ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER 4 *00671H

ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER 4 *00671H

Salary
$4,737.00 – $6,217.00 Monthly
Location
Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type
Full Time – Permanent
Department
Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Job Number
2018-00671H
Closing
2/18/2018 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
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The Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field. We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency’s mission.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is dedicated to preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish, wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable recreational and commercial opportunities dependent on viable fish and wildlife populations. Each day, WDFW employees facilitate fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities for millions of residents and visitors. WDFW’s employees–field and laboratory biologists, geneticists, research scientists, hatchery professionals, policy experts, fully commissioned law enforcement officers, land stewards, lab technicians, property acquisition specialists, customer service representatives and others work throughout the state. WDFW employees protect and restore critical habitat, strive to facilitate species recovery when necessary, and manage hundreds of fish and wildlife species. WDFW employees maintain nearly a million acres of public wildlife lands. They interpret, apply and enforce state and federal laws and collaborate with stakeholders to protect fish and wildlife resources. Find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov.

ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER 4
(Permanent)
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one full time, permanent, Environmental Planner 4. The position is located in the Habitat Program, Ecosystem Services Division. The duty station for this position will be in the Natural Resource Building, 1111 Washington St. SE, Olympia, Thurston County.

The successful candidate will lead and participate on the Chehalis Basin Aquatic Species Restoration Plan (ASRP). The ASRP is an unprecedented effort to restore several hundred miles of habitat at a cost of several hundred million dollars. The incumbent should be a self-starter competent to provide technical and policy guidance to committees as needed to ensure agency representation and to successfully develop and implement the restoration plan. This position will coordinate with agency policy and program managers as needed to accomplish work and to ensure consistency among programs and across disciplines.

This position is responsible for Chehalis Basin ASRP designated in writing by the Chehalis Strategy Project Manager. The incumbent leads basin-wide coordination among external partners, integration of key WDFW field studies and technical reports, and is a key point of contact with the newly established Office of the Chehalis Basin. The incumbent will work cooperatively to lead and facilitate large and small groups of external scientists, policy makers, consultants, restoration practitioners, local government representatives, and tribes in the collaborative development and implementation of the ASRP. The position is also ensuring the use of best available science and addressing the socio-political and economic challenges of restoration on private lands.

Working closely with WDFW Chehalis Strategy Project Manager, the Office of the Chehalis Basin, and individual scientists/leads, the position will work in collaboration with multiple stakeholders and interest groups to successfully develop and implement complex natural resources plans and to ensure that restoration planning efforts remains on track and successful.

Duties
Project Management and Facilitation.

  • Manage the development of the Chehalis Basin Aquatic Species Restoration Plan.
  • Coordinate with ASRP Project Implementation Manager to ensure process for design and construction of restoration projects are consistent with the ASRP and guidance of the ASRP Steering Committee.
  • Facilitate external and internal technical reviews of near-term restoration projects and actions to ensure appropriate technical review has been completed and compatibility with existing/emerging restoration strategies.
  • Ensure completion of contract deliverables for WDFW contracts.
  • Lead and facilitate meetings, workshops, and presentations, including the ASRP Steering Committee.
  • Work closely with the Office of the Chehalis Basin to ensure consistency with the overall Chehalis Basin Strategy, environmental review, timelines, budget and on-going flood prevention efforts.
  • Facilitate subcommittees of the ASRP Steering Committee and Science and Review Team to include relevant policies, available science, adaptive management, effectiveness, and compliance monitoring elements of the restoration plan.
  • Coordinate and provide internal and external briefings and consultation for senior staff, scientists, and stakeholders on planning progress, policies and legal issues.
  • Work collaboratively with the Office of the Chehalis Basin in addressing proposed legislation associated with the Chehalis restoration planning effort.
  • Working closely with consultants, write chapters of the restoration plan, and incorporate written materials from projects scientists, tribal scientists, and the public.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in natural resource or environmental science, natural resource or environmental planning, or public administration or public policy with an environmental emphasis, or closely related field
AND
At least three years of professional experience in natural resource or environmental science, natural resource or environmental planning, or public administration, or environmental policy, planning, or program development.

The incumbent must have and maintain knowledge of:

  • Complex natural resource management and planning principles, environmental laws, policies and programs concerning state resource development; governmental administrative structure at local, tribal, state, and federal levels; environmental, social and other problems affecting development of federal, tribal and state natural resource management programs; methods and objectives of natural resources planning.

