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Natural Resources Worker I/II

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Natural Resources Worker I/II

Salary

See Position Description

Location

City of Bellingham, WA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

25-NR Worker I/II

Department

Public Works

Division

Public Works Natural Resources

Opening Date

05/02/2025

Closing Date

5/19/2025 8:30 AM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

Local 1937

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Nature of Work

Are you passionate about ecological and habitat restoration? Do you enjoy working outdoors to help restore and enhance natural areas on public lands? If so, consider joining our Natural Resources Restoration team!

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.

Salary Information and Benefits:

NR Worker I will start at Step 1 ($27.24/hour). The full hourly range for this position is $27.24 - $33.30.

NR Worker II will start at Step 1 (28.84/hour). The full hourly range for this position is $28.84 - $35.24.

For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures. Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 Collective Bargaining Agreement (https://cob.org/about/employment/labor-agreements-pay-schedule) and City policy.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy the peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here’s a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can find more details on our employment benefits page (https://cob.org/about/employment/benefits) and labor agreements page. (https://cob.org/about/employment/labor-agreements-pay-schedule)

+ 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time

+ 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year

+ 8 hours sick leave accrued monthly

+ Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families

+ Life insurance and long-term disability coverage

+ Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program

+ Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

+ Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security

+ Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

Closing Date/Time: Mon. 5/19/2025 8:30 AM Pacific Time

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.

Natural Resources Worker II

+ 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.

Experience and Training

Natural Resources Worker I:

+ High School Diploma or equivalent.

+ Experience or demonstrated ability using hand and power tools and motorized equipment to perform manual labor.

+ Experience utilizing a computer and computer software including word processing software, email and performing data entry.

Natural Resources Worker II:

+ High School Diploma or equivalent.

+ Two years of experience as a Natural Resources Worker I, OR two years equivalent experience performing manual labor in the construction, maintenance and restoration of native landscapes.

+ Experience utilizing a computer and computer software including word processing software, email and performing data entry.

+ Experience in Puget Sound Lowland native and invasive plant identification preferred.

+ Experience in Pacific Northwest salmon/trout identification preferred.

+ Experience operating heavy equipment preferred.

Necessary Special Requirements

+ Employment contingent upon passing a criminal convictions check, child and adult abuse records check and local background check (see Fair Hiring Practices below).

+ Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.

+ Valid Washington State Driver's License and satisfactory driving record. Must submit a three-year driver’s abstract prior to hire.

+ At least 18 years old by time of hire.

Natural Resources Worker II:

+ Natural Resources Worker II must possess and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License (Class A CDL) with air brake endorsement throughout term of employment (CSC-7-11-90).

+ Must pass CDL-related drug and alcohol testing throughout the term of employment.

+ Possess and maintain a Washington State pesticide license through the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

+ Failure to obtain and maintain CDL and Washington State pesticide license within the established time limits will result in demotion to a lower classification for which qualified until such time as the required certification is achieved.

Selection Process

You are encouraged to print a copy of this job announcement for your reference as the process moves along

Please ensure your application is complete and all required information has been provided. Standard completeness means all application fields (contact information, personal information, education, work experience, references, and supplemental questions). Application materials should comprehensively document your experience and skills related to the position responsibilities and experience/training requirements. As part of the City’s commitment to reducing bias in the hiring process, Human Resources redacts personally identifiable information for reviewers. Only the documents listed as required will be reviewed.

Application Review Process:

+ Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must provide specific, detailed information so an initial determination can be made regarding your level of qualifications for this position. Applicant status will be updated on or around May 20, 2025.

+ If there are twenty-one (21) or more qualified candidates;

+ Experience and Training Rating: Applicants that meet minimum qualifications will go through an Experience and Training Rating Applicant status will be updated on or around May 29, 2025.

+ The top twenty (20) scoring applicants from the Experience and Training Rating will be invited to participate in an Oral Board Interview, tentatively scheduled for the week of June 9, 2025.

+ If twenty (20) or less candidates meet the minimum qualifications, all will be invited to the Oral Board Interviews, tentatively scheduled for the week of June 2, 2025.

+ Applicants will be notified via email of Final Scores & Ranks. The final ranking of the register will be based on total scores for the following:

+ If twenty (20) or less candidates meet the minimum qualifications, the Oral Board Interview will be 100% of overall score. Candidates scoring a 60% or higher on the Oral Board Interview will be placed on the eligibility list.

+ If there are twenty-one (21) applicants that meet minimum qualifications, the Experience and Training Rating will be 40% of overall score and Oral Board Interview will be 60% of overall score. Candidates scoring a 60% or higher on the Oral Board Interview will be placed on the eligibility list.

Final candidates will be referred to the department for additional examination, assessment, or test.

This recruitment process will create a Civil Service eligibility register that will be used to fill current and future vacancies as they become available. There is currently 3 full-time vacancies in the Public Works Department. This position is represented by a union.

If you wish to claim Veterans’ Preference Points, please complete the Veterans Scoring Criteria Declaration Form (https://cob.org/wp-content/uploads/COB-Veterans-Scoring-Criteria-Declaration-PDF.pdf) and upload it to your application with your DD214.

Please Note: Candidates will receive updates regarding application status via email. Please be sure to check your email frequently, including your spam folders for messages filtered by your email providers.

Equal Opportunity:

Our environment is characterized by respect for cultural backgrounds, belief systems, and ethnic diversity. The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its work force. We do not make decisions on the basis of an individual's race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40+), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment.

