Salary
$24.07 – $31.57 Hourly
Location
Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type
On-Call
Department
Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Job Number
2021-02646
Description
(1) On-Call/Non-Permanent 
ENVIRONMENTAL PERMIT SPECIALIST *02646-21
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER 2(EP2)

Capital and Asset Management Program (CAMP)

600 Capitol Way, North

Olympia, Washington 98501

Anticipated start date May 1, 2021.

Do you have experience with wetland delineations and environmental permitting? 

Are you eager to work all over the state with regulators in federal, state, and local jurisdictions? 

Dive into field work all summer, getting your boots dirty and your hands wet, delineating wetlands, relocating fish, and working with your team, while enjoying time to complete the associated reports from the comfort of your desk.  A best of both worlds!

If this sounds like the opportunity you have been looking for, then come join a close-knit, collaborative team that values diversity and each member for their strengths and works together to solve challenges and issues with consistent results!

With that in mind,  

Picture yourself delineating wetlands across the state and ensuring compliance with environmental elements of project implementation including permit requirements, species evaluations, and Best Management Practices (BMP) usage.

Picture yourself delineating wetlands across the state and ensuring compliance with environmental elements of project implementation including permit requirements, species evaluations, and Best Management Practices (BMP) usage.

This is an opportunity to see different wetland habitats, prepare delineation reports, and assist with the preparation of permit application packages and permit documents.

Duties

We are seeking candidates with demonstrated skills representing WDFW values of accountability, service, professionalism, integrity, respect, and empathy.

The Environmental Permit Staff Specialist for WDFW Construction Activities within the Program manages the permitting and compliance of construction projects funded by the Capital Budget and other funding sources, supporting WDFW activities statewide in all counties based on budget allocations. This position helps to facilitate the implementation of $142 million (2019-2021) budgets allocated by the legislature. Permit acquisition is a vital process for implementing capital projects and projects cannot move forward without said permits.

This position assists associate level permit specialists and reports to the Program Director monthly. This position will assist with wetland delineations and associated wetland reporting, including the preparation of documents necessary to obtain permits to support WDFW construction activities statewide. This position also assists in compliance of environmental permits including, but not limited to, in-water work timing and methodology, aquatic life protection including relocation of species when necessary, wetland impacts, and associated mitigation, and may assist in providing and monitoring documentation after project construction.

KEY DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: 

Assist with wetland delineations and mitigation requirements for CAMP projects. 

Tasks include: 

  • Follow allocated scheduling of supervisor for project goals.
  • Assist with planning and fieldwork for wetland delineations throughout the state.
  • Complete data forms and wetland rating forms after field activities.
  • Prepare and submit wetland delineation reports to assist with the preparation of permit application packages.
  • Assist with the preparation of additional supporting permit documents as needed, including Biological Assessments and Evaluations, Habitat Management Plans, Wetland reviews, Mitigation Plans, and other biological documents required for permitting.
  • Coordinate with environmental planners to determine site constraints, county requirements, and wetland delineation and mitigation requirements for new projects.
  • Perform field and office work associated with wetland delineations.
  • Review, research, analyze, and record data.
  • Maintain knowledge of current environmental regulations.

Assist lead permitting staff in fish removals and sampling work areas. 

Tasks include: 

  • Perform environmental sampling in support of maintaining good water quality and site conditions.
  • Assist with other aspects of environmental permit compliance as needed.
  • Perform seining, sampling, and removal of aquatic species from active construction areas. This includes cataloging and maintaining accurate records.
  • Perform water quality sampling including pH, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen, or other site samples.

Attend relevant trainings and meetings. 

Tasks include: 

  • Represent the Department as needed with federal, state, and local agencies.
  • Attend meetings and trainings and serve as an advocate for WDFW projects.
  • May be required to attend public meetings and public hearings.

Perform other duties as assigned. 

Tasks include: 

  • Paper filing, minor vehicle maintenance, equipment storage, cleaning, and inventory.
  • Other duties as agreed.

WORKING CONDITIONS:  

Work Setting, including hazards:

  • Duties are performed in an office setting, construction sites, and in-water work areas (Hatcheries and Wildlife Areas).
  • Teleworking/remote work options may currently be available for office work – subject to supervisory approval.
  • Fieldwork requires driving to project sites across the state and working outdoors in all weather conditions, on active construction sites, at hatcheries, and in remote areas.
  • Fieldwork will involve standing and/or walking for extended periods of time, wearing appropriate safety gear in all weather conditions, and carrying associated field equipment.
  • Must be willing to walk on uneven/slippery terrain, in the mud, and in other challenging field conditions.
  • Climbing ladders, working at elevated locations, working on boats and in the water.
  • This position also requires moderate computer use and sitting when not performing field duties.

