Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

 Protecting Washington State’s environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We are a culture that is invested in making a difference. If you want to join a team that is highly effective, collaborative, has leadership that embraces the value of people, and believes in the fun factor, Ecology is a good fit.

The Water Resources (WR) environmental program, within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Water Resources Communications Specialist (Communication Consultant 3) position supporting our Water Resources Communications & Outreach Section. This position is located at our Headquarters Building in Lacey, Washington.

The Water Resources Communications Specialist  position, working independently under the general direction of the Water Resources Communications Manager, will develop, edit and/or disseminate a variety of communications and marketing materials, both internally and externally, related to the program and its Streamflow Restoration initiative.

Do you like taking complex subjects and presenting them in concise written and visual formats? We are looking for someone who is excellent at interpreting environmental science and policy topics for various audiences. The successful candidate will be able to think strategically, develop timelines, and adapt quickly to changing priorities.   

As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington’s environment for current and future generations. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism and accountability.

To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.

Local efforts… Diverse people… Statewide impacts

• Establishes and maintains publication schedules for communications products.
• Writes, edits and designs products such as presentations, handouts, blog posts, reports, public displays and public-friendly web and social media content.
• Creates and maintains visual communications materials.
• This position, under general direction from the Water Resources Communications Manager, is responsible for determining the need and most appropriate methods and techniques to publicize and promote the program, with specific focus on the Streamflow Restoration initiative.
• Identifies and develops communications and marketing materials for internal and external audiences, including writing, editing and layout.
• Designs visual communications products such as graphics, images and videos to convey information, processes, or timelines.

If you have strong people skills, an interest in Washington’s water supply, and can guide communications efforts using creativity and strategy, this opportunity could be a great fit. As an agency we invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.

This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be December 4, 2019. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before December 3, 2019. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, public relations, humanities, environmental sciences, or related field.

AND

Three (3) years of writing/editing, community outreach, visual communications or related experience.

OR

Equivalent educations/experience.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with Microsoft Office, SharePoint and the Adobe Creative Suite products.
• Experience with video recording and editing.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving environment and responding to urgent requests.

Why work for Ecology?

Joining Ecology means becoming a part of a team committed to protecting and restoring Washington State’s environment.

A career in public service allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping the health and financial security of you and your family a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to work/life balance.

Ecology employees may be eligible for the following:
Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS),  Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver,  Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP),  Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth

Student debt and how working for Ecology can help
Employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.

*See the Benefits tab in this announcement for more information

Application Instructions:

In order to be considered, applicants MUST attach the following documents as attachments to their application:

Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.
Please complete the applicant profile when applying for this position. Or you may paste the text of your resume within the profile’s resume text field.

Please read the supplemental questions carefully and answer completely. Incomplete responses, including “please see resume” may disqualify you from further consideration.

Department of Ecology employees, please make sure to answer the agency-wide questions regarding permanent status as a classified employee within the Washington General Service or Washington Management Service. Do not forget to select Department of Ecology as a response to question 2, and type your personnel ID number for question 3. If you are not sure of your status or do not know your personnel ID number, please contact Human Resources.

If you are reading this announcement in print format, please visit www.careers.wa.gov to access the online recruitment system. Click on “Look for Jobs” and select Dept. of Ecology under the “Department” search list. Click “Apply Search.”

Other Information:

If you need assistance applying for this job, please e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not send an email to this address to follow-up the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile’s main page.

If you have specific questions about the position, please email Keeley Belva at: keeley.belva@ecy.wa.gov.  Please do not contact Keeley to inquire about the status of your application.

The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.

This position is included in the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) union bargaining unit for the Department of Ecology.

The Washington State Department of Ecology 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, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 407-6186. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.