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Recreation Program Communications Consultant

Salary
$51,300.00 – $68,940.00 Annually
Location
Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type
Full Time – Permanent
Department
Dept. of Natural Resources
Job Number
2018-07-6986-06789
Closing
7/22/2018 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
An image without description

Service, Science, Sustainability

Under the leadership of the Commissioner of Public Lands, our work at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is done with the public’s interest in mind, which means transparency and public knowledge.  Our decisions are guided by sound science as we manage state trust lands, native ecosystems and natural resources. We support the vision of a sustainable future by protecting and managing the natural resources so future generations will have them.

DNR manages over 5 million acres of state-owned land that includes forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands. We generate revenue that supports public schools, state institutions and county services. But managing lands is only half of our story. We also protect other public resources such as fish, wildlife, water, and provide public access to outdoor recreation. Two of our largest and most important state-wide resource protection responsibilities are fire prevention and suppression, and overseeing forest practices.

The DNR has an annual operating budget of approximately $245 million and has over 1300 permanent employees with approximately 500 additional staff hired during the summer fire season.

We have some of the most talented people in the industry.  We honor diversity in the workplace and support one another with respect and trust.  We invite you to learn more about our culture, our careers, and why some of the top forestry and natural science professionals have joined Washington DNR by visiting our DNR website.

Duties
Recreation Program Communications Consultant
Communications Consultant 4
Recruitment # 2018-07-6986

SALARY RANGE:

$4,275 – $5,745 per month

TYPE OF POSITION:        

Permanent, Full-time.   This position is represented by the WFSE.

LOCATION:                         

Olympia, Washington

CLOSES:

22 July 2018
Note: Recruitment may be extended after July 22 depending on the quantity and quality of the application pool.

POSITION PROFILE:

Work for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and a statewide elected official to promote a diverse array of public, outdoor recreation opportunities. From mountain bike trails to campgrounds to parasailing, Washington’s public lands offer incredible opportunities – we want you to help us get the word out.

Under the dynamic leadership of the Commissioner of Public Lands, Hilary Franz, the agency is working to expand access to recreation across Washington’s 3 million acres of working forests, farms, and natural areas.

The successful candidate will be motivated, creative, hardworking, and have a successful track record of communicating complex issues using a variety of mediums and tools.

As a media liaison, you will identify positive media opportunities, pitch stories, write news releases, develop talking points, coordinate media interviews, and serve as an agency spokesperson when needed. You must be hungry about telling our story and getting people excited about our recreation opportunities and the value of public lands and waters.

You will provide strategic guidance to agency leadership, recreation staff, stakeholders, and partners to help DNR engage the public. Expect to help build, manage, and staff outreach events. Expect to draft newsletters and correspondence. Expect to develop website and social media content, including photos and videos. Expect to staff Commissioner Franz at key recreation events.

Why work for us?

At DNR, you will join a tight-knit team of skilled communicators and recreation providers to work on topics that are incredibly rewarding. You will be empowered to be creative and think boldly, but will always have the support and guidance of the Communications team. We move fast, and want you to help us make the world a better place. You will work in close proximity to a statewide elected official and will have the opportunity to travel throughout the state and experience our incredible natural areas. Plus awesome benefits.

Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • A bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or related field of study.
  • At least four years of progressively responsible communications experience, with an emphasis on experience interacting with reporters and creating media events.
  • Excellent knowledge of media relations and traditional media practices.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and ability to make complex information understandable to the general public using plain language.
  • Excellent organizational and project management skills.
  • Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships; even in times of high pressure and conflict.
  • Experience writing and editing for organizations, including developing copy and editing copy for news releases, fact sheets, social media, web, and special publications such as reports and white papers.
  • Fluency in the digital space, including using social media tools (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram) to promote and inform.
  • Experience interpreting/analyzing public information policy and issues.
  • Familiarity with photography, video filming and video editing programs
  • Ability to think innovatively and creatively, and change course if necessary

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experience working for an elected official.
  • Strong “reporter” mindset – seeks out interesting stories and asks probing questions to identify key stories to share
  • Experience working in a natural resources, parks, recreation or similar field.
  • Experience with Drupal, SharePoint or other software used to manage web content.
  • Training or experience in using MS Office, PowerPoint, Movie Maker, Splice, and Adobe Creative Suite (Premier, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat).

SPECIAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

  • The incumbent in this position is required to travel.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function.  Employees who drive for state business, whether in a state or privately-owned vehicle, are required to possess a valid license as defined in policy PO02-006 and abide by all other driver responsibility requirements.
Supplemental Information
WHO MAY APPLY
This recruitment is open to anyone who meets the required qualifications for this position.

APPLICATION PROCESS

  • To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above)
  • You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
  • You must submit the following
    • Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile, required and desired position qualifications, and special position requirements.
    • Attach your Resume
    • The names of three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
  • Carefully review your application materials before submitting. If you fail to submit the required documents or complete the entire online application, you may no longer be considered for the position by the supervisor.

Application Status – once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account.  Finalists for the position will be contacted by the hiring managers directly.

Note: Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record issued from all states in which they have held a license during the past 3 years.

Questions?  Please contact Carrie McCausland, Carrie.mccausland@dnr.wa.gov, 360-902-1523 or Tim Stapleton, Tim.Stapleton@dnr.wa.gov, 360-902-1047 or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

By submitting the application materials you are indicating that all information is true and correct to the best of your knowledge.  You understand that the state may verify information and that untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from applicant pool or dismissal if employed. This announcement is published by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.  We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in a fair and impartial manner for all persons without regard to age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, genetic information, military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.  Persons with a disability who need assistance during the screening process or those needing this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff (360) 902-1350 or (360) 902-1128.  DNR may be contacted using the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) by dialing 711.

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
Do you have a bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or related field of study?

  • Yes
  • No
02
Do you have four or more years of progressively responsible communications experience, with an emphasis on experience interacting with reporters and creating media events?

  • Yes
  • No
03
Do you have experience writing and editing for organizations, including developing copy and editing copy for news releases, fact sheets, social media, web, and special publications such as reports and white papers?

  • Yes
  • No
04
Are you fluent in the digital space, including using social media tools (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram) to promote and inform?

  • Yes
  • No
05
Do you have experience interpreting/analyzing public information policy and issues?

  • Yes
  • No
06
Are you familiar with photography, video filming and video editing programs?

  • Yes
  • No
07
Do you have a valid driver’s license and at least two years of driving experience?

  • Yes
  • No
08
Where did you originally hear about this job (i.e. friend, newspaper, careers.wa.gov, specific job board website)?

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