Schedule:  

  • Typically, Monday – Friday – 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This is an on-call position with a schedule that will vary week to week.
  • Workload may require the incumbent to adjust the work schedule to meet business needs.
  • A flexible work schedule and remote work will be considered at the incumbent’s request – subject to supervisory approval.

Travel Requirements:   

  • Travel will require substantial field time and travel throughout Washington.
  • Long field days and some overnight stays will be required.

Tools and Equipment:  

  • Pickup trucks, laboratory equipment including water quality probes and turbidity kits.
  • Operate a digital camera including download photos/videos on the computer.

Customer Interactions:          

  • Interact with public while accessing work areas.
  • Must be professional, well-spoken, and non-confrontational.

Certifications/Licenses: 

  • A valid unrestricted driver’s license.
Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:   

  • An associate degree with an emphasis/specialty in wetlands, fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.

          AND 

  • Two (2) years of professional experience performing or assisting with wetland delineations, fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, habitat management or habitat research, natural resource planning, or equivalent field.

OR

  • A Bachelor’s degree in wetland ecology and management, fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.

          AND 

A minimum of THREE months of an internship or hands-on professional experience performing or assisting with wetland delineations, fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, habitat management or habitat research, natural resource planning, or equivalent fieldwork.

A Master’s degree in wetland ecology and management, fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, habitat management or habitat research, natural resource planning, or equivalent field may substitute for one year of experience.

A PhD. in wetland ecology and management, fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, habitat management or habitat research, natural resource planning, or equivalent field may substitute for two years of experience

Please note, for any of the above: 

Professional experience in wetland delineations, wetland ecology and management, fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, habitat management or habitat research, natural resource planning, or equivalent field may substitute, year for year, for the required education.

Educational, Professional, or Voluntary Experience With: 

•        Fieldwork techniques and safety

•        Field data collection, entry, and analysis

•        Written and oral communication proficiency

•        Technical writing

•        Research review

•        Code, law, and regulation interpretation and compliance

Ability to:

  • Accept responsibility for field data collection
  • Interpret and apply agency policy
  • Interpret and apply jurisdictional policies and regulations
  • Think conceptually, observe and interpret trends, analyze data, identify key relationships, draw logical conclusions, and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and governmental officials at the federal, state, and local level.
  • Analyze environmental information to apply solutions and guidelines to field problems.
  • Write effectively
  • Assist with environmental research
  • Adhere to developed methods of data collection and interpret data
  • Organize and record the work of others.

Competencies:

Communications Effectiveness: Clearly and effectively communicates with individuals and groups within and outside the organization; and keeps supervisor and co-workers informed of need to know items.

 Tact and Diplomacy: Criticizes constructively; and listens respectfully to the thoughts and ideas of others.

Interpersonal Influence: Facilitates development of shared mission, vision, and key values and uses those principles to guide actions.

Performance Leadership: Assures goal measurement and progress reporting.

Adaptability & Flexibility: Anticipates and effectively communicates need for change, works with supervisor to provide alternatives; and helps to develop new strategies or tactics if current ones are ineffective.

Accountability:  Meets productivity standards, deadlines and work schedules; and makes the best use of available time and resources.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

Experience with:

  • ArcMap and GIS data processing
  • Wetland plant identification
  • Vegetative surveys or soil sampling
  • Construction work
  • Aquatic life protection measure and methodology
  • Basic understanding of cultural resource processes under federal and state   regulation
  • Scientific report writing
  • Best Management Practices (BMP) utilization techniques 

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

Supplemental Information

Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification.

 

In order to successfully apply for this position you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

  • cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (Generic cover letter will not be accepted).
  • A current resume.
  • Three professional references. 

IMPORTANT NOTE:  

The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s priority during the Covid-19 health crisis is to keep our staff, candidates, and the public safe. We are hiring and encourage you to apply to open positions. We have transitioned to a virtual recruitment process, to include web-based interviews.

JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:

Learn about our agency and the perks of working for WDFW!

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field.  We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency’s mission. We value demonstrated skill in living WDFW values of professionalism, accountability, empathy, integrity, service, and respect.

WDFW 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.

UNION – WAFWP:

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

VETERAN PREFERENCE NOTICE:

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

  • Email a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter to RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
  • Subject line should include recruitment number, position, and Vet (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – Veteran)
  • Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov

MILITARY SPOUSE PREFERENCE NOTICE: 

To take advantage of military spouse preference, please do the following:

  • Notify us of your military spouse status by email at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov. 
  • Subject line should include recruitment number, position, and MS (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – MS)
  • Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov

Note: Please blackout any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. For further information, please contact us at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.   Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife 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.   All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status and are encouraged to apply. 

 Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.

This recruitment is to repair and maintain critical infrastructure and facilities.  Critical information internal/external necessary to performing essential functions.

*(Images shown are Pre-COVID, WDFW Staff follow current COVID Safety Protocol including the use of face masks)

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.

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