The Department of Ecology’s priority during the Covid-19 health crisis is to keep our staff, candidates, and the public safe.  We are still hiring and encourage you to apply to open positions.  The majority of our staff are currently working from home; we have transitioned to a virtual recruitment process, to include web-based interviews. 

Please Note: The salary posted above does not include the additional 5% premium pay that this position will receive if this position’s location is in King County.

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

Protecting Washington State’s environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We have a culture that is invested in making a difference. If you want to join a team that is highly effective, collaborative, has leadership that embraces the value of people, Ecology is a good fit.

The Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program is seeking applications for a WCC Crew Coordinator (Natural Resource Scientist 5) full-time position. This position will be located in either our Northwest Regional Office (NWRO) located in Shoreline, WA. or in our Headquarters building in Lacey, WA. The location of this position will be determined by the successful candidate.

This position works directly with local, state, and federal organizations to plan and manage diverse natural resource projects throughout the state. The successful candidate will manage the activities of Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crews who restore critical habitat, build trails, and respond to disasters. WCC crews consist of five AmeriCorps members and one crew Supervisor. Each of the 5 WCC Crew Coordinators acts as a lead in a given area. This position takes the lead with habitat and environmental restoration efforts for the section, which includes the development of best practices, policies, and training priorities for restoration efforts and coordinating as a liaison with other restoration organizations in Washington.

We are looking for applicants who have demonstrated leadership experience in youth training programs. Our ideal candidate will have excellent organizational and communication skills, experience developing policies and procedures, and a background in habitat and environmental restoration.

As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve, and enhance Washington’s environment for current and future generations. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.

To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.

Local efforts… Diverse people… Statewide impacts

The program’s Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) section is looking for one Project WCC Crew Coordinator (Natural Resource Specialist 5) position.

• This position acts as a member of the Washington Conservation Corps management team, steering a diverse and dynamic organization as we build the next generation of environmental leaders.
• WCC Coordinators oversee the activities of 10-15 crew supervisors and up to 75 AmeriCorps members (18-25 year olds and military veterans). They directly supervise crew supervisors; including hiring new staff, conducting evaluations, reviewing safety at project sites, assessing work standards, providing coaching/mentoring, and ensuring continued AmeriCorps member and staff development. Coordinators conduct one-on-one and team meetings with Crew Supervisors and AmeriCorps members and mediate interpersonal issues, when necessary.
• Join a team of people who foster relationships with over 100 environmental service organizations throughout Washington and disaster service organizations nationwide. This position works directly with local, state, nonprofit and federal organizations to coordinate natural resource projects that are implemented by WCC crews. In addition to protecting and restoring the environment, these projects provide quality service experiences for our AmeriCorps members and staff.
• Each WCC Coordinator acts as a lead in a given area. We are hiring for a lead in habitat and environmental restoration.
• Preferred candidates are those who welcome the challenge of adapting to different types of people, fast-paced decision-making, and continued organizational improvement.
• Frequent overnight travel is required. Out-of-state travel may be required for disaster response.

Working Conditions

This position involves traveling to project sites and staying overnight throughout Washington state. Emergency response in areas hit by natural disasters throughout United States may entail longer days. Successful candidate must be willing and able to work flexible hours, hike into wilderness areas and other back country project areas, and at times camp overnight.

This is a project position that is funded until September 30, 2022. The funding for this position has a high probability of being renewed. 

This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be May 24, 2021. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before May 23, 2021. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree involving a major study in an environmental, physical, or natural science, engineering, planning, business administration, education, or closely allied field

AND

Four (4) years of professional experience in a natural resource program area, which includes one (1) year of experience as a senior level natural resource professional or higher. This may include one (1) year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 3, Environmental Planner 2, Hydrogeologist 2, Environmental Engineer 2, Environmental Education/Outreach Specialist 3 equivalent, or higher or WCC Crew Supervisor 1 or above .

Experience supervising AmeriCorps members, as a WCC Crew Supervisor 1 or above, is considered qualifying senior level professional experience.

Desired Qualifications:

We highly encourage you to apply even if you do not have some (or all) of the desired experience below.

• Ability to effectively convey ideas and information orally and in writing.
• Ability to respond to difficult or sensitive interpersonal situations in a manner that prevents or minimizes conflict and maintains good working relationships among internal and external customers.
• Knowledge of local government planning and operational processes.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software programs.
• Experience in technical aspects of environmental restoration projects implemented by WCC crews.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and issues at the same time.
• Ability to appreciate and value individual needs and diversity.
• Possess strong collaboration and facilitation skills.
• Ability to communicate with diverse audiences.
• Possess sound judgment and strong decision-making skills.
• Possess Incident Command System 100 and National Incident Management System 700 certification.

Note: Having some (or all) of this desired experience may make your application more competitive in a highly competitive applicant pool.

Special Requirements:

• Must possess a valid Driver’s License.
• Must possess, or complete upon hiring, Incident Command System 100 and National Incident Management System 700 certification training.
• Must possess, or complete upon hiring, Pesticide Applicator License with aquatic endorsement.
• Must not be registered, or required to register, with the National Sex Offender Public Registry.
• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Why work for Ecology?

Joining Ecology means becoming a part of a team committed to protecting and restoring Washington State’s environment.

A career in public service allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping the health and financial security of you and your family a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to work/life balance.

Ecology 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

Student debt and how working for Ecology can help
Employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.

*See the Benefits tab in this announcement for more information

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