State of Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife invites applications for the position of: Community Relations Coordinator (Communications Consultant 3)
SALARY:
$3,563.00 – $4,678.00 Monthly
OPENING DATE: 09/08/15
CLOSING DATE: Continuous
DESCRIPTION:
COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR (COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT 3)
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 recruitment is to fill one (1) full-time permanent position located within the Director’s Office, Public Affairs and Community Relations unit, located at the Washington State Natural Resources Building in Olympia, Thurston County, Washington.
JOB SUMMARY
WDFW’s Public Affairs and Community Relations Unit is seeking a detail-oriented and diplomatic organizer, researcher and communicator to help us strengthen community relations throughout the state. Job duties will include logistics and administration, event coordination, research, writing and interpersonal communication. This position will offer growth opportunities for the right candidate as we employ tactics ranging from media relations to social media to direct person to person outreach in order to better engage with members of the public who are interested in fish and wildlife conservation and management in Washington.
DUTIES:
Logistics, Coordination & Administration
 Coordinate events, such as sports shows and public meetings, by engaging with the department’s wildlife, habitat, fish and enforcement programs.
 Ensure that event speakers and staff participants are prepared with necessary equipment, display materials, handouts, presentation tools and technologies.
 Help set up booths and distribute information about the department and its mission at sports shows, trade shows, outdoor industry events and other meetings and gatherings.
 Build and manage photo databases, as well as contact lists for public engagement opportunities.
 Perform administrative tasks such as follow-up calls, meeting organization and vendor contacts.
Communication
 Edit and write communications, such as news releases, web content, fact sheets, fliers, emails and event announcements.
 Monitor social media platforms, and assist in developing engaging social media posts and promotions covering a variety of topics, including hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, fish and game laws, conservation, public safety, outdoor recreation, community development, and habitat.
 Build a calendar of seasonal community events and recreational opportunities that will be highlighted through social media and the department’s website.
 Assist with media relations and coordinate outreach opportunities with other state agencies, non-government organizations and stakeholders.
Research
 Research and synthesize data that is used to develop marketing materials and help build persuasive positions with stakeholders.
 Assist in building the data foundations for infographics and other media produced in partnership with visual communication and web teams.
 Engage in research efforts to better understand and identify potential partners and supporters of WDFW’s efforts.
 Develop lists and contacts for blogs, organizations and specialty media to expand distribution channels and modes.
Education, Information & Interpersonal Outreach
 Help develop outreach strategies and materials to expand the department’s engagement in youth outdoor recreation and citizen science initiatives.
 Help build species profiles in partnership with biologists and habitat specialists to evoke interest in the department via social media.
 Help create and distribute educational resources for youth and novice hunters, anglers and outdoorspeople.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Working environment is a busy office setting. Varying degrees of activity occur in the common areas during working hours; most tasks will involve sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Incumbent must be able to work amid distraction. This position normally works 8:00 am-5:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Occasional weekend and evening work required.
UNION NOTICE:
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE), which contains a “union security” provision. This means that, as a condition of employment, you must either join the union and pay union dues, or pay the union a representational or other fee within 30 days of the date you are put into pay status.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
 Three (3) years of professional experience in community outreach, project management, event management, communications or a closely related field.
 Excellent organizational skills.
 Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
 Demonstrated proficiency in project management.
 Experience working independently and interacting with the public.
 Proficiency in the use of standard office equipment, including a computer and office telephone system.
 Proficiency in all Microsoft Office programs, in particular Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
 Understanding of social media, in particular Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
 Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, public administration, or related field.
 Experience working with Washington State agencies and local governments.
 Familiarity with natural resources, economic development, conservation and outdoor recreation organizations and issues in Washington State.
 Understanding of customer relationship management systems and software.
 Understanding of photo and video management systems and software.
 Spanish language capabilities would be welcome.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
This position is open until filled. It is in the candidate’s best interest to apply before Friday, September 25, 2015 when a first review of the applicants will be completed. WDFW reserves the right to fill and close this position without notice. To apply for this position you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following in order to your profile before completing the online application:
 A cover letter describing how you meet the required and desired qualifications of this position (generic cover letters will not be accepted).
 A current resume (maximum two pages).
 Three (3) professional references (personal references do not count as professional references).
 The following work samples:
1. A document, webpage or other media you wrote with minimal oversight
2. A document, webpage or other media you have edited or rewritten.
3. A concise work sample you feel demonstrates your best work.
Please do not include any attachments other than the ones requested above.
Please note: Failure to follow the above application instructions will result in 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. Due to the high volume of applications that we receive, we ask your understanding and encourage you to use the online process and avoid calling for information.
Please note that initial screening will be solely based on the completeness of application materials submitted and the contents and completeness of the “work experience” section of your application in NeoGov. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application. The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. Responses not supported in your application may disqualify you from consideration for employment in this position. All information will be verified and documentation may be required.
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.
Community Relations Coordinator (Communications Consultant 3) Supplemental Questionnaire
*
1.
Do you have three (3) years of professional experience in community outreach, project management, event management, communication or a closely related field?
Yes No
*
2.
Briefly describe your experience in helping to coordinate public events, event participation or other public engagement opportunities.
*
3.
Briefly describe your role in helping to organize a complex community initiative.
*
4.
Briefly describe your efforts to use research to inform efforts to reach key audiences, better understand stakeholders or build persuasive arguments to meet an organization’s goals.
*
5.
What is the most difficult communications-related project you have participated in, and why? Please include a brief description of your roles and responsibilities.
*
6.
Briefly describe a role you played in office management, office administration or logistics that helped to ensure that an organization was prepared for action at the right time.
*
7.
Have you attached the following work samples:
1. A document, webpage or other media you wrote with minimal oversight
2. A document, webpage or other media you have edited or rewritten.
3. A concise work sample you feel demonstrates your best work.
Yes No
*
8.
Agency-Wide Question: Have you attached your cover letter, resume and three (3) professional references?
Yes No
*
9.
Agency-Wide Question: Do you have a valid Washington State or other state driver’s license (If selected for an interview you may be asked to furnish your license and driving record)?
Yes No
*
10.
Agency-Wide Question: Have you been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony within the last ten (10) years (answering yes will not automatically eliminate you from consideration)?
Yes No
* Required Question