Description

DutiesThis work makes lasting contributions to the department’s goal to conserve and protect native fish and wildlife and the associated Habitat Program objectives:

• Habitat exists in sufficient quantity and quality to achieve fish and wildlife conservation, recovery and harvest goals;
• Habitat ecosystem functions necessary for fish and wildlife survival and recovery are protected and restored; and
• Habitat connectivity is maintained and restored.

Under the supervision of the Ecosystem Services Division Manager, this position serves as the senior planning consultant, designated in writing by the Habitat Program’s Director, for the ongoing development and implementation of the Forest Habitats Section. Through the Forest Habitats Section, the department works in partnership with other state agencies, federal agencies, local governments, and land managers to implement approaches that protect and restore the health of Washington’s fish and wildlife and the forest ecosystems upon which they depend.

This position:

• Manages the Habitat Program’s Forest Habitats Section and associated services to implement the fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation priorities of the department;
• Provides coordination and consultation to Section staff, other WDFW staff, and entities that manage forests (whether federal, state, local, tribal, or private) to identify and resolve forest health and management issues that affect the conservation of fish, wildlife, and their habitats; and
• Reviews and recommends forest management approaches to the diverse ownership of forested ecosystems statewide that conserve fish, wildlife, and their habitats;
• Represents the agency on the Timber Fish and Wildlife Policy Committee and the Forest Health Advisory Committee;
• Works with federal, state, and other entities to support positive outcomes through the US Forest Service Shared Stewardship Memorandum of Understanding.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with a major emphasis in natural resource science and/or planning, fisheries or wildlife management, land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related field.
• Knowledge of forest management techniques, laws, policies, and programs (including Washington’s forest practice rules, Forest and Fish Law, habitat conservation plans associated with forest practices activities, and federal forest land planning programs) and how these affect and/or enable fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation in Washington State;
• Understanding of federal timber ownership and the challenges they face in active management of forest ecosystems; federal policies that facilitate forest collaboration such as the US Forest Services Shared Stewardship program and Good Neighbor Authority;
• Robust understanding of fish and wildlife biology, habitat science, and ecology that enables anticipation of fish wildlife, and ecosystems needs and potential impacts.
• Knowledge of the principles of staff supervision, leadership, collaboration, and conflict resolution.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage a budget, including various financial resources.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships.
• Ability to assemble, organize, and provide leadership to and oversight of multidisciplinary teams assigned to resolve major policy issues, develop legislation, and initiate implementation of new programs and laws.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s degree with major emphasis in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related field.

AND

• Five years of professional experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply department and state policies in order to recommend courses of action that address issues; balance the analysis, wisdom, experience and perspective of self and others; and lead major program activities and staff to expected results.
• Experience applying knowledge of fish and wildlife biology, habitat science, and ecology to anticipate fish, wildlife, and habitat needs, potential impacts, and likely remedies.
• Experience working with or for forestry proponents, stakeholders, or regulators to successfully develop and/or implement forest management plans and solutions that protect fish and wildlife resources while maintaining working forests.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and mentor staff, including setting clear expectations, achieving the desired results, and coaching staff to improve performance to maximize desired outcomes and results.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage a budget, including various financial resources.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and consensus, facilitate cooperative activities with diverse individuals.
• 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.
• Experience and demonstrated ability with critical thinking and analyses to interpret technical information for inclusion in or support of policies and management strategies

Supplemental InformationWorking Conditions:
This position primarily conducts work in an office setting, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with occasional field work and traveling to meetings, site visits, and workshops and forums throughout Washington State. The incumbent is responsible for legislative, contentious issue resolution and leaders of major stakeholder interaction.

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.  Due to the high volume of applications that we receive, we ask your understanding and encourage you to use the online process and avoid calling for information.

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.