Description

Communications Consultant 4
Communications & Outreach Division – Olympia
Recruitment #2020-03-7783
This is a full-time, permanent represented position.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

Work for Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to keep Washingtonians safe by informing the public about our efforts to fight and prevent wildfire.

DNR is the state’s wildfire fighting force, with more than 650 full- and part-time firefighters. This role will work with the media to provide Washingtonians with vital information about wildfire preparedness and up-to-date information when fires are burning. In addition, this role will help DNR tell the story of how we are preventing wildfire by investing in forest health work, which protects our forests from fire and boosts rural economies.

Under the leadership of the Commissioner Franz, the agency is embracing bold new strategies to protect our lands and communities from wildfire, including a 10-Year Wildland Fire Protection Strategic Plan and a 20-Year Forest Health Strategic Plan. This role will also help us build knowledge of, and support for, these plans that are positioning Washington State as a national leader when it comes to tackling wildfire.

What we will trust you with:
Provide strategic guidance, in coordination with the Communications Group, to the wildfire program in developing, designing, writing and implementing communications plans, and producing materials such as news releases, presentations, brochures, social media content, blogs, website content and editing documents and other content.
Research and write talking points for the Commissioner of Public Lands, DNR executive staff, and wildfire staff for wildfire events.
Serve as an on-the-record spokesperson for the Department of Natural Resources on wildfire topics.
Work with wildfire staff to identify positive media opportunities, respond to media requests, pitch stories to the media, keep leadership informed, and oversee media interactions.
Consult and advise wildfire staff on public issues and develop communications strategies with recommended objectives and tactics.
Assist with the planning and execution of strategically important events, such as public meetings, often in collaboration with other high-ranking elected officials or other agencies, and press conferences.
Respond to email correspondence and phone inquiries from the public and assist with responses from relevant staff or executive leadership.
Meet with stakeholder groups and partner agencies on collaborative wildfire communications efforts, joint events, and to review materials pertaining to DNR.
Coordination of materials and translation of key public safety messages for media dissemination during crisis communications events.
Identify and make recommendations and follow up on opportunities for positive media engagement around strategic communications goals.
Work collaboratively with staff and division leaders to forward the goals and initiatives of the agency.

Who are we looking for?

The right candidate has:
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English or related field.
Demonstrated excellence in writing and editing, publication techniques, media relations, critical thinking, proof reading, speech writing, printing methods, and presentations.
Critical thinking skills and familiarity with strategic communications planning.
Proficiency with AP Style guidelines
Ability to write for the web and an understanding of communicating information via social media channels.
The incumbent in this position is required to travel.
Must have a valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Employees who drive for state business, whether in a state or privately-owned vehicle, are required to possess a valid license as defined in policy PO02-006 and abide by all other driver responsibility requirements. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

Desirable Qualifications:
Fluent in Spanish

The Location

One of the world’s most scenic places, Washington State offers breathtaking discoveries for people who love natural beauty and outdoor recreation, from the Pacific Coast shores to the rugged Cascade Mountains to the rolling hills of the Palouse. Your office will be located in the Natural Resources Building in Olympia, right next door to the Capitol Campus.

Why work for DNR?

At DNR, you will join a tight-knit team of skilled communicators who work on topics that are incredibly rewarding. You will be empowered to be creative and think boldly, but will always have the support and guidance of the Communications Team. We move fast, and want you to help us make the world a better place. You will work in close proximity to a statewide elected official and will have the opportunity to travel throughout the state and experience our incredible communities. Plus, awesome benefits.

What makes DNR a great place to work?
Transitioning to a modern work environment
Mobile work
Infants at work program
Commitment to organizational health and wellness
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council
Leadership that empowers and supports employees
Work/life balance
Leadership development opportunities
Educational aid and career development stipends
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
Opportunities to stretch your professional skills
A comprehensive benefit package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

Application Process

To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
You must attach the following:
A letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile, required and desired position qualifications, and special position requirements.
A resume including the names of three to five professional references
Carefully review your application materials before submitting. If you fail to submit the required documents or complete the entire online application, you may no longer be considered for the position by the supervisor.

Application Status – once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. Finalists for the position will be contacted by the hiring manager directly. Recruitment may be extended depending on the quantity and quality of the application pool.

Questions? Please contact Bobbi.cussins@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in a fair and impartial manner for all persons without regard to age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, pregnancy/parental status, genetic information, military status, political affiliation, criminal history or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability. Persons with a disability who need assistance during the screening process or those needing this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff (360) 902-1350 or (360) 902-1139. DNR may be contacted using the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) by dialing 711.