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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 Puget Sound Recovery Section Manager. The position is located in the Habitat Program, Major Projects & Restoration 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 Major Projects Division Manager, the incumbent serves as the principal planning consultant in the area of the Puget Sound Recovery Planning. The incumbent will be the lead manager responsible for providing strategic implementation, policy direction/adherence, and administrative oversight for highly complex environmental programs, including multiple Puget Sound restoration and recovery programs, nearshore grant programs, coordination with Regional Fishery Enhancement Groups, and restoration implementation.

The incumbent presents recommendations to the division manager on issues concerning legislative bills, business practices, strategic planning, and courses of actions to improve overall division performance and advance priority objectives.

Duties

This position will be the lead for ensuring successful restoration and protection programs are meeting strategic objectives, coordinated within the agency and with other local, state, and federal processes, and assuring fiscal accountability.

  • Provides agency representation, interagency coordination, and policy and technical support for Puget Sound recovery planning, including legislative strategy and coordination, and strategic planning.
  • Supports WDFW managers of the Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Program, Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program, and Puget Sound Habitat Strategic Initiative Lead by providing guidance and coordination in budget decisions, policy discussions with state and federal partners, and supporting the manager during grant competitions.
  • Coordinates with program managers at the Puget Sound Partnership on indicators and targets for Puget Sound recovery planning and serves as WDFW alternate on the Puget Sound Ecosystem Coordination Board, and a leading role on Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program (PSEMP) Nearshore workgroup and Steering Committee.
  • Works with appropriate agency staff and the Regional Fishery Enhancement Group (RFEG) coalition to coordinate programmatic and policy decisions for RFEGs, including maximizing revenue streams for the program.
  • Coordinates internal and external meetings on specific RFEG-related topics as needed, and between individual RFEGs and agency staff; oversee agenda development for quarterly RFEG Coalition meetings.

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.

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.
  • Knowledge of process-based ecosystem restoration techniques, laws, policies, and programs, land use regulations, relevant state and federal laws and guidelines, policies, and programs and how these affect and/or enable fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation in Washington State.
  • Knowledge of 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.
  • Principles of budget management.

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 – 15%, about 3 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.