Ability to:

  • Accept responsibility for, and lead, major program activities; interpret and apply agency policy; develop long- range work plans, think conceptually, observe and interpret trends, analyze data, identify key relationships, draw logical conclusions, and maintain effective working relationships with governmental officials; address large groups and write effectively; supervise staff and manage major program activities.

In addition, the incumbent will possess and maintain the following behavioral competencies:
Customer focus:

  • Builds and maintains internal and external customer satisfaction with the products and services offered by the organization.
  • Puts the customer first, making excellent customer service a high priority.
  • Knows his/her customers and their expectations; anticipates, assesses and responds timely to changing customer needs.
  • Consistently goes beyond basic service expectations to help customers implement complete solutions.
  • Regularly takes action to solicit feedback and ensure needs have been fully met.
  • Provides status reports and updates on progress to customers.
  • Makes extra effort to meet or exceed customer needs, expectations.
  • Searches out ways to enhance customer satisfaction by improving efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.
  • Gains customer confidence and trust by making sure that long-term needs are met.
  • Recognizes adverse customer reactions and develops better alternatives.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
A Master’s degree or above with major emphasis in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related field.
AND
Five years of professional experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development.

  • Managing Projects and Programs – Effectively organizes multiple assignments, sometimes of a complex nature or involving competing priorities, to produce work products that are accurate, thorough, and on time.
  • Verbal and Written Communications – Effectively conveys ideas and information using spoken language and written language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience/reader.
  • Writing – Writes documents and project synopsis for technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Facilitating Others – Coordinates and leads small groups, creating a cooperative and productive environment in which to resolve problems or develop and implement plans.
  • Analysis – Uses data and information in a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form accurate conclusions, and make decisions.
  • Planning – Logically integrates various ideas, intentions, and information to form effective goals, objectives, timelines, action plans, and solutions.
Supplemental Information
Working Conditions

  • Work is performed in an office and outdoor environment.  Office work includes reading, writing, phone and computer use.
  • Must have the ability to operate a vehicle and hold a valid driver’s license.  Fieldwork may require the knowledge of operating GPS, clinometer, and digital camera.
  • Work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. five days a week.  These hours are flexible to accommodate seasonal workload or additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.
  • Physical, environmental, or mental demands of key work: Must be able to drive a vehicle to conduct field review of project sites.
  • Health, Safety or Administrative Requirements: Capable of walking over rough terrain for short distances (? 1 mile) regularly or occasionally over long distances (several miles).
  • Willingness and ability to work extended hours as necessary to complete assignments.  May include extended travel and evening or overnight trips.

Union
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish and Wildlife Professionals (WAFWP).  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.

How to Apply:
To apply for this position you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov, ensuring you complete the Work History experience section of the online application 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. Please do not include any attachments other than the ones requested above. E-mailed documents will not be accepted after the closing of the recruitment or 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.

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.  There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.  Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.  Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.  To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems‘ web site.
 
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.

Holidays

Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:

HOLIDAY
DATE
New Year’s Day
January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday
Third Monday in January
Presidents’ Day
Third Monday in February
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
Independence Day
July 4
Labor Day
First Monday in September
Veterans’ Day
November 11
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
Christmas Day
December 25
Personal Holiday
Employee’s selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

 
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.
01
What best describes your level of education completion:

  • High School or GED
  • Currently attending a College or University
  • Associates degree
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Master’s degree
  • Ph.D.
  • None of the above
02
If you have graduated from a College or University, what is your major area of study? If multiple degrees, please list each degree and major.
03
Please describe your experience working as a part of a multidisciplinary group including any experiences you may have had working with such a group to reach consensus on contentious issues.
04
Please describe your experience managing conflict and team building within your work group or between work groups.
05
Do you have experience and knowledge of hydraulic projects in or around streams, wetlands, or other water bodies and their effects on aquatic habitats and fish life?

  • Yes
  • No
06
Are you willing and able to work hours outside of the regular 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday work hours?

  • Yes
  • No
07
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
08
Please verify that you have included the following information in your online application: 1) A chronological resume OR a completed online profile that includes education and employment history 2) A detailed cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications for this position. 3) Detailed responses to all supplemental questions. 4) Three professional references.

  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504.

Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact