ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER 5 *01418H

ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER 5 *01418H

Salary
$5,229.00 – $6,862.00 Monthly
Location
Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type
Full Time – Permanent
Department
Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Job Number
2018-01418H
Closing
2/27/2018 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 WDFW and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov.

ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER 5
(Permanent)

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one full time, permanent, Environmental Planner 5 to serve as the Forest Habitat Section Manager. 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.

Under the supervision of the Ecosystem Services Division Manager, this position serves as the senior planning consultant for the ongoing development and implementation of the Forest Habitats Section. Through the Forest Habitats Section, the department works in partnership with other state agencies, federal agencies, local governments, and land managers to implement approaches that protect and restore the health of Washington’s fish and wildlife and the forest habitats upon which they depend.

The work of the Forest Habitat Section Manager makes lasting contributions to the department’s goal to conserve and protect native fish and wildlife and the associated Habitat Program objectives:

  • Habitat exists in sufficient quantity and quality to achieve fish and wildlife conservation, recovery and harvest goals;
  • Habitat ecosystem functions necessary for fish and wildlife survival and recovery are protected and restored; and
  • Habitat connectivity is maintained and restored.
Duties
The Forest Habitat Section manager leads and participates on technical and policy committees as needed to ensure agency representation and participation is adequate to successfully develop and implement restoration plans. This position routinely coordinates with agency policy and program managers to accomplish work and to ensure consistency among programs and across disciplines.

  • Manage the Habitat Program’s Forest Habitats Section to implement the fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation priorities of the department.
  • Identify and resolve major forest health and management issues through coordination and consultation with WDFW staff, partners, and stakeholders that manage forests (federal, state, local, tribal, or private) to identify and resolve forest health and management issues that affect the conservation of fish, wildlife, and habitat
  • Develop and recommend forest management approaches and implementation plans for the department and the state that conserve fish, wildlife, and habitats.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree with major emphasis in natural resource science and/or planning, fisheries or wildlife management, 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
Three years of professional experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development.

The incumbent must have and maintain knowledge of:

  • Forest management techniques, laws, policies, and programs (including Washington forest practices rules, Forest and Fish Law, habitat conservation plans associated with forest practices activities, fish passage laws, WDFW’s hydraulic code rules, and federal forest land planning programs) and how these affect and/or enable fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation in Washington State.
  • Fish and wildlife biology, habitat science, and ecology that enables anticipation of fish, wildlife, and habitat needs and potential impacts.
  • Principles of staff supervision.
  • Principles of leadership, collaboration, and conflict resolution.

 Ability to:

  • Develop and manage a budget, including various financial resources.
  • Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships.
  • Communicate effectively with a variety of audiences in writing & spoken word.
  • Assemble, organize and provide leadership to and oversight of multi-disciplinary teams assigned to resolve major policy issues, develop legislation, and initiate implementation of new programs & laws.

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

  • Well-developed interpersonal skills and ability to assess social situations and dynamics.
  • Actively listens to others and accurately conveys their ideas to others.
  • Listens respectfully to thoughts and ideas of others.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills by leading through example.
  • Innovative thinking to overcome or address historic or emergent issues.
  • Proactive ability to develop strategic visions and strategies.
  • Exercises effective delegation supported by identification of skills, abilities, and leadership qualities of staff.

Communications effectiveness

  • Conveys clear, timely, persuasive messages that positively influence thoughts and actions of others.
  • Clearly and effectively communicates with individuals and groups within and outside the organization.
  • Responsive to various styles and needs of individuals/groups with whom he/she is communicating.
  • Executes strong facilitation and conflict resolution skills with, at times, disparate partners, stakeholders, and audiences.
  • Writes effectively and appropriately for the audience and situation.
  • Presents ideas effectively in formal and informal situations.
  • Effectively clarifies his/her message when asked to do so.
  • Keeps supervisor and co-workers informed of need to know items.
  • Shares complete and accurate information with others.
  • Communicates intentions and rationale.
  • Effectively uses many forms and approaches when communicating.
  • Coordinates effectively with those who need to know.

Adaptability/flexibility

  • Adapts easily to changing business needs, conditions and work responsibilities. Adapts approach, goals and methods to achieve successful solutions and results in dynamic situations.
  • Sees different alternatives to reach a given end.
  • Manages and implements change in a way that reduces concern experienced by others.
  • Copes well and helps others deal with ongoing demands of change.
  • Proactively embraces change as a way to accomplish goals more effectively.

Customer focus

  • Builds and maintains internal and external customer satisfaction with the organization’s products and services.
  • 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 to meet needs fully.
  • 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 meeting long-term needs.
  • Recognizes adverse customer reactions and develops better alternatives

Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree 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.

  • Policy Actualization – Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply department and state policies in order to recommend courses of action that address issues; balance the analysis, wisdom, experience and perspective of self and others; and lead major program activities and staff to expected results.
  • Planning – Experience applying knowledge of fish and wildlife biology, habitat science, and ecology to anticipate fish, wildlife, and habitat needs, potential impacts, and likely remedies.
  • Supervision and Leadership – Demonstrated ability to supervise and mentor staff, including setting clear expectations, achieving the desired results, and coaching staff to improve performance to maximize desired outcomes and results.
  • Stakeholder Development – Experience working with or for forestry proponents, stakeholders, or regulators to successfully develop and/or implement forest management plans and solutions that protect fish and wildlife resources while maintaining working forests.
  • Facilitation and Consensus Building – Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and consensus, facilitate cooperative activities with diverse individuals.
  • Verbal and Written Communication – Experience and demonstrated ability to develop and convey clear, timely, and persuasive messages in writing and spoken word that positively influence the thoughts and actions of others.
  • Critical Thinking – Experience and demonstrated ability with critical thinking and analyses to interpret technical information for inclusion in or support of policies and management strategies.
  • Budget and Financial Management – Demonstrated ability to develop and manage a budget, including various financial resources.
Supplemental Information
Working Conditions

  • Work is performed primarily in an office environment. Office work includes reading, writing, phone and computer use. Occasional fieldwork in an outdoor environment may occur.
  • Must have the ability to operate a vehicle and hold a valid driver’s license.
  • Generally, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday- Friday with some evening and weekend work possible.
  • Customer Interactions – Responsible for legislative, contentious issue resolution and leaders of major stakeholder interaction. Excellent personal interaction and diplomatic skills
  • Travel Requirements – 10%, about 2 days a month, requires travel to meetings, site visits, and workshops and forums throughout the State of Washington.

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 in effective communication and relationship building with diverse groups. Include examples of how your communication skills and abilities enhanced your management of staff, coordination of work, and helped you build relationships with managers, staff and customers.
05
Do you have experience and knowledge of forest practices and the management and conservation opportunities to support resilient forest habitats?

  • Yes
  • No
06
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
07
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
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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504.

Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact