Description

Why It’s a Great Opportunity: 

Do you want to be a part of a new program to help restore salmon runs in Pierce County? Join us as our first Planner 3 for the Fish Passage Program where you will develop and manage a culvert replacement program working with local tribes and other organizations to restore fish passage to the waterways of Pierce County.

This program is a cross-sector and inter-organizational partnership hosted by Surface Water Management to restore fish passage to the waterways of Pierce County. The position will coordinate and maximize county resources across divisions to advance culvert replacements efficiently.  Additionally, the position will supply project management assistance to other programs within the Floodplains and Watershed Services Section. The position is in response to the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that made clear fish passage is a tribal treaty right and culverts must be maintained or replaced to allow for fish passage.

Why It’s a Great Department: 

Surface Water Management is an award-winning division recognized nationally for the work it does in floodplain management, habitat restoration, flood protection, and water quality. We are an independent, high performing group dedicated to the work we do emphasizing teamwork, continual learning and customer service. We look for creative approaches to the work we do that deliver accountable results to the residents of Pierce County.

How to be Successful in the Role:

The most important core competencies for this role include collaboration, organizational awareness and project management.  We are looking for someone with strong attention to detail, communication skills and results focus. We want someone who is curious, loves research, and is a project manager. Someone who is accountable, customer focused and great at building relationships.

Your Future in this Role:

Undersized and poorly maintained culverts have a direct connection to a decrease of salmonid populations and contribute to increased flooding issues, decreased water quality, and potential safety concerns. This position will be joining the Floodplain and Watershed Services group that is responsible the research, study, and development of the plans that guide the division and our regional partners in improving water quality, restoring salmon and shellfish habitat, and managing floodplains and flood control facilities. Your technical skills will get you through the door, but this position is for candidates who are passionate about the work they do and improving the community. It’s a dynamic, changing environment that impacts the community in which you live.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Serve as project manager for the Fish Passage Program
• Serve as a subject matter expert in fish passage solutions
• Develop, prioritize, and coordinate planning and engagement efforts with federal, state, and local agencies to resolve fish passage and culvert issues comprehensively and collaboratively
• Coordinate activities with other plans and programs to ensure goals and objectives for fish passage and flooding are met
• Oversee and coordinate collection of field data and reporting to state agencies
• Participate in and lead the preparation and presentation of reports and information and present to officials, external entities, and the public on the fish passage program
• Develop and run committees necessary to achieve program objectives, including agenda planning, outreach and engagement, speaker coordination, and facilitation; lead/facilitate monthly meetings, and participate in integrated work project committees

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential function can be found here.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, environmental studies  or related field; AND
• Three years of related work OR any equivalent combination of education and experience. Positions in specific program areas may require program-related experience, education, and/or training.

Preferred Requirements:

• Two or more years of experience in local, county, or state government in the public works field is desired.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

This position is currently remote.

May include some field work sometimes in remote locations and during inclement weather conditions. Work location will be at or near aquatic environments, often adjacent to roadways. Capable of walking over rough terrain for short distances.  The ability to carry up to 40 lbs. over uneven terrain, and frequent bending, stooping, and climbing in and out of stream and water areas required.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting “APPLY” above or go to:  www.piercecountywa.org/jobs.
• Submit a resume and a cover letter outlining how your experience matches the position.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision.  Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a great place to live, work, and raise a family?