See full job details and application instructions at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3104686/outdoor-grants-manager

The Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is a small state agency located in Olympia, Washington that plans for and provides funding to: create and maintain opportunities for recreation; protect the best of the state’s wild lands, farms, and forests; and recover salmon.

RCO strives to maintain a workplace that is respectful, inclusive and family-friendly where all team members feel safe to bring their true selves to work.  We believe in a culture where everyone continually improves and has the opportunity to lead.

The work you will enjoy doing includes:
Managing a portfolio of state and federal grants primarily for outdoor recreation projects for the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board (board). Key responsibilities include:

Grants Administration

• Managing a portfolio of 60-90 projects from application through implementation, closure, and long-term compliance. Projects involve land acquisition, facility development, planning, restoration, education, and maintenance.
• Providing technical assistance for public agencies, nonprofit organizations, Native American tribes, and individuals managing recreation and conservation lands.
• Conducting site inspections for compliance with the terms of the project agreement and resolving various complex compliance issues.

Communication

• Responding via written and verbal communication with applicants, sponsors (grant recipients), and other staff daily.
• Preparing briefing materials and presenting program and project issues and recommendations to the agency executives, advisory committees, and the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board.
• Organizing and conducting webinars and workshops to convey grant program information and assist with implementing the agency’s communication plan.
• Preparing correspondence for grant recipients, interest groups, elected officials, and members of the public.

Program Engagement

• Researching, reviewing, and analyzing federal and state laws, rules, regulations, policies, and plans that govern several different RCO administered grant programs.
• Coordinating team reviews of program policies, updating grant applicant resources, and improving grant processes.

Qualifications

What you need to qualify:

• Three years professional level experience with:
  • Acquiring outdoor recreation or habitat conservation lands,
  • Developing land or facilities for active or passive outdoor recreation,
  • Managing and monitoring compliance with contract requirements including compliance with federal and state laws, or
  • Operating or maintaining property for parks and recreation or habitat conservation purposes.
• Demonstrated ability to manage contracts and resolve complex, challenging, and sensitive issues.
• Knowledge of Washington State natural resource and outdoor recreation issues.

What we desire:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in parks and recreation, landscape architecture, land use planning, forestry, natural resource management, environmental studies, public administration, or a related field.
• Experience reviewing or approving construction plans, specifications, and other related documents.
• Knowledge of designing for universal access.
• Knowledge and experience with for federal grants.
• A dependable individual with a strong work ethic and integrity.
• The ability to work in teams and individually.
• A strong will to provide accurate and prompt customer service.
• Good written and oral communication skills, including public speaking.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), SharePoint, ArcGIS, and Adobe Pro.

Things to consider before applying:

• You must be willing and able to occasionally work in excess of 40 hours per week and travel frequently for short periods that often include overnight stays.
• You must have and maintain a valid driver’s license free from serious traffic violations.
• RCO is head-quartered in Olympia, WA on the state’s capital campus. RCO will consider candidates that can successfully do this job from another location (in-state) with occasional travel to Olympia for meetings and other functions.
• This position falls under the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the state of Washington and the Washington Federation of State Employees (WSFE).
• RCO may hire only those who are legally authorized to work in the United States.

Supplemental Information

How to apply:
In addition to completing the online application, you must attach the following documents to your profile or paste into the “text resume” field in order to be considered for this position:

• A letter of interest (no more than 2 pages in length) explaining how your past experiences make you an ideal candidate for this position and what exceptional skills you would bring to RCO;
• A current resume, detailing experience, education, and other relevant interests;
• A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)
• Responses to the supplemental questions included in the application.

Contact us:
If you have questions about this opportunity please email HR@rco.wa.gov or call (360) 902-3000.