Fair Hiring Practices

+ The City provides individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense an equal and fair opportunity to obtain employment.

+ The City will not inquire about an applicant's criminal history until after a conditional job offer has been made.

+ The City will disregard the prior arrest and conviction record of an otherwise qualified individual unless the offense is directly related to the job position for which the individual has applied.

+ The City will notify an otherwise qualified applicant about a potentially disqualifying conviction and give the applicant an opportunity to submit information regarding the accuracy of the criminal records as well as evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation, as appropriate.

There are many good reasons for working at the City of Bellingham. The work is rewarding and you have an opportunity to serve your community. Another good reason is the great benefits that the City offers its employees. See our benefits section (https://www.cob.org/employment/pages/benefits.aspx) for additional information.

This position is represented by The Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 bargaining unit. Specific benefit information including Holidays, Vacation Accruals, Health, Dental and Vision Plans with cost sharing and Deferred Compensation Match can be found in the Local 1937 labor agreement (https://cob.org/wp-content/uploads/1937-2022-2023-CBA.pdf) .

This position is covered by the State of Washington Department of Retirement Systems PERS plan. PERS requires mandatory employee and City contributions. Please visit the DRS website (http://www.drs.wa.gov/) for more information on PERS.

Civil Service Information

This position is subject to the Bellingham Civil Service Commission. When a vacancy occurs, the top fifteen candidates or the top 25% of the register will be forwarded to the department for further consideration. All new Civil Service employees are subject to a one-year probationary period. A candidate may challenge the scope, content, or method of an examination or test, and a protest may be filed in writing with the Examiner within five (5) days following the date of the challenged examination. A candidate may also challenge the scoring of an examination or test, failure of the candidate on any part of an examination, or clerical error in examination results of any examination or test, and a protest may be filed in writing with the Examiner within five (5) days of notification of the challenged result. The Examiner shall consider all timely filed protests and make appropriate corrections if an error is demonstrated.

Veteran's Scoring Criteria

Applicants who have been honorably discharged from active military duty may be eligible to receive veteran's scoring criteria points as provided by Washington State Law (RCW 41.04.010). If you wish to claim Veterans’ Preference Points, please complete the Veterans Scoring Criteria Declaration Form (https://cob.org/wp-content/uploads/COB-Veterans-Scoring-Criteria-Declaration-PDF.pdf) and upload it to your application with your DD214.

01

Thank you for your interest in this position at the City of Bellingham! To ensure a consistent review, only the City of Bellingham job application and required supplemental documents will be reviewed. Cover letters and resumes are not reviewed unless they are required as part of the process. When applying for this position, you must thoroughly complete each section of your application, and provide a thorough response to each of the supplemental questions. Please do not indicate "see resume" or copy content that is unrelated to the position being applied for from your resume when answering these questions.

Have you read and understood the information listed above?

+ Yes

+ No

02

Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)?

+ Yes

+ No

03

Do you have experience or demonstrated ability using hand and power tools and motorized equipment to perform manual labor?

+ Yes

+ No

04

Do you have experience utilizing a computer and computer software including word processing software, email and performing data entry?

+ Yes

+ No

05

Will you be at least 18 years old by time of hire?

+ Yes

+ No

06

Do you have or are you willing to obtain a Washington State drivers license and provide a 3-year driving history prior to hire?

+ Yes

+ No

07

The following requirements are preferred for Natural Resources Worker II. Please select which of the requirements you meet. [Note: if you do not have any of this experience, this will not disqualify you.]

+ I have experience in Puget Sound Lowland native and invasive plant identification.

+ I have experience in Pacific Northwest salmon/trout identification.

+ I have experience operating heavy equipment.

+ I do not have any of the preferred qualifications.

08

The following Necessary Special Requirements are for Natural Resources Worker II:

Natural Resources Worker II must possess and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (Class A CDL) with air brake endorsement throughout term of employment (CSC-7-11-90). Do you meet this requirement?

+ Yes

+ No

09

The following requirements are preferred for Natural Resources Worker II. Must pass CDL-related drug and alcohol testing throughout the term of employment. Are you willing and able to meet this requirement?

+ Yes

+ No

10

The following requirements are preferred for Natural Resources Worker II. Possess and maintain a Washington State pesticide license through the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Do you meet this requirement?

+ Yes

+ No

11

The following requirements are preferred for Natural Resources Worker II. Do you have two (2) years of experience as a Natural Resources Worker I, OR two years equivalent experience performing manual labor in the construction, maintenance and restoration of native landscapes?

+ Yes

+ No

12

If you answered YES to question #11, explain in detail how you meet the requirement for Natural Resources Worker II.

Employers and dates required - must demonstrate applicable years of paid experience. The info provided in your response will be used in part to determine placement within the series

13

Describe your experience using hand and power tools and motorized equipment to perform manual labor, as well as any experience with heavy equipment & trailers.

14

Describe your experience to working cooperatively within diverse teams, work groups and across the organization to achieve group and organizational goals.

15

Describe your experience implementing restoration and maintenance techniques on public land.

16

If you are requesting Veteran's Preference points, a completed Veterans Scoring Criteria Status Declaration is required along with a copy of your DD214. The required form is in the Selections Process section of the Job Posting. Check "YES" here if you are attaching a Veteran's Declaration form and DD214.

+ Yes

+ No

Required Question

Employer

City of Bellingham

Address

104 West Magnolia Street Bellingham, Washington, 98225

Phone

360-778-8228

Website

http://www.cob.org/employment

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