Full-Time/Permanent
Habitat Environmental Specialist 3
Habitat Program – HP Protection Division
Olympia, WA
Do you want to make a difference by making a positive impact on the environment? If so, then join a great team that shares your interests!
This position offers the opportunity to join a team of dedicated professionals who primarily complete the initial processing of applications for hydraulic project permits. As part of that team you will develop a complete understanding of the permit process from start to project completion and/or propose methods for constant improvement.
The department protects fish through the administration of the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) program. The Regulatory Services Team provides a solid foundation for the HPA program by delivering accurate, courteous, timely, effective and complete HPA data, document management, technical support and training. The incumbent in this position is expert in the online Aquatic Protection Permitting System (APPS). This position is one of three staff that serve as initial contacts for HPA applications submitted from throughout the state and provides statewide technical and informational support related to APPS. This position requires a working knowledge of rules, regulations and statutory requirements governing WDFW HPA applications sufficient to verify submittal of all required documents.
This position reports to the Regulatory Services Coordinator in the Regulatory Services Section of the Habitat Program. The position reviews and evaluates HPA applications, plans, and supplemental materials for administrative and statutory completeness, communicates with applicants/agents on methods to achieve complete applications if deficient, and documents application status in the agency permitting database. Responsibilities also include reviewing and evaluating applications to ensure that all required components are submitted; explaining department requirements and procedures for applications; interpreting and explaining technical information to the public; notifying applicants/agents when applications are incomplete and requesting additional information as necessary; and providing instruction and technical support for staff. This position is also responsible for developing an expert knowledge of the HPA permitting process from application development through project completion and providing feedback on that process and the tools used to implement each piece of the process.
This position records work activities in various databases, documents, and spreadsheets and may analyze and report on the data. The position may assist supervisors or coworkers in training or implementation of program policy or guidance.
Duties
Review and evaluate HPA application materials for accuracy and administrative statutory completeness.
Tasks include:
- Determining whether HPA application materials submitted by applicants are in accordance with the applicable statutes, rules, agency policies, and guidance. Assign complete applications to the appropriate Habitat Biologist for final permit issuance or denial.
- Correspond with applicants via email, surface mail, and phone regarding incomplete or inadequate applications submitted.
Develop a complete understanding of the permit application process from start to project completion and consider/propose methods for constant improvement. Tasks include:
- Accompany Habitat Biologists and other staff associated with HPA processing as they perform pre-construction site visits, discuss project plans and specifications, permit provisions and cause/effect relationships of the proposed work, and conduct post-project site visits.
- Accompany Compliance Inspectors as they conduct compliance inspections and assist with the documentation of those inspections.
- Act as a conduit between field staff and management for constant improvement ideas and concepts regarding the permitting process and best management practices being used.
Provide internal and external customer service and training on the online permitting system (APPS), including the development and update of standard operating procedures. Assist supervisor and permit system development team with development of program guidance, manuals, and help tools.
Tasks include:
- Timely respond to requests for assistance in using the department’s online permitting system (APPS) via phone calls, emails, and personal contact.
- As needed, develop manuals and provide training and assistance to department staff on use of APPS and methods for application processing.
- Assist as needed with development of APPS procedures and guidance.
- Assist staff with development and update of Standard Operating Procedures for specific project types.
- Conduct necessary SOP training or workshops.
Perform other duties as required
Tasks include:
- Perform other duties as assigned, including but not limited to, conducting administrative duties such as completing time sheets, attending staff meetings and attend training and job shadowing.
Working Conditions
Work Setting, including hazards:
- Work is performed mostly indoors in an office environment, but occasionally includes work outdoors to review project sites before, during, and after construction.
Schedule:
- Standard business hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m., but the incumbent may need to adjust the work schedule to meet business needs. The Department will consider a flexible work schedule at the incumbent’s request however, this is subject to the supervisor’s approval.
Travel Requirements:
- Some travel is required to meet with regional staff or conduct other business, or attend training.
Required License/Certifications:
- A valid unrestricted driver’s license.
Tools Requirements:
- Duties require use of standard office furniture and equipment
Customer Interactions:
- Daily contact with internal and external customers.
- Contact in primarily via e-mail or phone, but face to face contact is also common.
Union – WAFWP
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish and Wildlife Professionals (WAFWP).
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field and two years of professional level experience in environmental analysis or control or environmental planning.
OR
- One year as a Environmental Specialist 2.
Note:
- Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education.
- A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute one year of the required experience.
- A Ph.D. in one of the above fields.
Skills and experience necessary for this work include:
- Demonstrated complex records management skills.
- Ability to accurately and timely enter information into log sheets and database forms.
- Proficient in the use of common computer functions; and programs like Outlook, Word, and Excel.
- Proficient using standard office equipment including computers, digital scanners, photocopiers, printers, FAX.
- Knowledge of fish and wildlife habitat management.
- Good communication skills.
- Functional proficiency in the use of spreadsheets and word processing.
- Functional knowledge of the requirements of State Environmental Policy Act as they pertain to the Hydraulic Code.
- Demonstrated organization and time management skills to effectively prioritize workload and maximize efficiency.
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:
A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications and job knowledge experience of this position (generic cover letter will not be accepted).
A current resume (please make it succinct)
Three professional references (personal references do not count as professional)
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. Many of our staff are currently working from home; 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.
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
“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. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities 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.