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Environmental Planner 4
State of Washington | |
United States, Washington, Thurston County – Olympia | |
August 03, 2022 | |
JOBEnvironmental Planner 4Recruitment #2022-7-7397Full-time, Non-permanent, Represented positionAnticipated 12 month Non-permanent appointment Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WATelework and location flexibility may be consideredWant to join something GREAT and make a difference?Are you interested in natural resources management that balances financial, ecological, and social objectives using cutting edge science and data management? Do you enjoy working with a variety of natural resource experts including, scientists, forest modelers, data analysts, foresters, biologists, and public outreach specialists on high priority projects? The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for an Environmental Planner 4 to assist in a variety of projects related to trust land management throughout Washington state. The selected candidate will be involved in a multitude of projects that provide long lasting benefits to the citizens, economy, and ecosystems of WA state.This lead position reports to the Projects and Planning Assistant Division Manager (ADM) of the Forest Resources Division, serving as the senior planner for the establishment of Sustainable Harvest Calculation (SHC) projects on 2.1 million acres of DNR-managed lands. The majority of the work involves implementing direction from Forest Resources Division leadership to ensure that the development of the SHC follows all State Environmental Policy Act (Chapter 43.21 RCW and implementing regulations) (SEPA) requirements. In addition to helping interpret complicated SEPA policy and procedural issues, this position also interprets complex technical data sets (including forest inventory and yields, GIS datasets, and forest estate model outputs) for Division, Executive Management, the Board of Natural Resources and stakeholders. This position works with Regions, Divisions, Executive Management, and Assistant Attorney Generals for review and input as needed.EXAMPLE OF DUTIESResponsibilities:Defining the scope of an environmental resource program or plan, in consultation with the Projects and Planning section manager, subject matter experts, and other clients within the agency.Devising own work methods, including planning, scheduling, setting of milestones, and estimating work tasks before a project is initiated. The incumbent will draft these methods into a project initiation document (PID), as well as provide regular reporting summaries on project progress to the supervisor.Consulting with agency experts (including scientists, researchers, foresters, biologists, data managers), division managers, region managers and executive staff, and external stakeholders on a daily basis.Coordinates, writes, and prepares for publication associated environmental documentation for the sustainable harvest calculation environmental impact statement (EIS). This involves leading interdisciplinary teams comprised of internal experts and contracted resources to prepare datasets, resolve complex technical questions, and to conduct environmental analyses that comply with agency policy and state and federal regulations.Helps to resolve conflicting interpretations within the agency on Revised Codes of Washington (RCWs), State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), current policies, data and analysis methods related to the establishment of a sustainable harvest level.Coordinates with agency SEPA staff in development of agency standards and assists regions with stakeholder involvement during the public phase of the planning process.Coordinates with communications staff to provide consistency in public messaging and interacts with other Divisions and Executive Management to communicate project information to and from the planning team so that work products meet expectations and decision makers are informed.Works as liaison with Informatics staff (GIS, modelers) to facilitate and/or conduct a variety of ad hoc analyses requested by executive staff (Division Manager, Uplands Deputy). These analyses may utilize outputs from DNR's forest estate model as well as the state uplands large data overlay for the SHC and other conservation planning work.Participates in the design and implementation of public meetings, drafts memos and presentations, as well as communications to external parties, to assist in the development, environmental analysis of, and communication about alternatives for the establishment of a sustainable harvest level.Reviews, writes, and provides input into agency policies and procedures related to upland forest planning and implementation.Supports other projects and planning staff with Trust Land Performance Initiative (TLPI) projects. This involves preparing summary data for use in workgroups, steering committees, and public meetings as well as working with other DNR staff to develop reports.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSRequired Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree with a major study in natural resources (e.g. natural resource planning, forestry, landscape ecology, fire science, wildlife biology), public policy and administration with an environmental emphasis, geography, or a closely related field.Five (5) years of professional work experience in natural resources planning, forest ecology, silviculture, fire science, landscape ecology, forest management, wildlife management, public policy and administration, geography, or a closely related field relying on the required position knowledge, skills, abilities and behaviors.Knowledge of planning and project management principles, methods and techniques related to natural resources management.Ability to write effectively and experience translating complex technical, policy and land management concepts for average readers.Demonstrated experience with ArcGIS and related database software to map and analyze natural resource data.Expert verbal and written communication skills, including both the ability to receive/interpret complex information, as well as the ability to convey complex information to technical and non-technical audiences.Ability to use standard word processing software and tools, as well as data management and analysis skills. Competency utilizing MS PowerPoint, MS Excel, and MS word.Ability to identify, maintain and improve internal and external key relationships.DNR Core Competencies: Personal Accountability Value Others Compassionate Communication Inspire Others Commitment to Excellence Conditions of Employment:A valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.Must develop a working ability to use ArcMap GIS software within 90 days of employment. This includes both completion of introductory coursework and demonstrated use of the software. Employee must develop ability to manage GIS data, create maps and visualizations, and conduct basic spatial analysis. Courses are available through: DNR’s employee training website (The Learning Center) and ESRI hosted trainings (DNR is allotted a quantity of learning credits, so these are often free of charge).Majority of time (95%) will be spent indoors. Occasionally (5% or less) time may be spent in the various regions participating in site visits (which may include field site settings).Requires minimum (5% or less) amount traveling from Olympia to one of the six regions of the state or to meeting locations around the state. Overnight travel is required in this position when visiting some region offices and field due to long travel distances. Agency vehicles are available for use.Employees of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. This position is based in an office/fieldwork setting and requires in-person attendance/interactions with no option for full-time telework. Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status. No start date will be approved until you verify your status.Desired Qualifications: Master’s or doctorate degree in natural resources (e.g. natural resource planning, forestry, landscape ecology, fire science, wildlife biology), public policy and administration with an environmental emphasis, geography, or a closely related field.Previous supervisory experience.General knowledge of social/political dynamics that influence resource plan development.Demonstrated ability to think creatively, to take initiative and to function effectively and responsibly with little supervision in a team setting.Ability to understand and implement the business needs of the state land programs.Experience working with SEPA processing.Experience writing, reviewing and editing EIS documents.Strong understanding of the natural resources regulatory environment over the Uplands Program at the Department of Natural Resources, including: DNR Habitat Conservation Plan, Policy for Sustainable Forests, and the State Environmental Policy Act. Ability to interpret and apply agency policy.SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATIONAbout 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. With nearly 1,500 employees in locations throughout Washington, we manage and protect more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands.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 wellnessWork/life balanceDNR 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 moreLeadership that empowers and supports employeesProfessional development opportunitiesEducational and career development aidPublic Service Loan Forgiveness EligibilityOpportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignmentsA 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.Application Requirements:To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position. 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.Attach a copy of your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy of your transcripts.Complete all supplemental questions. Additional Information:This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days. 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!The 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 during the screening process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff at (360) 522-2500 or (360) 522-0143 or by email at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) at 1-800-833-6388 or www.washingtonrelay.com. Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress Questions? Please contact Justin Schmal at justin.schmal@dnr.wa.gov, 360-742-2303 or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.govOnce 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. |