FULL-TIME/PERMANENT
ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST 3
Habitat Program
Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Join WDFW in its goal of protecting fish through the administration of the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) program by becoming our Environmental Specialist 3 in the Regulatory Services Team!

This position will serve as an expert in the online Aquatic Protection Permitting System (APPS) and is an initial contact for HPA applications submitted from throughout the state and provides statewide technical and informational support related to APPS.

Stiletto Lake – Photo Credit: Scott Fitkin

Picture yourself reviewing and evaluating HPA applications, plans and supplemental materials for administrative and statutory completeness.

This is an opportunity to serve as an expert in interpreting and explaining department requirements and procedures.

We are seeking a candidate with demonstrated values matching those of WDFW: Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE).

The optimal applicant is a team player who takes pride in their work, is motivated, dependable, respectful, and able to easily establish rapport.

Balsamroot Bloom – Photo Credit: Scott Fitkin

Our Environmental Specialist,

• Determines whether HPA application materials submitted by applicants are in accordance with the applicable statutes, rules, agency policies, and guidance.
• Assigns complete applications to the appropriate Habitat Biologist for final permit issuance or denial.
• Corresponds with applicants via email, surface mail, and phone regarding incomplete or inadequate applications submitted.
• Accompanies Habitat Biologists and other staff associated with HPA processing as they perform pre-construction site visits, discuss project plans and specifications, permit provisions and cause/effect relationships of the proposed work, and conduct post-project site visits.
• Accompanies Compliance Inspectors as they conduct compliance inspections and assist with the documentation of those inspections.
• Acts as a conduit between field staff and management for constant improvement of ideas and concepts regarding the permitting process and best management practices being used.
• Responds to requests for assistance in using the department’s HPA permitting system (APPS) via phone calls, emails, and personal contact.
• Develops manuals and provides training and assistance to department staff on the use of APPS and methods for application processing.
• Assists as needed with development of APPS procedures and guidance.
• Assists staff with development and update of Standard Operating Procedures for specific project types.
• Conducts necessary Standard Operating Procedures training or workshops.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • Work is performed mostly indoors in an office environment, with occasional fieldwork to review project sites before, during, and after construction.
  • Office work may include long periods of computer use and minimal lifting of up to 20 lbs. occasionally. Fieldwork may include exposure to inclement weather, walking on steep or uneven terrain along rivers, streams, and marine shorelines.
• Schedule:
  • Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Incumbent may need to adjust work schedule based on business needs. The Department will consider a flexible work schedule subject to supervisor approval.
• Travel Requirements:
  • Some travel is required to meet with regional staff, conduct other business, or attend trainings.
• Tools and Equipment:
  • Standard office equipment and furniture.
• Customer Interactions:
  • Daily contact with internal and external customers, primarily via email or phone, but face-to-face contact is also common.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

OR

OR

• A Master’s degree in one of the above fields will substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.

Knowledge of:

• The requirements of State Environmental Policy Act as they pertain to the Hydraulic Code.
• Fish and wildlife habitat management.

Licenses:

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to communicate in individual and group discussions, independently analyzes risks and benefits in recommendations and decisions related to fish and wildlife resources and habitat issues.
• Demonstrated complex records management skills.
• Ability to accurately and timely enter information into log sheets and database forms.
• Proficient in the use of common computer functions and programs like Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Proficient using standard office equipment including computers, digital scanners, photocopiers, printers, FAX.
• Good communication skills.
• Proficiency in the use of spreadsheets and word processing.
• Demonstrated organization and time management skills to effectively prioritize workload and maximize efficiency.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:

• 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.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

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

JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:

Learn about our agency and the perks of working for WDFW!

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field. We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency’s mission. We value demonstrated skill in living WDFW values of Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE).

WDFW employees may be eligible for the following:

Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth.

UNION - WAFWP:

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

• 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.

• 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.

Note: Please blackout any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. For further information, please contact us at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.

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.

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.

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.