Salary
$95,160.00 – $122,012.80 Annually
Location
Tacoma, WA
Job Type
Non-Classified
Department
Planning & Development Services
Job Number
2094-21
Division
Planning & Development Services
Closing
2/22/2021 5:00 PM Pacific
Position Description

* SPECIAL NOTE:  This is a project position expected to end December 31, 2022 unless extended. *

The City of Tacoma, Planning and Development Services’ mission is to partner with the community to build a livable, sustainable, and safe City by providing strategic, timely, predictable, cost-effective planning and development services with a culture focused on community engagement, customer service, creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement.

The City of Tacoma’s Planning and Development Services Department (PDS) is accepting applications for the appointive position of Natural Resources Specialist III. This is a Position of Limited Duration, currently budgeted through the end of 2022. This person will be tasked with managing a small but robust program that prioritizes implementation of the City’s environmental policies and codes within a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Job functions will include managing multiple projects for PDS. These project, as well as job duties, included the following:

  • In partnership with internal and external stakeholders, identify process improvements that facilitate streamlining and predictable service
  • Partner with the Media and Communications Office to implement a Natural Resources Outreach and Education Program.
  • Manage updates to the City’s critical area map.
  • Supervise/mentor two full time employees
  • Provide regular input related to implementation of the City’s environmental policies and regulations.
  • Provide reliable advice and acceptable solutions to difficult environmental problems.
  • Attend neighborhood council meetings or other public meetings as necessary and make presentations to management or council(s) as needed.
Candidate Profile:
The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic work environment and be energized by daily interaction with other department staff, residents, developers, architects, consultants, biologists, and home owners. This person must have a passion for solving problems and helping people navigate the City’s codes. The candidate will also have a broad understanding of local, state and federal environmental  laws as well as best management practices.
The Principles that Guide Us:
Tacoma, the City of Destiny, has a workforce of dedicated, talented and open-minded employees with unique skills and perspectives.  We embrace innovation and strive for excellence and community engagement in all that we do.  The Principles that Guide Us, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Equity, speak to the values that we embody as City of Tacoma employees, and represent the core of our work in public service.

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
One of the primary goals of the Equity and Empowerment Initiative is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.Qualifications

A Bachelor’s  degree in biology, environmental science, forestry, resource management, archaeology or other science related to area of specialty
AND
Ten years of professional-level experience in fisheries or related environmental programs

Master’s degree is preferred and may be substituted for two years of experience

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
  • Valid Washington State Driver License at time of application with maintenance thereafter.
  • Complete First Aid and CPR certification within six-months of appointment with maintenance thereafter.
  • Professional Wetland Scientist Certification is desired

Knowledge & Skills

Knowledge and Skills:

  • Applicable knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and policies related to environmental permitting
  • Best management practices related to environmental protection
  • Proficiency with computer hardware and software programs, including Microsoft Office products, Internet applications, GIS

Competencies:

Tact and Diplomacy
Respond to difficult, stressful or sensitive interpersonal situations in ways that reduce or minimize potential conflict and maintains good working relationships among internal and external customers
 
Customer Focus
Build and maintain internal and external customer satisfaction with the services provided by the City of Tacoma.
 
Relationship Building
Build constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation, and mutual regard.
 
Analysis
Use data and information in a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form accurate conclusions, and make decisions.

Judgement
Display balanced thinking that combines analysis, wisdom, experience and perspective. Produce decisions that withstand “the test of time.”

Decisiveness
Make timely decisions without sacrificing quality even under ambiguous circumstances or when data is limited

Enforcing Laws, Rules, and Regulations
Enforce governmental laws, rules, and regulations, and initiate enforcement actions in a way that the public perceives as fair, objective, and reasonable.

Verbal Communication
Effectively express information through the spoken word using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience.

Written Communication
Effectively convey ideas and information in writing using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the reader.

Coordinating and Organizing
Effectively coordinate activities, services, and schedules to ensure smooth and efficient operation of work.

Adaptability/Flexibility
Adapt easily to changing business needs, conditions and work responsibilities. Adjust approach, goals and methods when needed to achieve successful solutions and results in dynamic situations.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information


To be considered for this career opportunity:
Please apply online through the City of Tacoma’s website and attach a detailed resume and cover letter describing your experience, training, motivations, and expertise as it relates to the responsibilities of this position. Individuals must meet the minimum qualifications to progress in the examination process.  Applicants deemed to potentially best meet the business needs of the department may be invited to participate in an interview. 

* SPECIAL NOTE:  This is a project position expected to end December 31, 2022 unless extended. *

The City of Tacoma believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success.  This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Per City of Tacoma Personnel Management Policy #170, the City of Tacoma is a drug-free work environment.  Appointment is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment background and reference check

Our City:
With a population over 200,000, Tacoma is the second largest city in the Puget Sound region, gracing the shores of Commencement Bay. We are a diverse, progressive, international city that serves as a gateway to the Pacific Rim and the rest of the world.  Named one of the most livable areas in the country by Livability.com, Tacoma and the surrounding area is a playground for outdoor and maritime enthusiasts.  Our businesses are vibrant, our parks are beautiful, our schools are exceptional and our housing is affordable.

When you work for the City of Tacoma you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a healthy work/life balance, the potential for flexible work schedules (with some job classifications), continuing education programs, leadership pathways, wellness incentives and a total rewards benefits program. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny http://www.cityoftacoma.org/  and http://www.traveltacoma.com/

The City of Tacoma believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success.  This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. Be prepared to spend at least an hour entering information. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, or questions regarding this job announcement, please call Human Resources at (253) 591.5400 before 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement.