Forests and Fish Project Manager

Position summary

WEC seeks a Forests and Fish Project Manager to coordinate Conservation Caucus activities and represent the Caucus on aquatic resource issues at the Timber Fish and Wildlife Policy Committee, a key component of State’s Forest Practices Adaptive Management Program (AMP). This position offers a unique opportunity to strengthen and grow the environmental community’s participation in the AMP by building collaborative relationships with WEC’s conservation partners and other AMP stakeholders.

The Project Manager will manage the science experts on contract with the Caucus, negotiate with other forest stakeholders participating in the AMP, and make either consensus or majority/minority policy recommendations to the Policy Committee and the Forest Practices Board (FPB). The FPB is the public body responsible for adopting the rules and guidance for private timber harvest activities administered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Project Manager will also monitor the State’s compliance with its federal Forest Practices Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) created in response to the federal listing of certain threatened and endangered fish species.

The environmental community formed the Forests and Fish Conservation Caucus to participate in Washington’s Forest Practices AMP.  The AMP was created to address key scientific uncertainties about the effectiveness of WA forest practices in protecting, conserving, and recovering aquatic and riparian species’ habitat under the HCP, and to ensure the Forest Practices Board’s use of best available science in determining when and how to change forest practices rules, guidance, and related policies covering more than 9 million acres of mostly private forestland. The AMP is a multi-stakeholder program that includes representatives from several state and federal agencies; industrial and small forest landowners; county governments; the environmental community; and tribal governments. The AMP was a requirement of Washington’s federal habitat conservation plan, which gives the State protection under the Endangered Species and Clean Water Acts.

 Washington Environmental Council (WEC) is a nonprofit, statewide advocacy organization that drives positive change to solve our state’s most pressing environmental challenges. For 50 years, we have been at the forefront of environmental protection in the state, securing laws and policies that safeguard the health of our families and our environment. From bedrock laws like the State Environmental Policy Act, to free electronic waste recycling, to finding solutions that reduce our climate emissions and build our clean energy economy, WEC ensures a healthy future for our state so it remains a great place to live and work. WEC works closely with our partner organization Washington Conservation Voters, the statewide political voice for the environment. By effectively combining the policy know-how of WEC with the political savvy of WCV, we have reshaped how environmental protection is achieved in Washington state. Combined, we have a staff of 30 and work in a LEED-certified building in downtown Seattle. We offer competitive salaries, great benefits, and the opportunity for you to make a difference.

 

Compensation and benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range of $55,000-$60,000 depending on experience. WEC offers a generous benefits package including medical and dental insurance, 401k plan with organizational match up to 3% of your annual salary, a flexible spending account, paid vacation and sick leave, ten paid holidays per year, an unlimited ORCA transit pass, and if you work with us for seven consecutive years, you are eligible for a two-month paid sabbatical. We welcome new and diverse people to a great team who together shape environmental protection in Washington.

 To apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and brief writing sample online here.  No phone calls or mailed applications please. Position open until filled.

Washington Environmental Council is an equal opportunity employer committed to dismantling structural racism and creating a welcoming work environment. WEC does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, gender, religion, marital status, veteran’s status, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. People of color, people with disabilities, and people of all gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

  • Act as the Caucus’ official representative to the Policy Committee and participate in Policy subgroups as necessary.
  • Prepare, coordinate, and present Caucus input on AMP issues to the Policy Committee and the Forest Practices Board.
  • Engage in regular and productive communications with Caucus members and consultants, DNR, and other AMP stakeholders.
  • Prepare the Caucus’ annual AMP participation work plan and budget in collaboration with Caucus members and science representatives.
  • Manage the budget and work plan execution in alignment with Caucus direction and goals.
  • Prepare quarterly financial and work plan performance reports, monitor expenditures, and prepare budget forecasting.

 

Required skills

  • Commitment to environmental protection, and principles of racial, social, and economic justice.
  • Demonstrated understanding of riparian ecosystems, forest management, and basic understanding of salmon life-cyle and habitat needs.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain professional working relationships with diverse stakeholders notwithstanding policy disagreements.
  • Strong communication and negotiation skills to ensure consistent and precise transmission of perspectives and ideas verbally and in writing.
  • Demonstrated ability to perform confidently and comfortably in high-conflict situations and dynamic environments.
  • Excellent organizational skills, keen attention to detail, and good judgment.
  • Experience managing programs or projects, and familiarity with budgeting processes and work plan development.
  • Willing and able to take ownership of and accountability for completing tasks to meet deadlines.
  • Flexible personality with the ability to work in a fast-paced, always changing, non-profit office.

 

 

Desired Qualifications

  • Technical or direct policy experience with forest regulatory issues, which may include habitat protection, water quality, roadbuilding, landslides, and forest chemical application.
  • Familiarity with the legal and policy framework for the Washington Forest Practices Habitat Conservation Plan and its associated Adaptive Management Program.
  • Ability to understand larger historical, social, economic, and political context of forestry regulation in Washington.