DutiesThe department protects fish through the administration of the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) program. This position coordinates, develops, and implements statewide internal and external training for the Habitat Program and manages the Quality Assurance/Quality Control program for the HPA program. It provides statewide technical and policy support for the HPA program focused mainly on WDFW regional operations such as memorandums of understanding or agreement with other agencies and reviewing and facilitating long-term mitigation agreements resulting from individual hydraulic projects.

Other key duties include:

• Working with regional and headquarters staff to ensure statewide consistency by reviewing draft regional general HPAs, and by facilitating, negotiating, and finalizing statewide general HPAs.
• Serves as the lead agency participant for a variety of interagency projects.
• Coordinates interagency and stakeholder workgroups, is responsible for ensuring the ongoing work of each group and facilitates the completion of assigned work for each group.
• Assists in significant legislative rulemaking for statewide HPA topics.
• Serves as backup, as necessary, for other Division staff in their absence or when workload requires fill-in.

QualificationsRequired Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree or above with major emphasis in land use, urban, regional, environmental, fish resources, wildlife resources, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related field,

AND

• Three years of professional experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development.

OR

• One year of experience as an Environmental Planner 3.

Please Note: A Master’s or Doctorate degree in these fields may substitute for 2 years of the required experience.

Skills and experience necessary for this work include experience in fish and wildlife habitat management, with a focus on habitat concerns, mitigation and state and federal regulatory requirements; and good communications, negotiation/dispute resolution and computer skills:

• Functionally proficient in environmental permitting and regulatory processes.  Expertise and functional proficiency in the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) program, including statutes, rules, and policy guidance, and knowledge of and experience with HPA technical issues to effectively identify project impacts and potential mitigation measures for those impacts is preferred.
• Functional proficiency in the use of the web-based Aquatic Protection Permitting System (APPS) and the former Hydraulic Permit Management System (HPMS), the database applications for HPAs.
• Knowledge of fish and wildlife habitat and life history needs and requirements.  Additional knowledge of impacts of construction projects on aquatic and riparian habitat and resources, and measures to mitigate those impacts.
• Creates and nurtures a performance-based culture that supports efforts to accomplish the organizational mission and goals.
• Ability to organize, coordinate, or lead program or process activities.
• Functional knowledge of the requirements of other environmental permitting and review processes, such as the Growth Management Act, Shoreline Management Act, State Environmental Policy Act, etc.
• Demonstrated organization and time management skills to effectively prioritize workload and maximize efficiency.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating effective training to adult learners.
• Effectively communicates in individual and group discussions, independently analyzes and weighs the risks verses benefits in decisions and recommendations related to fish and wildlife resources, and habitat issues.
• Builds rapport and partners with WDFW staff, the public, Indian Tribes, and local, state, and federal governmental agencies regarding issues pertaining to fish and wildlife protection.
• Applies negotiation and conflict resolution skills when communicating with difficult people under difficult circumstances.
• Uses excellent written and verbal communication skills when communicating with individuals and groups and to present complex or controversial information in a way that is understandable and non-confrontational to the permit applicants, coworkers and team members through consistently honest, forthright and professional interactions; logically integrates various ideas, intentions, and information to form effective goals, objectives, timelines, action plans, and solutions.
• Is sensitive to customer and team member attitudes and concerns. Is accessible to customers and team members and handles customer inquiries and complaints promptly, courteously, and non-bureaucratically.  Recognizes adverse reactions and develops better alternatives.  Provides products and services that consistently meet or exceed the needs and expectations of customers and team members without compromising protection of natural resources.
• Involves appropriate staff in decision making that impacts them. Discusses areas of agreement as well as disagreement or inconsistency in order to identify issues or aspects that need resolution. Seeks different alternatives to reach a given end by looking for common ground and by looking beyond the obvious and not stopping at the first answers. Distinguishes information that is not pertinent to a decision or problem solution.  Demonstrates a willingness to negotiate and make concessions to reach an acceptable solution that benefits all parties. Presents interests in a diplomatic, professional manner oriented toward bringing about understanding and seeking resolution. Can translate the ‘letter of the law’ into a variety of workable, legal options. Accepts that management may adopt a different resolution with a divergent outcome from that presented.
• Balances quality of work with ability to meet deadlines by making efficient and effective use of available time, equipment and resources. Works with dedication, commitment and professionalism. Adapts to stressful or changing situations and priorities. Transitions easily between tasks, responding quickly and efficiently to work requests; successfully returns to incomplete tasks and continues work with minimal need to become re-oriented to the task. Works accurately and timely with minimal supervision. Exhibits self-initiative in developing or upgrading knowledge and skills, and applying that new knowledge or skills in the work environment.
• Doesn’t make excuses for errors or problems, instead, acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Demonstrates ethical behavior. Keeps commitments made to others.  Shows respect for self and others. Adapts to and positively deals with the stress of a high-paced work environment. Asks for and accepts constructive feedback on performance and makes efforts to improve. Accepts and follows supervisory direction.  Provides constructive feedback to others. Maintains alertness and concentration during normal work period. Keeps supervisor and co-workers informed of need-to-know items, and follows chain-of-command when addressing problems or issues.

Supplemental InformationThis 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, including professional accomplishments
• Three professional references (please only provide 3 professional references)
• Writing Sample, may include: professional report or correspondence.

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 (for example: #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 (for example:#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.