Website link here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/2648862/habitat-restoration-division-manager-12011h
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.
Habitat Restoration Division Manager (WMS3)
The Restoration Division is one of the divisions in the Habitat Program and reports directly to the Habitat Program Director. Staff within the Division provide biological, ecological and restoration expertise to internal staff and external partners statewide to direct funds, science, planning and resources to the highest priority restoration opportunities in the state.
The incumbent oversees WDFWs involvement with Regional Fishery Enhancement Groups (RFEGs), as well as WDFW’s involvement in the Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project (PSNERP), the Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program (ESRP), the Habitat Strategic Initiative, the Lower Columbia Habitat Restoration Program and associated restoration work that is prioritized through those and other efforts. The Restoration Division Manager also supervises Habitat Program’s Environmental Engineers, who provide environmental engineering services across multiple divisions and regional operations. The incumbent is responsible for presenting restoration related recommendations to the Habitat Program Director regarding state and federal legislation and administrative policy, funding, business practices, and recommended courses of action. The Restoration Division Manager is responsible for the success of the division. The incumbent will work at local, state, and federal levels to implement WDFW’s interests in the protection and restoration of fish and wildlife habitats and ecosystems.
- Manage the Habitat Program’s Restoration Division and associated projects and programs to implement the fish, wildlife, and habitat restoration priorities of the department and coordinate technical expertise to those projects.
- Facilitate resolution of pertinent restoration issues which are complex or sensitive, involve multiple programs, and contribute to resolution of major issues facing the state.
- Coordinate and consult with WDFW staff; other restoration grant programs or project proponents; as well as other state agencies, local and tribal governments, to identify and resolve major restoration policy issues
- Represent the agency on matters affecting policy and directives associated with restoration projects.
- Develop and recommend restoration policies, legislation, and policy/program implementation plans for the department and the state that conserve fish, wildlife, and habitats.
Operating budget controlled:
- Plans, proposes, negotiates, and manages annual operating budget of over $1 million. Responsible for developing and managing biennial budget.
- Responsible for administrating payable and receivable contracts for up to $10 million annually for restoration projects.
Required Education, Experience, and Competencies.
The position requires good writing skills; effective communication; proven management, supervisory, and budget skills; and the ability to synthesize large amounts of potentially conflicting technical and policy information into actionable guidance and direction.
- A Bachelor of Science degree in fish or wildlife biology/management, environmental planning/science, environmental engineering, or closely related field is required for this position. In addition, five years of professional experience in environmental or natural resource management, planning, or program development is also required, two of which must include management experience.
- A Master’s or Doctorate degree in these fields may substitute for one year of the required experience, but not the management experience. Ability and knowledge to assemble, organize and provide oversight of multi-disciplinary teams assigned to resolve major policy issues, develop legislation, and initiate implementation of new programs & laws.
- Demonstrated knowledge of fish and wildlife biology, habitat science, and ecology that supports the application of the principles of conservation biology and restoration ecology to projects and Division direction
- Experience applying knowledge of fish and wildlife biology, habitat science, and ecology to anticipate fish, wildlife, and habitat needs, potential impacts, and likely remedies.
- Demonstrated ability to plan and implement large-scale restoration projects and/or programs that involve partners and achieve desired outcomes.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of staff supervision and organizational management.
- Commitment to staff safety.
- Experience & demonstrated ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships.
- Ability to effectively manage multiple projects, programs, and employees
- Ability to negotiate agreements without compromising scientific credibility or organization policy
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences in writing & spoken word.
- Advanced principles of management, including strategic planning, developing and monitoring budgets, contract negotiation, program/project management, conflict resolution.
- Effective leadership: results oriented, decisive, ability to empower and inspire staff to reach maximum potential, accountable – leads by example
- Resourcefulness in problem solving and innovative thinking
Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies.
- 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.
Specific knowledge and experience in:
- Applied fish and wildlife management techniques, general ecological principles and practices, conservation and restoration biology
- Environmental engineering principles.
- Environmental regulations, including SEPA, HPA, Clean Water Act, Growth Management Act and Shoreline Management Act.
- Land use and conservation planning
- Working knowledge of marine, nearshore, and freshwater ecosystems
- Human influences to natural ecosystems
Work Setting, including hazards:
- Position’s assigned duty station is in Olympia Washington, though some opportunities for telework may exist.
- Work is performed almost exclusively indoors in an office environment. Work environment is fast-paced.
- Office setting that includes reading, writing, phone, and computer use.
Schedule (i.e., hours and days):
- Monday through Friday, though some opportunities for alternative work schedules may exist. Position is overtime exempt.
- Incumbent is expected to schedule their time within a typical 40 hour work week. However, incumbent is expected to adjust schedule and work additional hours as needed to meet business demands and deadlines.
Travel Requirements:
- Irregular travel is required throughout Washington, occasional travel is expected to West Coast states.
Tools and Equipment:
- Office duties require use of standard office furniture and equipment (desks, files, cabinets, computer, projector, phone, fax machine and copy machines, etc.).
Customer Relations:
- Requires frequent contact with customers (Restoration Division staff, agency managers, supervisors, and employees, legislators, governor’s office staff, other state agencies, federal and tribal entities, Salmon Recovery policy leaders and practitioners, fishers, conservationists, and other stakeholders).
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 (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 (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.