Salary: $65,748.00 – $88,416.00 Annually
Location: Thurston County – Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Closing Date: 10/30/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

This position supervises a team of Compliance Officers/Divers who oversee enforcement of contractual agreements for the State Wild Stock Commercial Geoduck Fishery. Ensures DNR objectives and regulatory standards for the DNR Dive Team and contracts are met. Serves as an agency expert for all commercial diving and geoduck fishery field compliance statewide. This position is one of two Dive Team Supervisors reporting to the Geoduck Operations Manager of the Geoduck Fishery Compliance Section within the Natural Resource Police unit of DNR and acts as the DNR Dive Team Safety Supervisor. Oversees compliance with the DNR Dive safety manual requirements, Washington State Labor and Industry (L&I) rules, and federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for commercial diving operations. Plans and implements dive operations, fishery compliance, trainings and special projects. The incumbent regularly interacts with all dive team members, their supervisory chain of command, purchasers, harvesters, members of the public, tribes, and state and federal agencies.

Responsibilities:
This position is a field supervisor serving as the agency expert and manager for all statewide commercial diving activities and geoduck sales contract compliance. Is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating and overseeing implementation of work schedules for fishery compliance, DOH sampling, diving operations, special projects, and dive team training and safety. Subordinates perform daily activities as Compliance Officers and Divers in overseeing the state’s Wild Stock Commercial Geoduck Fishery, facilitate and enforce contractual agreements with stakeholders, and perform various underwater and above water assessments for managing state-owned aquatic lands. Works in collaboration with the Geoduck Operations Manager to ensure compliance with all DNR objectives and regulatory standards. Ensures that geoduck fishery functions are completed in accordance with DOH & WDFW regulations, harvest agreements, regulatory permits, the Commercial Wild Stock Geoduck Fishery Management Plan and Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, and the Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for the Commercial Wild Stock Geoduck Fishery (HCP). Reviews policy and procedures and recommends changes where needed to ensure safety, fishery activities, dive operations, vessel operations and training standards are effective and current. In coordination with the Geoduck Operations Manager, develops and enforces DNR dive and compliance policy, objectives, and tasks.

This position is the DNR Dive Safety Officer ensuring standards for all DNR commercial diving activities are met in collaboration with the Dive Equipment and Regulatory Manager and Geoduck Operation Manager for meeting commercial diving requirements set by state and federal regulations, the DNR dive safety manual, and DNR policy and guidance. Is responsible for understanding and implementing all related sections of WACs, RCWs, CFRs, and applicable industry standards as pertains to commercial diving operations. Oversees diving safety and makes on the spot changes as needed to maintain a safe working environment. Routinely reviews, updates, and maintains documentation of daily DNR diving activities in compliance with DNR and regulatory standards for audit and reporting purposes; works in conjunction with the Dive Equipment and Regulatory Manager who is responsible for maintaining the Dive Records Center.  Works in conjunction with the Compliance Dive Team Training Officer who is responsible for the training program and scheduling fishery compliance and all diving and vessel operations for the program and development of the monthly work schedule for managing the day-to-day program activities associated with fishery compliance activities, dive operations, vessel operation, record keeping, and training needs.

This position must retain status as a member of the Dive Team and is required to maintain confidentiality on fishery enforcement issues and to maintain distant, but professional relationships with all members of the geoduck industry and known associates.

This position directly supervises One (1) Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2), and Four (4) Natural Resource Specialist 1’s (NRS1’s), Compliance Officers/Divers, who oversee the state’s Wild Stock Commercial Geoduck Fishery. Leads by example and ensures staff receives direction, guidance, and training for interpreting DNR fishery compliance procedures, including: the DNR Dive Safety Manual, L&I, and OSHA regulations (as they pertain to commercial diving), and DNR policies/procedures. Schedules employees’ work, and approves and tracks employee attendance and leave. Ensures fiscal responsibility of subordinates in regard to travel and overtime. Evaluate performance, mentor, recommend and implement training for development of subordinates. Recommends necessary changes to management to keep procedures and policy current for geoduck fishery activities, dive operations and training needs.  Serves as a working field supervisor and member of the Dive Team and regularly performs dive supervisory functions as the Designated-Person-ln-Charge (DPIC).

Required Qualifications: 

• Completed an accredited ADC commercial dive school, or equivalent training, or possess a current Instructor level certification from a professional teaching agency that enables the candidate to train and certify scuba divers. Five years of documented equivalent training or experience can be substituted for required education/training. 
• Knowledge and experience of supervisory, management and organizational principles, and personnel systems and supervised diverse teams of individuals, and dive operations in the role of Dive Supervisor / Designated-Person-In-Charge (DPIC).
• A combination of four years of education and/or paid work experience in aquaculture, fisheries, forestry, business, criminal justice, geology or a related natural science.
• Demonstrated ability to present findings in written and oral formats to colleagues and managers.
• Skilled in vessel dive boat handling on the water and towing large boats on trailers on the road. 
• Knowledge of USCG regulations pertaining to navigation and a minimum of at least one year experience operating a vessel in marine waters.
• Expert knowledge of Commercial Diving Regulations (WACs, RCWs, and CFRs), the DNR Diving Manual, and industry standards related to commercial diving activities and life support equipment maintenance requirements.
• DNR Core Competencies: 
  • Personal Accountability 
  • Value Others 
  • Compassionate Communication 
  • Inspire Others 
  • Commitment to Excellence 

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• This position’s assigned duty station is the Blue Mountain Dive Locker near Tumwater, WA. This position works within the Dive Locker and is regularly assigned to work on a vessel in a variety of weather conditions and occasionally work in the Natural Resources Building.
• This position travels regularly. The employee is eligible for per diem and lodging costs when in travel status, except when provided.
• Must pass annual dive physical exam performed by a licensed physician with a board certification in Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine.
• Must complete a minimum of twelve (12) dives annually to maintain Dive Team status.
• This position has been identified as “safety sensitive” and the successful candidate is subject to pre-employment and reasonable suspicion drug testing.
• This position requires an employee to tow program dive vessels on trailers on the road, and operate these vessels on the water as part of their professional duties. Complete a DNR approved boater safety education course, vessel operations task book, and pass a skills test within six (6) months of employment.
• Must have a valid Washington State Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within 1 year of being hired and must maintain as condition of employment.
• Must pass a pre-employment dive evaluation, demonstrating aquatic abilities.
• Employee must read, understand and adhere to the DNR Diving Manual, policies, and operating procedures.
• A valid unrestricted driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

Desired Qualifications: 

• Knowledge of the state’s geoduck fishery including DNR’s harvest agreements, regulatory permits, the Commercial Wild Stock Geoduck Fishery Management Plan and Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, and the Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for the Commercial Wild Stock Geoduck Fishery (HCP).
• General working knowledge of Tribal Treaty Rights in Washington State as part of the “Boldt” and Rafeedie” decisions. Background in contract administration.
• Knowledge of Department of Fish & Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, and Department of Health regulations pertaining to the harvesting and transporting of shellfish.

Application Requirements:

• To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov. 
• Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile and the position required, desired and special requirements.
• Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
• Provide three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates that move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email from info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/4204209/dive-team-safety-officer-nrs5