• Bring an in-depth understanding of landscape ecology and habitat restoration science.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to environmental, water resource or natural resource issues.
• Ability to read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Experience with writing master plan level documents.
• Experience with grant writing and administration.
• Skill in the use of ArcGIS, Microsoft Office products and/or comparable technologies.
• Ability to manage database information at a level sufficient to troubleshoot and generate reports
• Ability to communicate with groups of varying levels of technical sophistication in a courteous, tactful manner.

• Coordinate the preparation, administration and implementation of planning programs associated with the Habitat & Stewardship Strategy.
• Specifically coordinate the implementation of the City’s Habitat and Stewardship strategy, with support from several professional staff and a 6 person restoration crew.  Click on this link to view the City of Olympia’s Habitat Strategy.
• Co-coordinate Environmental Services participation in the development of the “City of Olympia’s Comprehensive Plan” – Action Plan.
• Serve as a member of the Storm and Surface Water Master Plan writing team.
• Participate in the review and revision of the OMC, EDDS, etc. to improve protection and enhanced management of aquatic resources.
• Conduct complex city-wide, basin and site specific studies, analysis and plans related habitat or the environment.
• Coordinate the protection of remaining critical habitat through direct acquisition and/or partnering with private landowners and/or other organizations (e.g., Capital Land Trust) and agencies (e.g., City of Olympia Parks Department).
• Prepare and present reports, studies or analysis to committees, community groups, and private organizations to explain environmental processes, studies and analysis.
• Establish relationships with other government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private entities in order to recruit key properties into the stewardship program.
• Development and enhancement of relationships with partnering organizations (i.e., other City Departments, Capital Land Trust, South Sound Salmon Enhancement Group, Tribes, other Cities, etc.)
• Coordination of the planning, development, implementation and on-going maintenance of restoration projects.
• Write and administer grants in support of City of Olympia’s Stormwater programs.
• Assist the Environmental Services Program Supervisor in coordinating and setting the strategic direction for stormwater programs.

• Submit a resume and cover letter by attaching them to your electronic application. The cover letter must be no more than two pages long and include specific examples of how you meet the Ideal Candidate profile (above).
• Writing Example: Applicants must submit a copy of a master plan “type” document in which they were the primary author. Other professional writing of comparable quality may substitute. Potential applicants should inquire, if they are unsure they meet this requirement
• In order to be considered for the first round of interviews, submit your application by August 11, 2014 by 5:00 p.m.
• Only electronic applications are accepted.

Contact Information
If you have questions about the position and/or requirements, please contact Joe Roush, Environmental Services Supervisor, at (360) 753-8563 or via email atjroush@ci.olympia.wa.us

• Responsible for completing a variety of activities relating to the City’s planning functions.
• Coordinate the preparation or administration of plans, land use regulations, design standards, information systems, or planning programs.
• Conduct complex studies related to land use, transportation, shoreline, community and economic development, environment, or historic preservation.
• Manage or conduct investigations, analysis, and preparation of documents and reports on planning issues, policies, and their application.
• Provide staff support to appointed committees on planning and zoning issues or special studies.
• Prepare and present reports to hearings bodies, committees, community groups, and private organizations to explain the impact of projects and developments.
• Provide technical and administrative assistance as staff planner for Council and appointed Board Commission.
• Respond to public inquiries with information on planning projects, processes and policies.
• Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.

• Knowledge of planning principles, practices, regulations, and techniques as related to land use, environmental impact, transportation, etc.
• Knowledge of local government and political decision-making processes related to planning issues.
• Knowledge of specialized area of planning such as community development, economic development, environmental planning, historic preservation, or forecasting regional development.
• Skill in working with various stakeholders to achieve a solution to a project or proposal.
• Skill in formulating and presenting appropriate planning options to various audiences.
• Skill in preparing support documentation which clearly, precisely, and concisely presents planning recommendations.
• Skill in working in a team discipline.
• Ability to develop and write plans based on an analysis of data and on-going citizen and staff input.
• Ability to organize and manage varied work programs, including monitoring the budget, work schedules, grant requirements, and progress reviews.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups regarding complex or controversial planning policies or regulations.
• Ability to direct or coordinate the work of planning and agency staff members.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with elected and appointed officials, staff of other agencies, Planning staff, and the community.
• Demonstrated punctual, regular and reliable attendance is required.

• Four year degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Urban Planning or closely related field and three years related experience required.
• Master’s Degree preferred.
• Additional related experience may be substituted for the degree on a year for year basis.
• Additional education and/or experience in Habitat restoration and/or Landscape Ecology is desired.

• Valid Washington State Driver’s License required.

• Planners have significant daily contact with the public for the purpose of information-sharing and problem resolution.
• Due to the subject matter some contacts may be confrontational, requiring the Planner to explain City policies and procedures in a professional, concise, and respectful manner.
• Planners also have daily contact with other City staff for the purpose of information sharing, work coordination, and problem resolution.
• Additional contacts with public officials are for the purpose information gathering and project definition.
• Contacts with public officials are usually held in a public meeting forum and may be stressful and/or confrontational due to the subject matter.

Supervision:

• May serve as Project Lead.
• May assist in the training and/or supervision of less experienced staff members.

Accountability:

• Planners are accountable for completing all assigned work in a timely, professional manner.

Working Conditions:

• Planners generally work in an office with a significant portion of time spent performing duties out-of-doors completing site investigations.
• Investigations require working on construction sites, rough terrain, in wetlands, boating and being in the proximity of heavy equipment.
• Frequent travel and attendance at meetings and conferences, both during regular working hours and in the evening, are required.