CLOSING DATE: 09/28/12

THE DEPARTMENT
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is dedicated to protecting native fish and wildlife, and providing sustainable fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities for millions of residents and visitors. Working throughout the state, WDFW’s employees–field biologists, enforcement officers, land stewards, lab technicians, customer service representatives and others—manage hundreds of fish and wildlife species, maintain nearly a million acres of public wildlife lands, provide opportunities for recreational and commercial fishing, wildlife viewing and hunting, protect and restore habitat and enforce laws that protect fish and wildlife resources. Learn more about us at www.wdfw.wa.gov
This position represents the Director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife for region-specifics when collaborating with federal, state, local, and tribal officials, legislators and other elected officials, citizens, special interest groups, and other constituents in Region 3 consisting of Kittitas, Yakima, Benton, and Franklin counties. Serving as a member of the Director’s Coordination Team and the chair of the Executive Management Team, you are the principal spokesperson and advisor of policy in Region 3, coordinating significant activities and service delivery priorities while coaching and mentoring the regional program managers to promote cross-program cooperation and successful interactions with external communities.
A first review of candidates will be completed on Sept. 14th. The Department of Fish and Wildlife reserves the right to fill and close this position without notice.
DUTIES:
 In concert with Assistant Director and Deputy Assistant Director, ensures regional program efforts are consistent with Department Mission, policy, and key initiatives.
 Lead the Regional Management Team consisting of the regional program managers from the Fish, Wildlife, Habitat, Enforcement, and Business Services Programs to promote cross-program cooperation, coordinate service delivery, share information on agency direction, resolve regional issues, and develop regional operating procedures for a unified Department approach.
 Manage the regional office facility and budget for operating costs. Supervise the office support staff.
 Extraordinary interpersonal skills are needed to affect change and build concensus around actions and initiatives supporting the Department’s Mission in both a regulation environment as well as an environment lacking statutes but is simply the right thing to do; build partnerships with the community and other natural resource entities; effectively negotiate regional state-tribal hunting, fishing, and enforcement agreements and other MOU’s; and mediate for win-win outcomes as well as better understanding among groups.
 Make complex, multi-dimensional resource decisions requiring tactical and strategic planning. Participate in state, national, and international planning forums.
QUALIFICATIONS:
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
 A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Natural Resources (or related field, Public Administration or Business Administration. Additional experience in management and/or natural resources will substitute for the education on a year-for-year basis.
 Five years of progressive management experience.
 Five years of natural resource experience.
 Two years of negotiating or mediation experience.
 Experience with the legislative process.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
 Knowledge of federal and state laws as they apply to tribal treaty fishing and hunting rights.
 Experience with governmental budget process.
 Knowledge of natural resource management principles.
COMPETENCIES
 Ability to lead and mentor others.
 Ability to assemble an inter-disciplinary team for successful collaboration.
 Ability to communicate on sensitive issues to diverse interests and groups with an understanding of different perspectives and goals, often in a conflicting and balancing role of protecting resources and community needs.
 Ability to engage and build concensus around actions and initiatives in support of the Department’s mission with internal and external stakeholders for significant buy-in on shared resources, creative problem-solving, and legislature.
 Understanding of regional culture to aid in building rapport.
 Ability to negotiate Inter-governmental agreements and settlement agreements working with legal counsel.
Special Notes:
 This position is exempt and serves at the pleasure of the Director.
 The successful candidate cannot have a financial interest in any resource regulated by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, Indian Tribes, or any commission or council.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
How to Apply:
To apply for this position you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:
A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (generic cover letter will not be accepted)
A current resume (please make it succinct)
Three professional references (personal references do not count as professional)
Please note: Failure to follow the above application instructions will lead to disqualification. E-mailed documents will not be accepted in lieu of attaching your documents to the online profile.
Upon submission of your online application, you will immediately receive a confirming e-mail. You will then be notified via e-mail of your status during the process. In addition to the e-mail notifications, you can check the status of your application at any time by visiting your online profile at www.careers.wa.gov.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations
and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388