Tacoma Power is looking for a Natural Resources Manager to lead the implementation and future negotiation of its Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) hydro project licenses and the management of its natural resource programs, assets and operations.

We are committed to environmental leadership in the region. This role supports the mission of the organization by ensuring that Tacoma Power is able to continue to operate its hydro projects in an environmentally responsible manner as a steward of the resources and in compliance with its federal license obligations.

This position is expected to build and maintain relationships with key leaders of governmental agencies, tribes and other non-governmental stakeholders.

Tacoma Power creates enough clean energy to serve nearly half its customers at its seven dams in four river basins in southwestern Washington. As a part of the mission of these facilities we own and operate four fish hatcheries and three innovative downstream juvenile fish collectors. We partner with fish managers in the river basins to meet license objectives of restoration, recovery and harvest opportunity of salmon and steelhead populations through adaptive management programs.

Primary Responsibilities 

• Develop and refine strategic plans to meet natural resource program requirements including fisheries production and passage targets
• Provide oversight for implementation and monitoring requirements of the FERC licenses for Tacoma Power’s Hydroelectric Projects in a cost effective manner
• Provide oversight for management of the operations of four fish hatcheries, all fish passage facilities, and related satellite facilities
• Provide oversight for development and implementation of policies, programs, plans and management activities for thousands of acres of resource and wildlife lands and direct the operations of staff and contractors
• Provide oversight of shoreline management and permitting
• Provide oversight for environmental permitting, monitoring, wetland delineation and other related support for all utility workgroups as needed
• Oversee cultural resource monitoring and compliance
• Oversee support for parks and campground planning, public relations, permitting and reservations systems
• Oversee water quality monitoring, variance negotiation, and compliance reporting
• Train, mentor, supervise, set expectations and goals and lead a team of 25 employees and more than 20 contractors
• Prepare and manage a $35M biennial operating budget and additional capital funds for improvement projects which reflects the priorities of the organization

Desired Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with degree in engineering, business management, field of specialty or related discipline (fisheries science, related biology field, or a JD in Law with environmental experience) or eight years increasingly responsible experience in the utility industry and four years of management/supervisory experience. Successful candidate will have demonstrated competencies and significant accomplishments from prior work experience.

• Strong knowledge of the FERC hydropower licensing process
• Experience with FERC license implementation, monitoring and reporting
• Experience with FERC re-licensing of hydropower projects preferred
• Experience with fisheries programs and specifically with Pacific Northwest salmon and steelhead ESA-listed species preferred
• Experience collaborating with tribal, governmental and non-governmental organizations to meet environmental goals
• Experience with hatchery production and fish passage facility management preferred
• Experience with wildlife and lands management programs preferred

This recruitment is being managed by Alissa McLain, if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn!

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma’s diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma’s entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress.  One of our goals 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.

The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.

Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 170,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you’ll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town.

The City of Tacoma
Tacoma is one of the nation’s healthiest, safest, and most playful cities.  We have daily access to stunning natural surroundings and a great quality of life.  We are Washington’s most diverse big city, with arts, culture, parks, and recreational opportunities that are envied by much larger cities.  We recognize how lucky we are, but we know we can make it even better….TOGETHER!

Tacoma is a mid-sized urban port city that sits along the Puget Sound with a population of nearly 210,000. The third largest city in the state of Washington, it is a diverse, progressive international gateway to the Pacific Rim.

Propelled by significant developments such as the University of Washington Tacoma, the Tacoma Link light rail system, the restored urban waterfront of the Thea Foss Waterway, the expansions of both the MultiCare and Franciscan health systems, and a significant influx of foreign direct investment in its downtown core, Tacoma has evolved considerably since the 1990s.

Tacoma boasts the state’s highest density of art and history museums, and is home to a flourishing creative community of writers, artists, musicians, photographers, filmmakers, chefs, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who each add their unique flair to the city’s vibrant commercial landscape. The iconic Tacoma Dome has endured as a high-demand venue for some of the largest names in the entertainment industry.

A magnet for families looking for affordable housing options in the Puget Sound area, Tacoma also draws those who prefer to live in a more urban downtown setting with competitively priced condos and apartments that feature panoramic mountain and water views.

Tacoma’s natural beauty and proximity to the Puget Sound and Mount Rainier draws hikers, runners, bicyclists, and maritime enthusiasts to the area. Its lively social scene is infused with energy by thousands of students attending the University of Washington Tacoma, the University of Puget Sound, the Evergreen State College Tacoma campus, and Tacoma Community College, as well as a number of local trade and technical colleges. Its prime location – just 20 minutes south of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, 30 miles north of the state capital in Olympia, and within 10 miles of the U.S. Department of Defense’s premier military installation on the West Coast – only adds to Tacoma’s desirability. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

Apply
Interested individuals should apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received for interview consideration.

Reference checks will be conducted on final candidates and appointment is subject to passing a background check.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails 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 e-mail folders.

If you have any additional questions regarding this position, please contact the Human Resources Department at 253.591.5400.