Tree Equity Collaborative Project Manager, EP3

Salary: $64,092.00 – $86,208.00 Annually
Location: Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type: Project (limited duration)
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2023-11-P429-14854
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 11/17/2023
Closing Date: 12/3/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Tree Equity Collaborative Project Manager, EP3 description image
Tree Equity Collaborative Project Manager, EP3 description image
 
Tree Equity Collaborative Project Manager, EP3
Recruitment #2023-11-P429
Full-time, Project, Represented position
Anticipated Project employment is November 2023-October 2025
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA
Location and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $5,341.00 – $7,184.00 Monthly 

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 11/27/23. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible. 

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Bring your unique skills and creativity to work every single day, in a flexible and mutually supportive work environment among others who share your passions for community engagement and urban forestry. You will bring to life and coordinate the Tree Equity Collaborative, with the goal of expanding tree equity in communities across the state. If you love working with people, if you are committed to principles of equity and environmental justice, and if you enjoy working independently as part of a small team, this could be one of your most fulfilling jobs.

This year Washington DNR and American Forests signed an MOU that launched the Washington Tree Equity and Reforestation Initiative: Increasing Tree Equity and Forest Cover Statewide to improve the health and breadth of urban tree canopy in cities throughout the State of Washington in a manner that simultaneously increases Tree Equity while also helping to address barriers to scaling reforestation efforts across the state. Tree Equity is about ensuring all people experience the benefits of trees, and correcting past wrongs that have led to inadequate tree canopy cover predominantly in areas with historically and systemically marginalized communities.

The Tree Equity Collaborative Project Manager will be responsible for oversight and delivery of all aspects of a two-year work plan for this initiative between American Forests and the Washington Department of Natural Resources including being primary staff support to the Washington Tree Equity Collaborative. This two-year project position will take over the coordination of a first-of-its-kind statewide collaborative with the goal of empowering local cities, towns, and counties to establish, expand, or resource urban forestry programs that will make Washington State more climate resilient and more equitable. The aim is for the Tree Equity Collaborative to grow to 50-80 members within the first year. Located within DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry Program within the Forest Resilience Division this position will directly work with American Forests, DNR’s Policy team, cities statewide, tribes, and community organizations. Direct experience with urban forestry is not required; the successful candidate will have led a major project, campaign, or initiative on any subject matter that required conducting outreach and engagement with diverse stakeholder groups, organizing and facilitating large meetings, setting and meeting deadlines while bringing a broad vision to life and developing and executing a timebound work plan. Experience launching a new initiative is desired.

The successful candidate will possess the passion, imagination, and leadership skills necessary to establish a statewide initiative and demonstrate the organizational skills and attention to detail necessary to develop and manage complex relationships, financial plans, and programs simultaneously. We will look for a candidate who is entrepreneurial, takes initiative, and can build systems and processes. The successful candidate will also share our vision that creating a healthier Washington begins with the perspectives and meaningful engagement of those most impacted by environmental injustice. Work will be at the intersection of many competing interests and accountability will be reducing environmental and health disparities throughout Washington.


 

Duties

Responsibilities:
 Washington Tree Equity Collaborative Leadership and Staff Support

