Research Coordinator

The Resource Recovery section in the Wastewater Treatment Division is seeking a Research Coordinator. This position will monitor and track research projects, programs, and budgets for the Resource Recovery section, including managing academic and consultant research contracts, acting as project manager on special projects and analytical studies, and coordinating requests from outside researchers for samples. The Research Coordinator will work with scientists, represent the Resource Recovery section on intergovernmental planning groups, external stakeholder groups, and translate technical information for policymakers and the public.

Resource Recovery is a section in WTD with programs that manage the delivery of products such as recycled water, Loop biosolids, and biogas, and we provide sewer heat recovery, research, and technology assessment services that contribute to ensuring clean water and maintaining public health while contributing to preserving our natural environment. Resource Recovery also provides leadership around communication, education, and policy.

The Policy & Research Unit of the Resource Recovery section includes policy specialists that track and coordinate Division responses to new and anticipated regulatory requirements such as nutrients and contaminants of emerging concern, as well as wastewater engineers in the Technology Assessment Program that track, evaluate, and pilot innovative wastewater treatment technologies. Overall, the unit ensures that WTD has a well-thought-out approach to its research, testing, and policy initiatives to ensure effective management of WTD regulatory compliance and WTD’s programs.

We have an entrepreneurial spirit and the know-how critical to resource recovery (the verb) in combating climate impacts. Our strategic priorities are transformation, innovation, and performance, and we celebrate employees who take initiative.

The Resource Recovery section of WTD strives to bring valuable resources, technology, and sound business practices together to deliver products and programs that inspire our customers to be part of an environmentally sustainable future. The Research Coordinator will have an opportunity to work with many programs across Resource Recovery and external researchers to deliver a successful research program that will help WTD gain knowledge necessary to meet policy objectives and carry out WTD’s mission and goals.

Who is Eligible - This position is open to the general public and all King County Employees. This recruitment may also be used to fill future career service, TLT and SDA opportunities.

Working Conditions
Telecommuting Requirement
The work associated with this position will be performed predominantly by telecommuting, with occasional onsite work and meetings, as influenced by business needs. Employee will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. Employees must reside in WA state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required by the department in alignment with the Public Health Directive from the Seattle & King County Public Health Officer. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint.

To support employees during this time King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team.

Work Location: Primarily teleworking and the King Street Center 201 S. Jackson St., Seattle WA 98104. This position will be required to attend occasional in-person meetings.

Work Schedule: This position is not covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is not overtime eligible. This full-time position works a 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday.

Union Representation: This position is represented by the Technical Employees' Association (TEA) labor union.

To learn more about the Wastewater Treatment Division click on the below links:
http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/wtd/About.aspx
http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/wtd/About/Vision.aspx

• Monitor and track research projects, programs, and budgets for the Resource Recovery section.
• Manage academic and consultant contracts, including preparing requests for proposals, leading the selection process, negotiating contracts, monitoring work and performing quality control/quality assurance for research work products.
• Act as project manager on special projects and analytical studies, provide work assignments and direction to project team members.
• Work with scientists to identify research questions and develop innovative scopes of work that will provide data to support current and future uses of products produced through resource recovery, as well as support efforts to limit nutrients or contaminants of emerging concern.
• Coordinate requests from outside researchers for wastewater samples.
• Represent the Resource Recovery section on various intergovernmental planning groups, cross-division teams, and coordinate with other divisions and departments on joint research and planning.
• Represent Resource Recovery on external research committees and forums, serve as point person for water research organizations.
• Respond both verbally and in writing to highly complex and/or politically sensitive inquiries for assistance requiring scientific knowledge and general understanding of policy. Conduct literature reviews and use research findings to inform policy, decision makers, and the public.
• Assist in preparing communications materials for the public on scientific and technical issues.
• Compile an annual report on Resource Recovery research projects for internal and external audiences.
• Assist with regulatory reporting and permitting as needed, including annual reports to Ecology, applications for state and federal permits and notices of intent.

Minimum Requirements
The most competitive candidates will have experience in wastewater, applied research and/or academic research, contract management, budget and project management, and science communication. Additionally, they will have the following experiences and qualifications:

• 
  Experience in analyzing and presenting scientific data.
• Experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously, including budget and contract management with external partners.
• Knowledge of current trends and issues in wastewater treatment and resource recovery.
• Working knowledge of technical wastewater treatment options and methods, biosolids, recycled water, energy, sustainability, and nutrient management and contaminants of emerging concern in the wastewater context.
• Demonstrated success working both independently and as a productive and engaged member of a project team.
• Demonstrated ability to experiment to find creative solutions; adaptable to change and able to remain open to new ideas and ways of doing things; customer service oriented.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including demonstrated ability to effectively interpret technical information for non-technical audiences simply, clearly, and concisely.

• Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Plans and Aligns: Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Strategic Mindset: Seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies.
• Business Insight: Applying knowledge of research and the industry to advance the organization’s goals.
• Builds Networks: Effectively building formal and information relationship networks inside and outside the organization.

• King County application
• Resume
• Cover Letter detailing your background and what you can bring to this position
• Responses to supplemental questions

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Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

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No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.