Website link here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/2634677/energy-and-major-projects-division-manager-11468h
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.
Energy and Major Projects Division Manager (WMS03)
The Energy and Major Projects Division is one of the Divisions in the Habitat Program and reports to the Habitat Program Director. Staff within the division provide biological and regulatory expertise in permitting, licensing, relicensing, and implementation for hydroelectric, wind power, solar, other energy generation (biomass, geothermal), and selected major projects in order to secure conditions (including project designs, operations, mitigation, enhancements, and implementation plans) that conserve and enhance fish, wildlife, and habitats.
The Energy and Major Projects Manager is responsible for overseeing multiple program vectors associated with energy and major projects, energy policy, and water policy. The incumbent is responsible for presenting recommendations to the Habitat Program Director on state and federal legislation and administrative policy, business practices, and recommended courses of action. The incumbent is responsible for the success of the Energy and Major Projects Division. The incumbent will also work at the federal level to ensure WA’s interests are considered and that WA is continues to lead on development of carbon neutral energy in a way that works for wildlife and fish.
The Energy and Major Projects Manager leads the division by directing and controlling fish and wildlife-mitigation negotiation and implementation for large development projects, which include hydroelectric and selected non-hydroelectric dams, wind power projects, nuclear projects, selected fossil energy generation, storage, and distribution facilities, selected electric and fuel transmission and distribution infrastructure, and other selected energy technology projects. Products include wildlife mitigation areas; support for existing salmon, steelhead, and resident trout cultural facilities; instream flow agreements; upland and aquatic habitat improvements; operational resource protection measures; and research funded by applicants. The incumbent implements the agency’s mitigation policy as applicable to energy and major projects to conserve and enhance fish, wildlife, and habitats.
The incumbent directly represents the Department on numerous working groups related to Energy Development and large-scale projects throughout the state. The scope of impacts that are made by the incumbent include long-term environmental health, license agreements and implementation at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and the resulting impacts on salmon, biodiversity, Department credibility, and Department financial management. The contributions, largely by way of influence, that are made by the incumbent directly serve the Department mandate to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems in the face of energy development and transmission, major projects, and water use. Additionally, the incumbent leads the Department’s oversight of efforts to develop and implement fish and wildlife mitigation agreements at over 100 large energy developments across the state.
DUTIES:
- Manage the Habitat Program’s Energy and Major Projects Division and associated energy, major project and water services to implement the fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation priorities of the department and provide guidance on policy and planning to other planning and technical staff.
- Facilitates resolution of pertinent management issues arising from planning activities which are complex or sensitive, involve multiple programs, and deal with major environmental issues facing the department.
- Coordinate and consult with WDFW staff, permitting and licensing agencies (e.g., the Department of Ecology’s Clean Water Act Section 401 certification program, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC), Office of Chehalis Basin, and counties) and energy developers, as well as other state agencies, local and tribal governments, and others as necessary, to identify and resolve major project, energy, and water policy issues that affect the conservation of fish, wildlife, and habitat.
- Represent the agency on matters affecting policy and directives associated with energy and major projects.
- Develop and recommend energy development policies, legislation, and policy/program implementation plans for the department and the state that conserve fish, wildlife, and habitats.
- Lead the planning, proposal development, negotiation, and management of annual operating budget of approximately $1.7M per biennium from GFS, federal grants, and inter-agency contracts.
Required Education, Experience, and Competencies.
- Knowledge of energy development laws and guidelines (including federal and state laws), 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.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of staff supervision and organizational management.
- Experience & demonstrated ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships.
- Effective leadership: results oriented, decisive, ability to empower and inspire staff to reach maximum potential, accountable – leads by example
- Ability to manage multiple projects and programs that engage up to 10 employees at a time
- Ability to negotiate agreements without compromising scientific credibility or agency policy
- Resourcefulness in problem solving and innovative thinking
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences in writing & spoken word.
- College degree with major emphasis in energy, land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, fish or wildlife biology/management or closely related field. In addition, five years of professional experience in energy policy land use, urban, regional, environmental, natural resource management or planning, and/or program development is required, two of which must include supervisory/management experience.
Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies.
- Experience working with or for energy project proponents or energy project permitting/licensing entities (i.e., FERC, EFSEC, or other state or county agencies) to successfully develop and/or implement energy project licenses, including terms and conditions to protect natural resources and mitigate for impacts. The preferred candidate will have experience with multiple energy project types, including hydro power, wind power, and energy transmission infrastructure.
- Knowledge of environmental regulations, including NEPA, SEPA, HPA, Clean Water Act, Federal Power Act, Endangered Species Act, Growth Management Act and Shoreline Management Act.
- Managing a large staff of professional (10 or more members)
- Change management, Lean practices, negotiation, and working with internal and external stakeholders in challenging land use/land management arenas.
- Experience applying knowledge of fish and wildlife biology, habitat science, and ecology to anticipate fish, wildlife, and habitat needs, potential impacts, and likely remedies.
- Ability to interpret and apply department and state policies in order to lead major program activities and staff to expected results.
- Ability to take interest in and understand others’ perspectives; easily recognize when others have important information perspectives, or ideas; demonstrate appropriate assertiveness; and be committed to the service of the public, mission and team.
- Experience and demonstrated ability to build consensus and negotiate agreements as a representative of an organization.
- 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.
- Master’s degree or Doctorate with major emphasis in biology, land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, energy policy and/or climate change policy, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related field.
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
- Three professional references
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.
Veteran Preference Notice
To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:
- Email a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter to RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
- Subject line should include recruitment number, position and Vet (#10155 Biologist 1 – Veteran)
- Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov
Military Spouse Preference Notice
To take advantage of military spouse preference, please do the following:
- Notify us of your military spouse status by email at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
- Subject line should include recruitment number, position and MS (#10155 Biologist 1 – MS)
- Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov
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.