  • In coordination with Executive leadership from American Forest and DNR, develop a statewide Tree Equity Collaborative, in close collaboration with the Washington Community Forestry Council, which will include local leaders to provide guidance to our work to increase Tree Equity in Washington, to leverage the insight and resources of additional partners, and drive the effort out into the field.
  • Provide strategic vision and direction for the establishment and sustained operations of the Washington Tree Equity Collaborative.
  • Provide day-to-day leadership and staff support for all members and stakeholders of the Washington Tree Equity Collaborative; effectively anticipating and responding to the different needs and interests of coalition partners.
  • Develop and maintain the Tree Equity Collaborative’s collective work plan.
  • Strategically identify and cultivate partnership opportunities that contribute to advancing the Washington Tree Equity Collaborative’s goals and expand the collaborative’s network.
  • Record meeting minutes of Tree Equity Collaborative meetings and oversee necessary follow-up on all action items and progress tracking.
  • Nurture relationships with diverse constituencies in cities and towns throughout the state to foster awareness of the Tree Equity Collaborative and a culture of knowledge exchange for urban forestry in Washington.
  • Facilitate and support tree equity goal setting by collaborative members for their geography and connect how these community-driven tree equity goals contribute towards the implementation of DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry program goals statewide.
  • Facilitate coordination between the Washington Tree Equity Collaborative and the Washington Community Forest Council, American Forests staff, the DNR Policy team, and the DNR Urban and Community Forestry program.
Develop and Implement a Strategic Plan to Increase Tree Equity in Washington
  • Learn and integrate American Forests’ Tree Equity change model in pursuit of Washington DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry goals.
  • Develop a coordinated Tree Equity program work plan between American Forests and DNR that is thorough, realistic, and strategically aligns across different organizations and areas of activity.
  • Develop and administer a Washington tree equity program two-year financial implementation plan for the MOU; combining public and private resources specifically dedicated to moving forward project goals.
  • Secure and leverage resources to increase Tree Equity in cities across Washington State. This may include, but is not limited to, grant writing.
  • Work with local elected officials and administrators to understand both the technical and resource support necessary to empower local jurisdictions to develop urban forestry policy, project, and funding proposals to increase tree equity.
  • Informed by data-driven spatial prioritization tools and other information sources, identify communities and develop outreach strategies to bring local partners into the collective strategy to increase tree equity.
  • Develop a tree equity monitoring plan that includes metrics and utilization of the Tree Equity Score Analyzer to measure progress towards collective goals over time.
  • Develop workforce development and career pathway programs for statewide urban forestry community of practice in Washington to overcome systemic barriers to entry and retention in the field including pre-employment training, mentoring, and direct job placement and support.
  • Manage contracts and grant agreements as necessary.
  • Seek opportunities for and help facilitate the formation of local and regional partnerships to accomplish urban forestry projects.
  • In support of DNR’s Policy team lead, pilot a reforestation carbon project through American Forest’s Reforest America Carbon Program and conduct reforestation needs and pipeline assessments;
Tree Equity Communications
  • Develop a media and communications strategy for promoting Tree Equity in Washington and celebrating successes including planting and tree care events with communities and community organizations as showcases.
  • Work closely with DNR and American Forest’s Communications teams in highlighting work by writing articles, blog posts, doing interviews, and assisting with social media and video content.
  • Strategically identify aspects of the work to highlight and particular audiences to cultivate.
  • Deliver conference and public presentations that report on the work accomplished, successes achieved, and best practices developed.
  • Communicate with constituents: reminders of educational events, responding to requests for informational materials, executive management informational requests, etc.

 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

  • A bachelor’s degree in urban forestry, natural resource management, environmental science, environmental justice, landscape architecture, environmental engineering, city planning, or another related field AND At least two years of experience in urban forestry, natural resource management, environmental science, environmental justice, landscape architecture, environmental engineering, city planning, or another related field.
    OR An equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
  • Experience successfully managing and administering grants, contracts, or other partnership agreements.
  • Experience and skills in customer service.
  • Experience in effective oral and written communications and can convey messages clearly and persuasively,
  • Experience in public-facing initiatives, community, stakeholder, and partner outreach and engagement to meet a specific objective including public speaking skills. 
  • Demonstrated experience responding to and interacting in a positive, responsive, cooperative, and collaborative manner with the public and other professionals (both inter-organizational and interdisciplinary).
  • Proficient with computers and Microsoft Office applications including Excel and SharePoint.
  • Experience working with underserved or historically marginalized residents, neighborhoods, or communities; a firm understanding of social and environmental justice issues.
  • Demonstrated commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
  • Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention and requests are followed.
  • A highly self-motivated, interdisciplinary thinker with a passion for urban resilience and social equity.
  • DNR Core Competencies: 
    • Personal Accountability 
    • Value Others 
    • Compassionate Communication 
    • Inspire Others 
    • Commitment to Excellence 
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:
  • Most work is performed indoors in office environments but may occasionally include other settings.
  • Infrequent travel is expected for meetings and consultations provided to partners around the state, away from the position’s main duty station. Such travel may be multiple days in length and require overnight stays. Additional opportunities to travel may include attendance at meetings, conferences, and other activities within and outside of the state.
Desired Qualifications: 
  • Master’s degree.
  • Deep knowledge of urban and community forestry.
  • Demonstrated entrepreneurial skills to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to achieve an outcome-driven vision.
  • Grant writing and development experience.
  • Skills and experience with general forest health issues such as insects, diseases, invasive species, drought, wildland fire, etc., and general UCF knowledge of tree
    inventories, canopy analysis, urban forest management plans, and tree plantings

 

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.
  • Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
  • Complete all supplemental questions.
  • Candidates that 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 Csenka Favorini-Csorba at csenka.fc@dnr.wa.gov or 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 those 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 benefit 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.  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 though 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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