains trails and constructs signage, fencing and pedestrian boardwalks. Demolishes small structures and removes trash and site debris. Work involves the use of hand and power tools and the operation of tracked wheelbarrows, skid-steer, mini excavators, towing/backing trailers and dump trucks. Documents and records data and answers questions from the public.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Natural Resources Worker is distinguished from other classifications by its emphasis on performing manual field work involving ecological restoration activities including weeding, planting, construction, maintenance, habitat restoration and monitoring of native landscapes in support of the Natural Resources Field Programs.
Natural Resources Worker I:
The Natural Resources Worker I is an entry-level position assisting higher classified workers in the performance of assigned duties. NR Worker I is distinguished from the NR Worker II by a greater level of supervision and instruction required in the performance of assigned duties. Incumbents at this level receive instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations occur.
An individual in this position will move to the NR Worker II level in a non-competitive promotion upon completing two years as a NR Worker I, obtaining a Washington State pesticide license and obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (Class A CDL) with air brake endorsement (CSC 7-11-90).
Natural Resources Worker II:
The NR Worker II is distinguished from the NR Worker I by the greater level of experience which provides a higher level of skill and independence in the performance of job duties. In accordance with established procedures, rules and regulations, the NR Worker II is expected to perform the full range of routine to complex duties within the scope of the classification with minimal supervision.
NR Worker II is further distinguished from the NR Worker I by obtaining and maintaining a Washington State pesticide license and obtaining and maintaining a Commercial Driver’s License and demonstrating proficiency in operating heavy equipment.
The 2023 hourly rates are as follows:
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:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Natural Resources Worker II
ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED:
Natural Resources Worker I
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is primarily performed outdoors in developed and undeveloped areas with frequent exposure to outdoor weather conditions. Work is occasionally performed in an office setting at a desk or computer terminal. Frequent exposure to difficult terrain, loud noises and water. Employees are required to use appropriate safety equipment and follow established safety policies. This is a field work position with continuous physical exertion requirements.
Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job, including:
***Please note: If you are interested in the Natural Resources Worker Lead position as well, you will also need to apply to that position before it closes.***
This series performs progressively responsible manual field work for the Natural Resources Division of Public Works. Provides support to Natural Resources programming, including the Lake Whatcom Watershed Property Acquisition Program, Habitat Restoration Program and Wetland Mitigation Program. Implements native ecological restoration activities through the performance of planting, weed management, construction and maintenance activities. Decommissions, reroutes and maintains trails and constructs signage, fencing and pedestrian boardwalks. Demolishes small structures and removes trash and site debris. Work involves the use of hand and power tools and the operation of tracked wheelbarrows, skid-steer, mini excavators, towing/backing trailers and dump trucks. Documents and records data and answers questions from the public.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Natural Resources Worker is distinguished from other classifications by its emphasis on performing manual field work involving ecological restoration activities including weeding, planting, construction, maintenance, habitat restoration and monitoring of native landscapes in support of the Natural Resources Field Programs.
Natural Resources Worker I:
The Natural Resources Worker I is an entry-level position assisting higher classified workers in the performance of assigned duties. NR Worker I is distinguished from the NR Worker II by a greater level of supervision and instruction required in the performance of assigned duties. Incumbents at this level receive instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations occur.
An individual in this position will move to the NR Worker II level in a non-competitive promotion upon completing two years as a NR Worker I, obtaining a Washington State pesticide license and obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (Class A CDL) with air brake endorsement (CSC 7-11-90).
Natural Resources Worker II:
The NR Worker II is distinguished from the NR Worker I by the greater level of experience which provides a higher level of skill and independence in the performance of job duties. In accordance with established procedures, rules and regulations, the NR Worker II is expected to perform the full range of routine to complex duties within the scope of the classification with minimal supervision.
NR Worker II is further distinguished from the NR Worker I by obtaining and maintaining a Washington State pesticide license and obtaining and maintaining a Commercial Driver’s License and demonstrating proficiency in operating heavy equipment.
The 2023 hourly rates are as follows:
- Natural Resources Worker I will start at Step 1 ($24.47/hour)
- Natural Resources Worker II will start at Step 1 ($25.96/hour)
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)
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Performs native ecological restoration, maintenance, construction and property conservation activities such as planting; mulching; weed management, including pesticide application, brush cutting and manual weeding; forest management and thinning; structure removal; installation, maintenance and repair of irrigation systems; fish isolation and fish salvage; and, construction and maintenance of signs, fences and boardwalks.
- Participates in activities associated with decommissioning, rerouting and maintaining trails. Work involves revegetation, constructing/demolishing bridges and signage, and configuring drainage.
- Performs regular inventory, cleaning, and minor maintenance of tools and equipment such as saw filing, shovel sharpening and repair of fish nets. Reports equipment needs and issues to supervisor.
- Operates light equipment such as chainsaws, mowers, riding mowers, line trimmers, brush cutters, miter saws, field sweepers, tracked wheelbarrows, pressure washers and a variety of hand and power tools.
- Operates heavy equipment such as excavators, skid steer, trucks with trailer attachments and backhoes.
- Performs manual labor such as digging, shoveling, raking, lifting, and pushing a wheelbarrow.
- Participates in the operation and maintenance of a native plant nursery including planting, watering, plant propagation, and assisting with inventory. Maintains appropriate levels of cleanliness and organization.
- Works with higher classified staff to inspect and monitor restoration, mitigation and Lake Whatcom sites for completeness, effectiveness, maintenance needs, hazards and encroachments. Documents and inputs monitoring data for parameters such as vegetation, water quality, geomorphic and fish and wildlife. Documentation includes mapping, reporting and scheduling.
- Answers questions and provides information to the public within the scope of authority. Refers more complex technical questions and concerns to higher classified positions within the unit.
- Communicates logistical needs to Supervisor.
- Maintains accurate and detailed records of work performed.
Natural Resources Worker II
- Provides guidance and on-the-job training to less experienced co-workers.
- Operates 10-yd dump trucks.
ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED:
Natural Resources Worker I
- Participates in job-related training to improve knowledge and skills.
- Performs other related duties within the scope of the classification.
- Assists higher classified workers in data collection.
- Performs other related duties within the scope of the classification.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is primarily performed outdoors in developed and undeveloped areas with frequent exposure to outdoor weather conditions. Work is occasionally performed in an office setting at a desk or computer terminal. Frequent exposure to difficult terrain, loud noises and water. Employees are required to use appropriate safety equipment and follow established safety policies. This is a field work position with continuous physical exertion requirements.
Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job, including:
- Occasionally operate a computer and other office machinery such as an iPad, keyboard, mouse, phone and fax machine.
- Frequently communicate accurate information and ideas with others;
- Frequently move throughout City facilities and worksite locations;
- Hear and see sufficiently to respond quickly in a noisy, fast-paced environment while meeting mandated safety standards;
- Frequently perform repetitive tasks such as field preparation, vegetation maintenance, and extended equipment operation such as backpack blower operation.
- Frequently walk up to five miles through water and uneven terrain, loose soil and sloped surfaces;
- Stand, stoop, bend, dig, reach, kneel, squat, ascend and descend steep terrain and equipment, such as ladders and heavy equipment;
- Infrequently work from heights;
- Frequently operate mechanical and electrical equipment of varying lengths and width and small hand tools.
- Frequently lift and move objects up to 50 pounds and occasionally transport objects up to 100 pounds.
Job Type: Full Time
Location: City of Bellingham, Washington
Agency: Public Works
Source : BELLINGHAM CITY OF