SummaryThe Water and Land Resources (WLR) Division is currently seeking highly qualified candidates for the position of Deputy Director. In this role, you will have the opportunity to help lead a dynamic, high-performing natural resource management agency comprised of passionate and skilled employees dedicated to WLR’s mission of clean water and healthy land for all of King County.

Reporting to the division director, this position is responsible for helping lead the organization, serves as liaison to the Flood Control District, oversees performance management efforts, and interacts with other governmental agencies, elected officials, tribal governments and county stakeholders to advance land and water conservation for the people of King County.

About the Water and Land Resources Division:
One of four divisions within the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP), WLR is comprised of nearly 400 employees and has a bi-annual budget of approximately $300 million that funds protection, restoration, and management of King County’s water and land using the best available science, innovation, and collaboration with our partners and the community.
WLR provides both regional and local services for King County residents, including flood hazard reduction and emergency response, hazardous waste management, noxious weed control, open space acquisition and protection, storm water management, agriculture and small lot forestry stewardship, salmon recovery, watershed restoration, scientific monitoring and analysis, and environmental laboratory services. You can learn more about the work of the WLR Division here: Water and Land Resources Division – King County

WHO MAY APPLY: This position is open to all qualified applicants.

King County values diverse perspectives, life experiences and differences.  The Water and Land Resources Division encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, men, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and veterans.  We are committed to being equitable and fair in providing equal access to opportunities for all.

WORK LOCATION:  King Street Center-201 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104.  This position requires the ability to travel to other work locations throughout King County with limited or no public transportation services.

REQUIRED MATERIALS TO APPLY: Applications without the following required materials may not be considered for this position.

1. King County application
2. Resume
3. Cover Letter detailing your background and describing how your education and experience meets the qualifications and has prepared you to perform the essential functions of the job (please limit to no more than two pages)

WORK SCHEDULE: This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not overtime eligible. This is a 40-hour per week position Monday through Friday but will require availability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
Job Duties

• Partner with WLR director to provide strategic leadership and management of the division including development and execution of policy and ensuring the efficient delivery of local, regional and watershed services.
• Work with the division director and DNRP to integrate and advance a portfolio of conservation programs critical to implementing the executive’s Clean Water, Healthy Habitat strategic plan.
• Facilitate communication between River and Floodplain Management Section staff and the King County Flood Control District Board of Supervisors and Executive Director.
• Serve as liaison to the King County Flood Control District, including collaboration with River and Floodplain Management Section to facilitate progress on implementation of the district’s work program.
• Set priorities and ensure compliance and implementation of various administrative functions and business systems including travel, contracts, and legislative reports.
• Coordinate across DNRP, other departments and partner agencies in the region to address emergent policy and operational issues including regulatory compliance, financial and budget issues, constituent affairs and program coordination.
• Help oversee expansion and implementation of the division’s Equity and Social Justice work program to drive equity into our conservation programs.
• Lead efforts to mature a continuous improvement culture and performance management systems as part of implementing Best Run Government.
• Support department and executive staff in development and Council adoption of key countywide and department plans and regulations including updates to the King County Comprehensive Plan, state and federal legislative agendas, critical areas and shoreline codes, and other environmental codes.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, SkillsWe are looking for a person with:

• The ability to motivate a diverse, technical staff to share a common vision and mission.
• Possess at least ten years of increasingly progressive leadership responsibilities in the public and/or private sector.
• A track record of exceeding goals successfully, demonstrated collaborative skills and ability to work on multiple, often complex issues simultaneously and under short deadlines.
• Political savvy to maneuver through complex political situations while remaining sensitive to people and organizations.
• The ability to make good business decisions based upon a mixture of analysis, experience, judgment and knowledge of current practices, trends, and information.
• A strong public service ethic with clear leadership, people management and problem-solving skills.
• Strong analytical experience with formulating, evaluating, recommending and implementing policies, programs, projects and plans.
• Demonstrated experience with approaches to continuous improvement processes and performance measurement.
• The ability to build effective teams and motivate others.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills and the ability to communicate effectively on sensitive issues to diverse audiences including elected officials and varied stakeholders.
• A bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, policy, planning, ecology, natural resources management, public administration, or closely related field OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A sense of humor.

Supplemental InformationNECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• A valid Washington State Driver’s License is required and the willingness to travel throughout King County, adjacent counties, and other travel destinations in a timely manner.

SELECTION PROCESS: Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to the list of qualifications, skills, and abilities. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews. Reference checks will be conducted before the final offer of employment.

UNION MEMBERSHIP: This position is not represented by a union.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:  
Pamela Johnson
Human Resources Manager
Email: Pamela.Johnson@kingcounty.gov
Phone: 206-477-4717