Policy Specialist-EPA Coordinator (12868)

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Salary

  $70,000.00 – $82,000.00 Annually

Location

  Pierce County – Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Full Time – Permanent

Department

Puget Sound Partnership

Job Number

2015-12868

Closing

Continuous

• DESCRIPTION
• BENEFITS
• QUESTIONS

Description

Policy Specialist-EPA Coordinator
Tacoma

The Puget Sound Partnership leads the region’s collective efforts to restore, protect and sustain the Puget Sound. We work hard to align the work of our partners around a shared vision and strategy based on a science-driven, prioritized system.  We ensure smart investments that help us to inform decisions about the most efficient and effective ways to allocate our investments.  By striving to remove financial, regulatory, and resource barriers for our partners, we are able to work as a catalyst within the system to get the job done.

The Puget Sound Partnership is part of the National Estuary Program (NEP), which is administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  As the EPA Program Coordinator, you would serve as the lead in developing agreements, negotiating amendments to the agreements, providing sub-contract oversight, and coordinating with other agencies and entities that receive NEP funds.

Do you see the importance of regional collaboration in the development of solutions to restore our Puget Sound ecosystem?  If so, and you have the ability to promote cooperation and commitment across teams and build constructive working relationships, we encourage you to apply!

PLEASE NOTE: This position will remain open until filled.

Duties

In this position, you will develop policy recommendations in collaboration with internal and external partners related to EPA and NEP issues.  In addition, you’d be responsible for developing and negotiating work plans for the Partnership’s federal assistance agreements in support of the agency’s operating budget.

Some of what you’ll enjoy doing:

• Represent the Partnership in policy discussions and agreement negotiations regarding NEP administration with the U.S. EPA Region 10 and headquarters staff.
• Compile materials and data required for Partnership reporting to EPA.  Primary reporting includes the semi-annual Financial Ecosystem Accounting Tracking System (FEATS) report and the annual National Estuary Program On-line Reporting Tool (NEPORT).
• Coordinate with other Puget Sound organizations that receive NEP funds to ensure consistency in processes and identifying policy conflicts.
• Participate on the Oversight Committee for NEP funds.  Membership includes EPA, the Partnership, tribal representatives, and the Strategic Initiative Leads.
• Respond to the needs of the Association of National Estuary Programs (ANEP) in developing national legislation and policy.
• In partnership with fiscal staff, ensure the completion of financial components of EPA reporting, and facilitation of submitting contract deliverables.
• Support project managers in sub-contract monitoring and assist in resolving sub-contract performance issues.

Qualifications

The preferred candidate must possess the following competencies:

• Organization: high proficiency in prioritizing, tracking, implementing, communicating, and completing a large number of tasks that are highly detailed and data-dependent.
• Team and partner focus:  ability to promote cooperation and commitment across teams; build constructive working relationships; influence others regarding the importance of data and reporting to Puget Sound ecosystem recovery.
• Problem solving:  ability to examine data to derive actionable information, draw conclusions, and solve problems; resolve complex challenges; negotiate and facilitate development of solutions; develop fresh ideas that provide solutions; and make timely, informed decisions.
• Project management:  ability to ensure deliverables, often from third parties, meet scope, schedule, and budget requirements.
• Personal effectiveness in a fluid work environment:  ability to take personal responsibility for quality and timeliness of work; adapt to changing conditions; build and maintain partner satisfaction, trust, and respect; diplomatically handle challenging situations.
• Communication:  ability to effectively convey technical concepts and facts orally and in writing to diverse audiences; understand and learn from what others say; and to grasp the meaning of technical, policy, and political meanings of written materials.
• Commitment to learning and self and institutional improvement

Preferred/Desired:

• A Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, environmental management, public policy, planning, or related field from an accredited higher learning institution.
• At least three years of professional experience in data management, and/or natural resources policy, planning, or management.
• Experience serving in a role with grant management/administration responsibilities.
• At least three years of professional experience working with external partners in a liaison capacity.

Supplemental Information

In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position:

• A letter of interest, describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
• A current resume, detailing experience, and education.
• A list of at least three (3) professional references with current telephone numbers.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS COMPLETELY:

• The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the “duties summary” section of your application in Careers.wa.gov, completeness of the application material submitted, and the supplemental questionnaire.
• A resume will not substitute for completing the “duties summary” section of the application. Responses to the supplemental questionnaire regarding work experience must be reflected in the “duties summary” section of the application.
• By submitting materials you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran’s Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service.Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers.

Note: Applicants claiming veteran’s preference points must attach the documentation with each on-line application. If you do not provide appropriate documentation to qualify for these preference points, the points will not be awarded.

For additional information on Veteran’s Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

We thank you and are grateful for your service

Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact Ashley Harris at (360) 407-8074 or jobs@des.wa.gov.

The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance with their application or that need this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.