Strait Ecosystem Recovery Network Coordinator

North Olympic Peninsula Resource Conservation & Development Council

Strait Ecosystem Recovery Network Coordinator

Location: Clallam and Jefferson Counties, Washington

FLSA Status: Full time (40 hours/week). Potential to reduce the hours for the right candidate, if desired. Exempt.

Salary: $70,000 - $75,000 annually depending on experience

Benefits: Employer-paid health, vision and dental insurance, generous paid leave, flexible work schedule

Reports to: NODC Executive Director, as well as Strait ERN Steering Committee

About the Organization

The Strait Ecosystem Recovery Network (Strait ERN) is a collaborative network that works towards a healthy and resilient ecosystem that sustains all life and human wellbeing on the North Olympic Peninsula and along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The area served by the Strait ERN stretches across the entire northern edge of Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula from Cape Flattery to Point Wilson. The Strait ERN is guided by a Steering Committee made up of diverse members from around the Straits.

Strait ERN is housed within the North Olympic Development Council (NODC). With a mission to empower the North Olympic Peninsula to pursue and invest in its own economic and environmental destiny, the NODC is the regional Economic Development District for Clallam and Jefferson counties. Located on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula of Washington State, NODC works to develop a thriving, resilient region by producing a comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS), convening discussions and planning responses to regional issues, supporting economic development in key sectors and implementing collaborative projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

Coordinating the Strait ERN

This position requires strong experience with ecosystem protection and recovery efforts, as well as knowledge on climate resiliency and adaptation challenges impacting rural communities throughout the North Olympic Peninsula and Puget Sound. The applicant should also demonstrate experience as a communicator, collaborator, facilitator, community builder, and how they can work independently (a “self-starter”) and remain impartial when working with the diversity of interests of the member governments and organizations of the Strait ERN.

A key responsibility is organizing and hosting Strait ERN Quarterly Meetings and Steering Committee meetings. This includes scheduling, planning, inviting, and facilitating quarterly Strait ERN meetings (to include speaker forums, when appropriate). These are usually hybrid meetings (both in person and online options available). Necessary follow up includes drafting notes and next steps.

Representing the Strait ERN as a Local Integrating Organization (LIO)

As one of ten Local Integrating Organizations (LIOs) funded by the Puget Sound Partnership (PSP), the Strait ERN acts as a local forum that meets regularly throughout the year to collaboratively work to develop, coordinate, and implement strategies and actions that contribute to carrying out the Puget Sound Action Agenda. It also provides the opportunity to participate in other regional, state, and international meetings, to pilot educational and outreach activities, as well as educate and inform elected officials and other decision makers and provide seed funding to ecosystem recovery and protection projects.

Supporting other ecosystem and climate-related efforts

The Strait region has worked collaboratively over many years on climate resiliency, adaptation and mitigation efforts, specifically developing a climate preparedness strategy to mitigate the expected dire effects of climate change on the region. Supporting this work may involve participating in grant proposals, pulling together collaborations, and moving efforts forward to help develop, prioritize and scope climate resilient projects that will significantly advance climate change adaptation in rural communities. The Strait ERN Coordinator will also contribute as a NODC staff member and participate in NODC staff meetings, as well as assist with NODC environmental and climate projects as needed.

Required Qualifications:

o perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, planning and/or policy or related fields. Additional years of experience may substitute for this requirement.
• Minimum of 3 years professional experience in planning, community engagement, environmental science and/or resource management with Tribal government, state or federal government or nonprofit organizations.
• Demonstrated experience working for or with Tribes.
• Demonstrated success in writing and managing federal and/or state grants iIncluding procurement processes and managing subcontracts.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work with and relate to people with a wide variety of backgrounds, education and experiences.
• Excellent communication ability in written and spoken English.
• Proficient in use of computers, including email, word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software; familiarity with Apple platform preferred.
• Ability to work independently and manage time efficiently.
• Must live in Jefferson or Clallam County, Washington, or be willing to relocate.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience working in a rural area.
• Experience organizing and facilitating regional community meetings, both in person and online.
• Experience in creating and/or implementing plans for ecosystem protection and recovery.
• Demonstrated experience with ecosystem protection and recovery efforts on the North Olympic Peninsula along the Strait of Juan de Fuca and familiarity with the regional recovery of Puget Sound.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Education and/or Experience: Bachelor’s degree in some area of environmental science, planning and/or policy or similar field. A Master’s degree is preferred. Minimum of three years of professional experience in a related position. Additional experience may substitute for degree requirements.

Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have demonstrated skill and a high level of proficiency in the use of personal computers and Microsoft Office, Google Workspace and website management (specifically Squarespace). Familiarity with Apple Macintosh computers and platform preferred.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is sometimes required to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. The employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time; use hands to file and manage paperwork; bend and reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. Occasionally required to stand for long periods of time, stoop, kneel, squat, and crouch.

Work Environment: After hours and weekend work may occasionally be required. Occasional job-related travel within the two-county region. Much of the time telework will be possible though face to face meetings are an important component of the work.

Timeframe: Funding for this position is dependent on federal funding, and comes from the EPA’s National Estuary Program via the Puget Sound Partnership, in the form of LIO capacity funding. The current capacity grant ends September 30, 2025, and funding is expected to continue for another 3 years of grant support for this position. This position has been funded for 10 years through this grant program.

To Apply: Send resume, cover letter and 3 references to info@noprcd.org. Interviews may begin as early as February 3rd, 2025. The position is open until filled. NODC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. Women, people of color, Tribal members and members of the LGBTQ community are encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience writing and managing state and federal grants?

Experience:

• professional: 3 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Port Angeles, WA 98362 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Port Angeles, WA 98362: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Port Angeles, WA 98362

Salary : $70,000 - $75,000