SVPA Floodzilla Field Technician Job Description

The SVPA is a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of a Pacific Northwest regional treasure, the Snoqualmie Valley. The Snoqualmie Valley is comprised of over 440,000 acres of forests, farms, and small cities, all within an hour’s drive of Seattle. As the urban centers expand rapidly, the rural counterpoint, the environmental and economic viability of the Valley are put under great pressure. Since forming in 2010, the Snoqualmie Valley Preservation Alliance has become a steadfast, organized, reliable, and respected advocate for protection of these irreplaceable working lands. We have become a very effective force for forging productive relationships between community members, farmers, residents, tribes, and county and state officials. We have found creative solutions to shared challenges and made significant headway on some key issues central to protecting the Valley, especially in the area of flooding, development impacts, and water rights. The SVPA has an active, passionate, and diverse board committed to serving this community and protecting this resource.

One of the SVPA’s main programs is the Floodzilla Gage Network. Floodzilla monitors water levels throughout the Snoqualmie Valley in real-time. This flood monitoring network is primarily the innovation of a group of local technology professionals who have volunteered their time and expertise to develop this tool for the benefit of the community. Paid staff and consultants have also contributed to the project with funding through SVPA’s generous donors and with a grant from King County Flood Control District.

The Floodzilla Gage Network relies on a series of SVPA gages placed in strategic locations to monitor water levels in drainage ditches, farm fields, on public roads, and on the Mainstem Snoqualmie River. The SVPA gages are ultrasonic sensors that have been programmed to read and transmit water level data every 15 minutes. The locations of the gages are surveyed to convey water elevation (often in reference to a nearby road) on Floodzilla.com. Flood impacts to local roads is significant to farmers, residents, and commuters, and this information is critical in helping them prepare and mitigate flood risks.

As the Floodzilla Field Technician, you will be responsible for the weekly duties that keep the Floodzilla Gage Network conveying accurate data to the public. You will be responsible for maintenance of existing flood sensors, overall project management for new flood sensor installation, troubleshooting devices, ensuring network connectivity, as well as site management, which includes brush clearing and accessing private property. You will help recruit and manage volunteers. Other duties may include miscellaneous support to the general activities of the SVPA, including occasional administrative assistance as needed.

We welcome people to apply that have an interest in technology, environmental work, water resource management, and/or agriculture.

The hourly wage for this position is $25/hr for an average of 20 hours a week. The position will run from May 2022 – December 2022, with the possibility of extending to December 2023, based on grant funds available. The SVPA office is currently located in downtown Carnation. A hybrid remote/in person schedule is an option, but regular office attendance on a weekly basis is required.

• Experience with self-management
• Comfort working alone
• Be able to lift 40 lbs
• Comfort climbing a 20’ ladder
• Ability to work in inclement weather
• Comfort using brush clearing tools
• Ability to work in the Snoqualmie Valley about 2 times a week, particularly prior to and after floods
• Comfort working with public and private landowners
• Aptitude for managing volunteers
• Ability to host community events and other community engagement
• Clean driving record
• Ability to pass a background test

• Interest in learning software programming
• Interest in the flooding issues that take place in the Snoqualmie Valley
• Experience troubleshooting equipment
• Interest in learning grant writing
• Interest in learning land surveying
• Knowledge of radio communication

The SVPA office is currently located in downtown Carnation. A hybrid remote/in person schedule is an option, but regular office attendance on a weekly basis is expected. Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave are provided.

Please send resume to info@svpa.us. Applications will be reviewed as received. Priority given to applications received by April 22, 2022. Target hourly wage is $25/hour for an average of 20 hours a week. Anticipated start date is May 9, 2022.