Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Coordinator, NRS3

Salary

$56,676.00 – $76,188.00 Annually

Location 

Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time – Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2023-10-7669-13484

Department

Dept. of Natural Resources

Opening Date

10/18/2023

Closing Date

10/25/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

 

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

 

 
Description

 

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Coordinator, NRS3 description image
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Coordinator, NRS3 description image
 
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Coordinator, NRS3
Recruitment #2023-10-7669
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: Tumwater, WA

Salary: $4,723.00 – $6,349.00 Monthly 

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Aquatic Resources Division’s Invasive Species (AIS) Program is looking for an experienced and motivated individual who enjoys building relationships and working in the outdoor environment. The successful applicant will work with a dedicated team of professionals focused on preserving and restoring aquatic and riparian environment habitats to benefit native plant and wildlife species, agriculture, economics, and other ecological and human values. Applicants must be self-motivated and able to work effectively both as part of a team and independently as fits the situation.

We are looking for someone with excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to:
  • plan and recommend strategies;
  • build and maintain partnerships;
  • negotiate and secure grants and agreements;
  • implement on-the-ground survey and control activities;
  • supervise seasonal employees or lead contracted crews;
  • document and report findings.
DNR Mission:
Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Guiding Principles:
The AIS program is guided by DNR’s Strategic PlanRCW 17.10, and RCW 17.26 for noxious weed and invasive species control, and RCW 79.105.030 – Aquatic Lands Management Guidelines to accomplish the following:
  • Preserve the value and ecological integrity of state-owned aquatic lands by eliminating small-scale noxious weed infestations through Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR).
  • Eradicate or reduce large-scale infestations to a scale that no longer threatens fish and wildlife habitat, native plants, agriculture, industry, and other ecological and human values.
  • Restore aquatic lands where possible.
  • Increase public awareness about sustainable natural resource management and the value of aquatic lands to Washington’s communities and economy.
  • Build partnerships within DNR and with individuals, organizations, and governments to leverage efforts to achieve a shared vision of healthy habitats for all living creatures, including humans.
“Aquatic invasive species do not recognize property, political, or administrative boundaries, and have caused significant economic impacts to our state’s economy, as well as significant loss of native habitat that results in displacement or loss of native species. It is widely recognized that the greatest threat to survival of any species is habitat loss, with competition from non-native species a close second.”

For more information on DNR’s Aquatic Invasive Species Program, please visit https://www.dnr.wa.gov/programs-and-services/aquatics/habitat-conservation/invasive-species-control 

 

Duties

Responsibilities:
The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Coordinator serves as a member of the AIS Program Team. The incumbent is assigned a geographic area defined as the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Georgia Strait, Puget Sound, and their associated rivers and watersheds, and is the primary point of contact, typically assigned as the DNR project manager, partner liaison, and crew coordinator for established AIS Program activities and is responsible to develop, coordinate, implement, and report on AIS control projects that benefit state-owned aquatic land (SOAL).

The incumbent coordinates and acts as the primary liaison between cooperators and conservation corps crews assigned to AIS projects at a statewide level and also manages select agreements with partners for AIS projects. The AIS Coordinator has assigned duties related to European green crab (EGC), spartina and knotweed control, integrated pest management (IPM) and other plan development, regulatory compliance, permitting, and grants. The incumbent may tow and operate a wide variety of program equipment to access remote areas including UTVs, ATVs, motorcycles, boats, airboats, marsh masters, and vehicles to implement Integrated Pest Management activities to control invasive species using biological, mechanical, or chemical treatments.

The AIS Coordinator is required to interact and coordinate with federal, state, tribal, and local governments, other partners, and stakeholders to carry out their assigned duties. The incumbent acts as a liaison to the County Noxious Weed Coordinators within their geographic area of responsibility per the requirements of 17.10 RCW as amended by the 2021 State Legislature’s adoption of SHB 1355.  The AIS Coordinator provides technical assistance for invasive plant and pest identification, survey and control methodologies, and associated processes to cooperators for plant and pest management activities on an as-needed basis.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in a biological science or closely allied field AND three (3) years work experience
    OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience in a position with demonstrated success in technical project management such as invasive/noxious weed control, restoration projects, or environmental/natural resource/agricultural-related project management.
  • Position Specific Competencies: 
    • Safety Focus
    • Organizational & Political Savvy
    • Self-Management
    • Stress Tolerance
    • Tact
  • DNR Core Competencies:
    • Personal Accountability
    • Value Others
    • Compassionate Communication
    • Inspire Others
    • Commitment to Excellence
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:
  • Approximately 40% of the work is performed indoors in office environments. Fieldwork, project site visits, and outdoor training will be required for approximately 60% – 80% of the time when crews are in the field during noxious weed control season. Required working conditions include the ability to meet the position schedule and travel requirements. Travels frequently within the Puget Sound Basin and other areas of the state as requested to plan and coordinate AIS survey and control efforts with local cooperators, for oversight of conservation corps crews assigned to the cooperators, and to attend meetings, conferences, and training.
  • Required to travel and routinely work from remote work sites during field season. This may involve working in adverse weather conditions and traversing through variable terrain or aquatic environments.
  • Must acquire and maintain a WSDA Public Operator License (Pesticide Application Act) and Aquatic Endorsement within sixty (60) days of hire date.
  • Must complete a USCG-approved Boating Safety Course identified by DNR and completion of the DNR Vessel Operator’s Task Book as identified with their supervisor as required training to operate a vessel as part of their job duties.
  • 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 where they have held a license for the past three years. 
  • Must be at least 18 years old at the time of hire.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Two (2) years of professional work experience in a position with demonstrated success in building partnerships and project coordination with varied stakeholders and representatives of other agencies.
  • One (1) year of work experience in a position that successfully administered contracts, interagency agreements, grants, or other partnership agreements.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Comfortable and effective with speaking to varied stakeholders and the public.
  • Familiarity with GIS and GIS procedures.

 

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements:

  • To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). 
  • 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.
  • Attach an example of a report that you have written.
  • Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
  • Complete all supplemental questions.
  • Candidates who 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.
Questions?  Please contact Todd Palzer at Todd.Palzer@dnr.wa.gov/360-280-9153or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 
At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
Our Vision – Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission – Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:
  • Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
  • Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
  • Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
  • Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.
DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:
  • Commitment to organizational health and wellness
  • Work/life balance
  • DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
  • Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
  • Leadership that empowers and supports employees
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Educational and career development aid
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
  • Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
  • A comprehensive benefits package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.
Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
 
DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching it.  We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

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