COMMUNITY OUTREACH & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION SPECIALIST 2 *01360W

Salary
$3,276.00 – $4,292.00 Monthly
Location
Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type
Part Time – Permanent
Department
Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Job Number
2018-01360W
Closing
2/25/2018 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
An image without description
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.

Community Outreach & Environmental Education Specialist
(Permanent, Part Time)
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is recruiting to fill one part time, permanent Community Outreach and Environmental Education Specialist 2 position located in the Wildlife Diversity Division, Wildlife Program. The duty station for this position is located in the Natural Resource Building, Olympia, Thurston County.

This position is serves as the Citizen Science Coordinator within the wildlife Diversity Division. This position primarily provides biological, outreach and technical support for identifying and implementing citizen science applications to assist species and project assessment, coordinating outreach and public awareness of species status needs, and supporting species status reviews. Duties include various activities such as determining the need for information; researching and selecting appropriate outreach and training materials; making presentations to volunteers, partners, and/or governmental employees; planning workshops, meetings, and/or hearings for the specific projects. Position may work independently and have latitude to resolve issues within their area of responsibility and/or part of a team towards a common goal or project.  Unusual problems that may occur; are brought to higher-level staff with probable outcomes and solutions.

Duties
This position is responsible for coordinating and assisting with the implementation of Wildlife Program goals, objectives, assignments, and activities within the Wildlife Diversity Division to effectively contribute to the Agency’s goals of providing healthy and diverse fish and wildlife populations for Washington citizens through operational excellence and professional service.
Key responsibilities include:

  • Organize, train, and support citizen science teams composed of volunteers, natural resource managers, teachers, researchers, and others to rigorously collect and evaluate biological and technical data used for status reviews.
  • Provide oversight, guidance, and outreach processes to design, integrate, implement, and evaluate Citizen Science projects for obtaining resource information relevant to understanding statewide biodiversity distribution and status.
  • Coordinate and evaluate the work of project staff and cooperators to contribute to status assessment and project prioritization.
  • Organize and conduct public forums (intergovernmental, conservation organizations, schools) to promote public engagement in citizen science opportunities and enhance awareness of Diversity Division conservation endeavors.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a discipline focused on wildlife biology, natural resources, zoology, conservation communication, or similar degree programs emphasizing natural resources assessment, communicating natural resource values, and engaging people in structured evaluation of conservation and management needs for wildlife.  Knowledge and skills to lead in organizing people and processes is essential.

Preferred experience includes

  • Two years of professional experience in coordination and implementing volunteer based wildlife surveys.
  • Experience preparing and presenting public outreach and engagement tools.
  • Background in developing volunteer led projects to address conservation concerns.

The ability to:

  • Organize and prioritize work for self and others
  • Develop effective objectives, timelines and action plans
  • Communicate clearly and effectively with individuals and groups within and outside of the organization, both in writing and verbally
  • Oversee volunteers
  • Follow prescribed protocols and procedures
  • Effectively communicate complicated protocols and methods
  • Work independently and as a team member
  • Use computer with Microsoft software for word processing, spreadsheet, and other applications, web based tools, e-mail, and calendar clients

A valid State driver’s license

Supplemental Information
Working Conditions
This position is primarily office based with occasional travel possible. This is a part time position not to exceed 20 hours a week. Work is performed in a typical office setting 95% of the time with some field work (2%-5%) possible. Typical hours are scheduled between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.  Early morning or late evening work may occasionally be required.  This position may require a mix of office and field work with some travel requirements, mostly for coordination events, meetings, and presentations. On occasion there may be some long distance travel, 200 miles in a day.

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), 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 representation 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 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:

  • High School graduate or GED
  • Associates degree
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Master’s degree
  • Ph.D.
  • None of the above
02
What is your major area of study? If multiple degrees, please list each degree and major.
03
Please describe your experience organizing Citizen Science teams composed of volunteers, natural resource managers, teachers, researchers, and others assigned to collect and evaluate biological and technical data.
04
Please describe if and how you implemented Citizen Science projects for obtaining resource information relevant to understanding statewide biodiversity distribution and status to improve wildlife habitat.
05
Are you willing and able to work in all weather conditions, including snow and extreme heat, and over difficult terrain including slippery rocks, steep banks, and mud?

  • Yes
  • No
06
Are you willing and able to travel and work during the week and occasionally work evenings and weekends?

  • 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