Description

Washington is America’s Top State according to U.S. News (2019) and we provide one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

The Washington 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. The Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field.  Find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov.

Full-Time/Permanent
Community Outreach & Environmental Education Coordinator 4

We are recruiting to fill one (1) Community Outreach & Environmental Education Coordinator 4 to work within the Seattle, Spokane, or Vancouver areas.

The overarching objective for the Community Wildlife Engagement Coordinator is to connect Washingtonians to wildlife and wildlife watching opportunities.  The position will especially focus on engaging urban communities to show their connection to the natural world and demonstrate how they can make important contributions to the protection of biodiversity and natural heritage of our state for the benefit for all its citizens. This position will accomplish these objectives by initiating partnerships with community organizations and individuals to jointly develop watchable wildlife projects, community led science opportunities, and enhance native wildlife. This position will provide biological expertise, outreach, public awareness, project implementation, and technical support for watchable wildlife, community engagement and community naturalist opportunities statewide.

This position will report to the Conservation Assessment Section Manager within the Wildlife Diversity Division, provide support guidance to regional teams statewide, and coordinate with the agency’s Public Affairs.

DUTIES:

Initiate and sustain partnerships with community organizations and individuals to jointly develop watchable wildlife opportunities in Washington, with a focus on urban landscapes:

  • Work closely with regional teams and Public Affairs to identify, prioritize, and implement Watchable Wildlife or community conservation projects.
  • Provide development, design, and oversight to implement and enhance watchable wildlife and community naturalist or conservation projects and opportunities (project opportunities may involve backyard wildlife habitat, pollinators, amphibians, birds, bats, etc.).
  • Organize, train, and support volunteer teams, natural resource partners, teachers, community organizations, and others to implement volunteer led projects or develop watchable wildlife opportunities.
  • Integrate public wildlife viewing/survey opportunities with agency and division priorities. Identify and develop watchable wildlife viewing opportunities and projects associated with urban areas.
  • Organize and conduct public forums or attend events (festivals, community events, conservation organizations, schools) to promote public engagement in community science and watchable wildlife opportunities, human well-being in the urban sphere, and enhance awareness of Diversity Division conservation endeavors within urban communities.

Provide support to agency staff for statewide watchable wildlife work, with focus on urban districts:

  • Support regions in implementation of wildlife conservation public engagement/educational opportunities and projects within their respective districts.
  • Assist with development and implementation of projects based on shared goals and priorities.
  • Projects may include working with Public Affairs to help implement urban backyard wildlife habitat youth project, developing backyard and community native pollinator habitats, amphibian and reptile conservation, or develop bird watching opportunities and infrastructure.

Together with the Public Affairs and cross-program teams, develop destination wildlife viewing corridors and trails, tours, maps, brochures and travel aides:

  • Develop educational and outreach strategies for wildlife conservation and viewing to be hosted on our website, social media platforms, partner’s websites, and other outreach opportunities
  • Evaluate, draft, and enhance public awareness, engagement, and education content. Identify and develop non-traditional approaches to public engagement emphasizing Washington’s urban residents and opportunities.
  • Explore wildlife live feed cameras as opportunities for outreach and engagement.
  • Engage with Universities and the Puget Sound Partnership who are working on urban areas as important biodiversity opportunities.

Perform other duties as assigned:

  • Support agency objectives as a described in planning documents, assist with annual/biennial work planning for the Division, and attract public and financial support for Division activities.

This position will occasionally serve as a team leader to develop conservation assessment products and to implement work initiatives with district biological staff.  This position does not directly supervise any staff.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: 

  • Work is performed primarily indoors in an office environment.
  • Outdoor site visits and outreach endeavors are a supporting but lesser portion of the work.
  • Exposure to hazards is limited to those found in government office environments and during use of government vehicles.

Schedule (i.e., hours and days): 8:00am – 5:00pm

Travel Requirements: 

  • Travel is expected and may be seasonally frequent and required.  Travel is typically local or regional for field visits, collaboration with project biologists, and customer contacts.

Tools and Equipment: 

  • Duties require use of standard computer equipment, associated hardware-software, and wildlife observation tools.

Customer Interactions: 

  • Frequent contacts with WDFW staff, cooperators, contractors, and general public.

Other: 

  • Work involves a substantial amount of interaction with people representing a wide array of views about WDFW operations; discrete and thoughtful awareness of surroundings is routinely needed.
  • Position may work independently and have latitude to resolve issues within their area of responsibility and/or part of a team towards a common goal or project.  Unusual problems that may occur are brought to higher-level staff with probable outcomes

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a discipline focused on wildlife biology, natural resources, zoology, conservation communication, communications, human dimensions of natural resources or similar degree programs emphasizing natural resources assessment, communicating natural resource values, and engaging people in structured evaluation of conservation and management needs for wildlife.
  • Two years of experience working outreach, communications, or volunteer coordination in a natural resource field.
  • Knowledge and skills to lead in organizing people and processes is essential.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

  • Ability to work cooperatively with agency professionals and community leaders; ability to develop and write effective responses to public and internal inquiries; demonstrated report and presentation preparation skills; meeting organization and facilitation skills; collaborative working style for developing and maintaining partnerships.
  • Familiarity with electronic networks and social media applications used in collecting, compiling, and reporting natural history information (e.g., Bird, Avian Knowledge Network, Naturalist) is a valued characteristic.
  • Ability to develop and prepare materials in an MS Office software environment is important.
  • Familiarity with wildlife outreach and media processes for disseminating conservation messages is valued. Experience or training in media relations.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

  • Must be qualified and appropriately licensed to drive a motor vehicle.

WAFWP:

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

To apply for this position you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov 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 note:  Failure to follow the above application instructions may lead to disqualification.  E-mailed documents will not be accepted 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.
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.