The Opportunity:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Environmental Services Office is seeking an experienced environmental leader to fill the vacancy of Fish and Wildlife Program Manager – Transportation Planning Specialist 5 in Olympia, WA. The successful candidate will provide scientific and policy support for addressing potential effects to fish & wildlife species and habitat and in developing means to minimize impacts and support the conservation of natural ecosystems consistent with WSDOT’s mission.

At WSDOT, we value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. To learn more, please watch the following video: Why WSDOT?

Note: The salary listed for this position includes the Legislative approved general wage increase of 2% effective July 1, 2018.

This position will perform the following work:

• Plans, directs, and manages activities of the Fish & Wildlife Program.
• Manages program budget, related work orders, and consultant contracts.
• Directly supervises three permanent staff, as well as interns, volunteers and consultants as needed.
• Directs employee activities and develops and implements program work plans.
• Directs scientific studies conducted by WSDOT or others in the relevant subject areas.
• Oversees development and implementation of the statewide programmatic approaches to compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
• Directs the development and implementation of statewide guidance, policies and procedures relating to ESA, Gold and Bald Eagle Protection Act (GBEPA), Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
• Directs statewide work to promote habitat connectivity and reduce animal-vehicle collisions.
• Oversees the completion of Biological Assessments for ESA section 7 consultation.
• Responsible for project control, reporting and accountability including Program Delivery Tracking for ESA consultations.
• Serves as expert for WSDOT on ESA, MBTA and general fish & wildlife issues.
• Develops department guidance, procedures, and training for addressing regulatory compliance for all WSDOT regions and modes.
• Provides all WSDOT regions, modes and other internal customers with compliance policy and guidance.
• Represents WSDOT in technical and policy forums, and interagency work groups.
• Legislative point-of-contact for topic area for bill analysis, fiscal notes, assessment of proposed regulations and effects on WSDOT.
• Participates in professional workshops, training sessions, seminars, conferences, and meetings sponsored by government agencies, universities, and professional organizations.
• Reviews professional literature to maintain and enrich professional knowledge and stay current with fish and wildlife science.
• Completes other duties as required.

Requirements for this position include:

• A Bachelor or Master’s degree in ecology, botany, biology, ecological restoration, environmental science, natural resource science or related field.
• Five years professional experience in fisheries or wildlife biology/ecology, which includes working with applicable federal and state, regulatory compliance and evaluating the effects of actions such as transportation activities
• At least two years in a lead role developing and/or negotiating policy and regulatory guidance and 2 years of supervisory experience.
• Ability to lead, inspire and work effectively and inclusively with diverse personality types.
• Extensive applied knowledge of the Federal ESA, including the Section 7 consultation process, MBTA & MMPA.
• Extensive knowledge of Washington Fish & Wildlife species, life histories and ecology, especially those listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act.
• Applied knowledge of assessment and mitigation of human impacts and disturbance on fish and wildlife species and ecosystems including the effects of construction noise, habitat loss, and contamination.
• Knowledge of methods to assess and reduce animal vehicle collisions and enhance wildlife habitat connectivity.
• Skilled in conducting site assessments for wildlife habitat for the purpose of evaluating and reducing potential effects of proposed development activities.
• Knowledge of restoration ecology and the development of monitoring and impact mitigation activities.
• Knowledge of budgetary and project-programming processes.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex information to diverse groups.
• Ability to effectively supervise professional staff.
• Valid driver’s license

How to Apply: Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Please select the large “apply” button at the top of this announcement. You may need to set up an account profile. To be considered for this position you will need to answer the supplemental questions and attach a copy of your resume. As part of the supplemental questions you will need to provide a letter of interest. Your letter of interest should describe how your experience, training and education make you a viable and competitive candidate for this position.

Contact us: For inquiries about this position, please contact Erik Lunke at 360-705-7747 or email to lunkee@wsdot.wa.gov.  Please reference recruitment number 18DOT-HQ-00595.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. 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 with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed recruiter. WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit https://www.uscis.gov/.