Environmental Engineering Technician

Salary: $40.78 - $53.48 Hourly
Location : Friday Harbor
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Environmental Stewardship
Opening Date: 09/29/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: AFS

Basic Function

San Juan County is excited to invite candidate to apply for our Environmental Engineering Technician position. First screening of resumes will be October 26th. To be considered with the first round of applicants, we highly recommend submitting your application before this date.

Perform technical environmental engineering work in such areas as: storm and surface water drainage, solid waste facility support, storm water permit reviews and inspections, shoreline inspections, environmental complaint investigation and documentation, GIS based site evaluation and watershed analysis, and water monitoring. Technicians work under applicable regulations, policies, guidelines, and appropriate environmental standards.
Examples of Essential Duties

1. Provides technical engineering support in area of hydrology and hydraulic studies including such tasks as: analyzing watershed data, evaluating requests for changes in drainage systems, evaluating flooding risk, water quality and potential road flooding hazards, and interpreting and implementing storm water management manuals applied in the County.
2. Implements small to mid-sized capital improvement projects in storm water drainage and treatment and solid waste management at the County's solid waste facilities and landfills (including solar installations).
3. Facilitates the maintenance of the storm system within the UGA's and hamlets, and at solid waste facilities to support water quality and quantity management, including street sweeping, catch basin and sump cleaning, and vegetation and grit removal at treatment facilities.
4. Provides environmental engineering support during construction including: inspection of on-site best management practices for erosion control, inspection of protection of critical areas and shorelines from construction impacts per permit requirements, inspection of on-site stormwater facilities required, inspection of contractor work for compliance with plans and specifications reporting discrepancies to DCD, Environmental Director and contractor.
5. Responds to inquiries and requests regarding environmental compliance for storm/surface water or solid waste from other departments, agencies, and the public by providing information or assistance within the scope of knowledge or authority. Requires knowledge and understanding of Department policies, standards and procedures and some County codes.
6. Provides technical assistance to property owners and contractors with storm or surface water management related issues. Provides technical review of storm water permits. Provides inspections and follow up for compliance.
7. Provides coordination or support of storm and surface water quality sampling efforts in the County - maintains equipment and records of activities and sampling results. Prepares report documenting findings and any recommendations for improvements in effort.
8. Performs technical support in processing, interpreting, and mapping GPS field data, integrating data into the master GIS library for environmental assets managed by the County.
9. Requests information, policies, and data from outside agencies to carry out the function of the job and resolve discrepancies. Researches information related to areas of assignment; collects and compiles data; provides information and technical assistance to other staff and the public.
10. Acts within the scope of responsibilities, working as a public employee and municipal officer with courtesy and professionalism, and adhering to the highest standard of ethics in accordance with RCW 42.52.
11. Performs other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in hydrology, geology, environmental /civil engineering or other natural resources related field and four (4) years' experience in environmental work.
• Valid Washington State driver's license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain, erosion control, and boater safety credentials within 90 days of employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in related field
• Engineering in Training Certification
• Auto CAD experience

Supplemental Information

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, employees, engineers, environmental professionals, contractors, developers, and the public.
• Ability to solve complex technical environmental and technical problems.
• Ability to utilize AutoCAD and ArcGIS o draft maps and plans
• Ability to manage customer demands and meet deadlines, which may require overtime, flexibility of time
• This position requires attention to detail and excellent communication skills

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work requires continuous sitting and operation of a computer including keyboard and mouse operation
• Frequent standing and walking
• Ability to lift 50lbs and frequently carry objects with both hands and arms.
• Must have the ability to bend, stoop, climb, sit, work at heights, walk on uneven terrain and work in natural area and building sites.
• Involves talking and hearing in person and on the phone and requires hearing acuity for speech discrimination.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to differentiate colors and read computer monitor.
• Requires the agility to get in and out of a 4-wheel drive, high profile pickup truck and a boat.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Work may be performed in an office setting or outdoors. Outdoor work may be in inclement weather. May be required to travel to other islands by small boat. Overtime on occasional basis. Physical labor is required in many tasks such as surveying, taking samples, and taking inventory.
Medical, dental, vision, life, LTD, state retirement, paid holidays, paid leave accrual, air ambulance. Please visit for additional details about these and other benefits.