Protection Strategist – Environmental Planner 5 – Permanent – *12100-24

Working Title– Protection Strategist
Classification– Environmental Planner 5
Job Status– Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program– Habitat Program – Protection Division
Duty Station– *Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
* Although this is a hybrid opportunity, the successful incumbent must reside within the State of Washington and must be available to report to the duty station located in Olympia, Washington as needed.  The selected candidate may be able to telework/work remotely up to 4 days per week at the discretion of the supervisor, with a need to be available for in-person meetings as requested.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Embrace this role to be responsible for understanding the outcomes the agency is trying to achieve relative to habitat protection initiatives, the risks and opportunities to achieving those outcomes, and leading critical and conceptual thinking to develop strategies and tactics to achieve the desired results.

Be a central figure in facilitating intra-agency and cross-division discussions on mitigation and WDFW’s mitigation policy and develop and maintain a comprehensive strategy to enable priority updates for key rulemaking.

This is an opportunity to be the principal strategic thinker and planner for the Department’s Protection Division.

WHAT TO EXPECT –

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

Develop and implement policy and programmatic strategies and tactics to achieve the agency’s desired outcomes for effective habitat protection.

• Keep abreast of the outcomes the agency is trying to achieve relative to habitat protection, and the risks and opportunities to achieving those outcomes.
• Lead critical and conceptual thinking to develop strategies and tactics to achieve the desired results.
• In coordination with Habitat divisions and regional leadership, identify, track and facilitate resolution of habitat policy issues and/or projects with potential to set agency precedents, are complex or sensitive, involve multiple programs, or otherwise need additional expertise.
• Develop and review proposed legislation and/or respond to legislative assignments that would affect protection to identify and resolve potential effects on the conservation of fish, wildlife, and habitats.
• Serve as lead facilitator for agency coordination of mitigation policy updating and development, ensuring cross-Division and Program coordination in development of agency message and direction.
• Develop workplans to achieve desired strategy and tactical changes.

Facilitate incorporation of technical and scientific underpinnings in protection policies and standards by assembling, organizing, and providing oversight of multi-disciplinary teams.

• Serve as lead project manager for development and prioritization of rulemaking updates associated with the hydraulic code.
• Facilitate resolution of issues between agency policy and rulemaking development and technical guidance.
• Lead development of and maintenance of guidance for the tribal consultation process for agency rulemaking efforts.

Develop and foster partnerships to integrate perspectives regarding habitat protection into broader programmatic approaches.

• Improve external coordination and collaboration- build strong relationships through effective communication to achieve understanding and support.
• Communicate and coordinate closely with Habitat Program leadership and jobshiringnearme.org Director’s staff on the direction and strategies for net ecological gain, climate change, mitigation, and other habitats or priorities as the need arises.
• Review and comment on proposed federal legislation and/or federal or regional planning that would affect protection or associated funding to identify and resolve potential effects on the conservation of fish, wildlife, and habitats.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: This is primarily office work, but includes some driving and travel to various locations, primarily in Washington State. Work will occasionally include outdoor travel on foot over rough terrain, exposed to various types of weather.

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Travel: Occasional driving and travel to various locations, primarily in Washington State.

Customer Interactions: Responsible for engaging on legislative issues with policy makers, elected officials, agency staff, Tribal partners, and stakeholders to resolve issues requiring excellent diplomatic and communication skills.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in natural resource or environmental science, natural resource or environmental planning, public administration or public policy with an environmental emphasis, or closely related field.

And

At least five (5) years of professional experience in natural resource or environmental science, natural resource or environmental planning, public administration, environmental policy, or program development.

• Public administration definition: work in a government that involved direct contact and communication with the public, or work with an NGO similarly involved in public speaking and engagement or regulations and compliance.

Please note: A Master’s degree in the applicable science may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience. A Doctorate degree in the applicable science may substitute for three (3) years of required experience.  Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• Expertise in the conservation or study of shoreline and nearshore habitats, freshwater habitats, and associated wildlife.
• Demonstrated work experience in landscape scale habitat protection, restoration, and management.
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport and partner with local, state, and federal governmental agencies, tribes, and the public regarding issues pertaining to habitat protection and restoration.
• Demonstrated ability to apply negotiation and conflict resolution skills, including experience mediating or facilitating environmental conflicts.
• Knowledge of natural resource laws, policies, and programs (regulatory and voluntary) related to fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation in Washington State, and the ability to work with them to achieve expected results.
• High level of project management expertise.
• Grant or other financial resource development, budget tracking, and administering public financial resources.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application.
• An up-to-date resume (chronological preferred) showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three (3) professional references with current contact information.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov.
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.   Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

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.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2024-12100.

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