Website link here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/2663211/permit-writer-environmental-specialist-3
Description
The Water Resources (WR) program is currently looking to fill a Permit Writer (Environmental Specialist 3) position, located in Union Gap, WA.
The Permit Writer position performs the following tasks in Ecology’s Central Region. Independently investigate water right applications, change applications, and permit extension requests. Write Reports of Examinations and making recommendations of approval or denial of those Water Right Applications. Independently investigate request to extend development schedules on Permits and Water Rights Change Authorizations and recommend approval or denial of extension requests.
We are looking for applicants that possess excellent people and communication skills, are self-motivated, enjoy problem solving, and are open to new ideas. Creativity, positive energy, and the ability to work both independently and as a team also are pluses.
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.
Duties
Program Mission: The mission of the Water Resources (WR) program is to manage water resources to meet the current and future needs of the natural environment and Washington’s communities.
Some of the key work activities of the Permit Writer position are:
- Accepts Proof of Appropriation and Construction forms and reviews forms for completeness or requests additional information.
- Reviews water right permit extension requests relating to above mentioned forms and makes recommendations to management on extensions and/or cancellations of permits.
- Communicates with water right holders and water right applicants in writing, over the telephone, and in person to gather necessary information and provide water right holder on options and outcomes of permit recommendations.
- Testifies before the Pollution Control Hearings Board and/or Superior Courts in support of water right permit decisions.
- Investigates and writes water right permit decisions; After an application has been accepted, performs field investigation, prepare the public notice, field maps and aerial photographs, drafting notices to the Water Transfer Workgroup, evaluation of projects for SEPA requirements, and gather additional information from various parties, including Tribes, WDFW, Department of Health, consultants, conservation district and water right holders.
- Writes clear, concise, Reports of Examination (ROE) that exhibit a clear understanding of water law and the details of the application. The ROEs should be written to be logical and easy to read, to allow the reader to quickly and clearly know the recommendation and decision.
- Makes complex decisions regarding technical water right data pertinent to applications for new water rights and/or change applications.
- Assists with routine field inspections and collection of necessary information and field data, and preparation of reports.
- Testifies before the Pollution Control Hearings Board and/or Superior Courts in support of water right permit decisions.
This position accomplishes……
Multiple duties all geared towards providing the public with certainty over their water rights – application processing, customer service, creating superseding water rights documents, reviewing the work of consultants, and processing some trust water conveyances.
This position solves……
All kinds of problems related to water rights. One of the key qualities we are looking for in applicants is their ability to problem-solve. Some examples center on water right compliance issues, questions on the validity and extent of water rights, and a wide variety of questions posed by the public.
Interesting aspects of this position…..
This is a very dynamic field involving laws over 100 years old to present day case law, managed with modern-day technology, concerning a vital natural resource. There is huge potential to develop one’s career in gaining a robust knowledge of water rights, water law, water management, hydrogeology, and GIS, as well as working internally with many experts in the field and externally with several other agencies.
This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be January 6, 2020. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before January 5, 2020. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.
Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field AND two (2) years of professional level experience in environmental analysis or control or environmental planning.
Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year-for-year, for education.
A Master’s degree in one of the above fields will substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
OR
A Ph.D. in one of the above fields.
OR
One (1) year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 2 at the Department of Ecology.
Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment:
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
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
Supplemental Information
- A cover letter describing how your experience, skills and abilities meet the required qualifications of this position.
- A resume outlining your professional experience.
- Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.
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 at (360) 407-6186.
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 call Human Resources at (360) 407-6186 or e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not call this number or 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 Scott Turner at: scott.turner@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Scott 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.