Manages HPA application processing and technical assistance. Tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Review and evaluate HPA applications, plans and supplemental materials for accuracy and administrative statutory completeness in accordance with the applicable statutes, rules, agency policies, and guidance.
• Conduct technical review of project proposals to ensure complete project plans and compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
• Provides technical assistance for high priority and complex inquiries that require deviating from standard procedures and extensive research and coordination with internal and external parties.
• Be the lead in resolving and training other hydraulic permit specialists in resolving nuance HPA issues whose resolution isn’t clearly articulated in existing rules and regulations that may have legal or other ramifications outside of the scope of the HPA processing unit.
• Assign complete applications to the appropriate Habitat Biologist for final permit issuance or denial.
• Address time-sensitive technical and logistical issues for which regional habitat biologists rely on to ensure compliance permitting timeline (in accordance with State law at RCW 77.55).

Maintains and oversees the Aquatic Protection Permitting System (APPS) to maintain compliance with RCW 77.55. Tasks include, but are not limited to:

• As the agency’s APPS expert, lead troubleshooting, communicating, and tracking of the progress of any technical issues that arise in APPS.
• Report a detailed summary of the issue in the project team website page to the platform contractor.
• Monitor contractor progress on updating the database system to ensure work is performed on time.
• Run queries and reports in APPS to retrieve data requested by the Habitat Program.
• HPA records manager: Delegates and oversees the fulfillment of PDR requests, ensures proper disposition of records, and provides training to hydraulic permit specialists.

Supervises the HPA Intake Unit Staff.  Tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Ensure unit staff are completing assigned duties to required standards of quality and timeliness.
• Implement LEAN practices and lead ongoing discussions with the team to identify and develop opportunities to streamline or improve how the unit completes work and with the HPA program.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • Work is performed mostly indoors in an office environment, with occasional work outdoors to review project sites before, during, and after construction.
• Schedule:   
  • Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
  • Work schedule may be adjusted to meet business needs.
• Travel Requirements: 
  • Some travel is required to meet with regional staff, conduct business, or attend training.
• Tools and Equipment: 
  • Standard office furniture and equipment.
• Customer Interactions:
  • Daily contact with internal and external customers primarily through email or phone, and face-to-face contact is also common.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree involving major study in one (1) of the following:
  • Environmental Science.
  • Physical Science.
  • Environmental Planning.
  • Other allied Natural Sciences.

AND

• Five (5) years of professional-level experience in one (1) of the following:
  • Environmental Analysis or Control.
  • Environmental Planning

OR

• Two (2) years of experience as an Environmental Specialist 3.

Please note:

• Additional qualifying experience may substitute, year for year, for the required education.
• A Master’s Degree in one of the above fields will substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.
• A Ph.D. in one of the above fields will substitute for three (3) years of the required experience.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Valid State Driver’s License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Functional knowledge of the requirements of State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) as they pertain to the Hydraulic Code.
• Effectively communicates in individual and group discussions, independently analyzes, and weighs the risks verses benefits in decisions and recommendations related to fish and wildlife resources, and habitat issues.
• Builds rapport and partners with WDFW staff, the public, Indian Tribes, and local, state, and federal governmental agencies regarding issues pertaining to fish and wildlife protection.

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 of this position (Generic cover letter will not be accepted).
• A current resume. 
• Three professional references. 

IMPORTANT NOTES: 

On Monday August 9, 2021, Governor Inslee enacted Proclamation 21-14 which requires that all employees of all state agencies not headed by an elected official be fully vaccinated with a recommended COVID-19 vaccine by October 18, 2021 as a condition of employment. Fully vaccinated includes the two-week waiting period after the last shot in each series, or single shot, is given. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide verification of COVID vaccination. A list of acceptable documents to provide verification can be reviewed here. Vaccination acceptable documents link (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader)

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.

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

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 Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE).

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.