FULL-TIME/PERMANENT
LANDS DATA LIAISON
 PROGRAM SPECIALIST 5

Wildlife Program – Lands Division
 Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

This recruitment is posted until January 22, 2024, and applications will be reviewed starting on January 5.  We encourage you to submit your application materials as soon as possible.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking a dynamic individual passionate about data precision and impactful communication to drive our mission of preserving wildlife and ecosystems. This role bridges the realms of data oversight and strategic messaging, shaping the future of our Lands Division’s initiatives through effective storytelling. If you’re ready to blend data innovation with compelling outreach to make a tangible difference in conservation, this role is your gateway to impactful change.

               

Wintertime Hike in the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area – Photo credit: Justin Haug

Key duties of this position include, 

Leading programmatic planning and implementation of enterprise data management solutions for WDFW Lands information statewide: 

• Collaborate with staff from Science, GIS, central IT, and other affected parties on data management protocols, data storage systems and database content to facilitate data sharing and data exchange.
• Project management and contract management associated with key data contracts including visitor use data and associated economic analysis contracts. 
• Coordinate the work of the Land Information System.
• Work with regional Land Managers and relevant Lands Division HQ staff to collect key data, perform quality assurance and deliver it to the appropriate data stewards and database managers.
• Represent Lands Division in discussions about the use and presentation of Lands data in other agency databases and presentations.
• Ensure stakeholder engagement and monitors/ reports progress.

Lead Lands Division Strategic Communication work statewide: 

• Manage Calendar of Lands specific communications and outreach efforts each year.
• Work to identify, prioritize, and coordinate development of division and publication of specific web content for publication on WDFW and conservation and recreation partner websites, story maps, fact sheets and other communication formats.
• Collaborate with Public Affairs, Licensing, Regional and HQ Lands Division and Wildlife Program Staff, and partner organizations to ensure development of communications content.
• Prepare and/or deliver presentations on WDFW Lands issues.
• Project management and contract management associated with facilitation and outreach contracts. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • The working environment is a busy office setting. 
  • Varying degrees of activity occur in the common areas during working hours; most tasks will involve working at a desk on a computer.
• Schedule:
  • This position is full-time.         
  • Working hours should occur during 8:00 am-5:00 pm, Monday-Friday, to communicate with agency team members and external groups.  
  • Due to travel on some occasions, some work time may be outside of normal business hours.
• Travel Requirements:
  • May require limited occasional travel throughout the state to build and review content with regional staff and partners. Attends off-site meetings as requested by supervisor.
• Tools and Equipment:
  • A fully supplied workstation will be provided at the NRB in Olympia, including computer, file cabinets and printer. 
  • If a vehicle is required, it can be checked out of the WDFW motor pool.
• Customer Interactions:
  • Position will routinely be working with agency professional staff, and minimally with partners and the public.  

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields:

A) Natural Resources, Lands Management, or a related discipline

B) Data Management, Project Management, Communications

PLUS

• Demonstrated writing and editing experience for diverse audiences.

Certifications/Licenses: 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following: 

• Efficient business management practices and the value of managing data as a shared asset across an organization.
• Proven ability to advocate and promote awareness of the value of managing data as a shared asset across an organization.
• Ability to assimilate and distill a complex array of information management needs into a practical and strategic set of business recommendations and priorities.
• Operational knowledge of relational database designs
• Knowledge of new and emerging protocols for data collection, management. and dissemination 
• Effective communication with a wide variety of audiences in both written and spoken word.
• Knowledge of principles and procedures of public lands management
• Knowledge of and/or experience of hunting, fishing, and/or outdoor recreation
• Competency in diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Performance leadership

Knowledge of:

• Project management best practices
• Basic values of enterprise data management principles
• Importance of developing and applying clear and discrete: definitions, criteria and rules when designing databases and/or business processes
• Best communication practices
• Basic understanding of GIS principles and novice experience with using ArcGIS Desktop software for simple spatial analyses, data editing or map making
• Government organization
• Basic administrative procedures
• Office methods, practices, and procedures
• State and agency policies and procedures
• Agency structure, management procedures and practices
• Outlook, Word, Power Point, Excel, Internet Explorer and other search engines.

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

Experience and education selected, listed, and detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable in the application.

 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 NOTE: 

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.

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 diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov.
• Subject line must 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 diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov.  
• Subject line must 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. 

 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 please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

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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