Aquatic Reserves Program Manager, Environmental Planner 4 (EP4)

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity for a Program Manager to lead the Aquatic Reserves Program. Through the Aquatic Reserves Program, DNR promotes the preservation, restoration, and enhancement of state-owned aquatic lands that are of special educational, scientific, or environmental interest. This position manages the Aquatic Reserves Program, providing leadership and oversight for program activities such as public outreach and education, scientific monitoring and research, reserve management, and establishment and/or expansion of aquatic reserves. This position is a unique opportunity to blend outreach, science, and conservation in the aquatic environment.   Responsibilities:
This position implements aquatic reserves management plans, administers the program, and implements the establishment or expansion of aquatic reserves. Assigned duties include:

• Direct DNR staff and other identified partners in the implementation of the research, management, and monitoring actions described in site-specific aquatic reserve management plans.
• Coordinate with external management partners for aquatic reserves and host regular meetings with Implementation Committees or other representative community groups for each reserve.
• Lead periodic updates of reserve management plans, updating goals and objectives for the reserves and incorporating updated information, best available science, and adaptive management planning. 
• Develop and oversee a program budget that allows for monitoring, research, and restoration.
• Determine implementation priorities while considering funding and staffing resources. 
• Perform general external communications, outreach, and education to the public, local, state, tribal, federal, and private entities informing them about the Aquatic Reserves Program and opportunities for participation in the Program.  
• Work with government agencies, Tribes, citizens, non-government organizations (NGO), and others throughout the state regarding site nomination for aquatic reserves. 
• Oversee the consideration and development of new aquatic reserves and carry out analysis and public notice under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
• Supervise three direct reports, including NR Scientist 3, NR Scientist 2, and Sci-Tech 3, and seven or more indirect reports, including a conservation corps team of five, NR Scientist 2 and NR Tech 3, and periodic temporary staff such as interns or Civic Spark Fellows.

Required Qualifications:   

• A Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science, natural resource management, real estate, forestry, geography, marine science, other science, engineering, land use or environmental planning, public policy, or other relevant field
  AND 3 years of relevant experience
  OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent.
• Experience managing multiple complex tasks, setting workload priorities, and completing tasks on time.
• Experience conducting outreach with external entities such as government agencies, Tribal governments, non-government organizations (NGOs), and community groups.
• Experience with project and program management focused on natural resource management.
• Supervisory experience.
• Able to speak and write clearly and succinctly.
• Collaborates on complex and contentious issues in an active respectful, cooperative, and professional manner.
• Manages multiple complex tasks, sets workload priorities, and completes tasks on time.
• 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.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• The majority of work is performed in an office or meeting setting with some fieldwork. Field visits involve transport by motor vehicle or boat and include working on or around stationary or flowing water (lakes and rivers) and marine waters. Foot travel over rough terrain is occasionally required. While in field settings, the position may come into occasional contact with motor fuels and lubricants, herbicides, or creosote.
• Eight aquatic reserves are located throughout Puget Sound and western Washington. Regular travel to the reserves will be required and occasionally may require overnight stays away from home, usually no more than one to three nights at a time.
  Driving is a requirement of the position and often for long distances (up to 300 miles round trip). May require plane, ferry, and automotive transport to various field locations.
• A valid unrestricted 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. 

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience interpreting and implementing guidelines, regulations, and laws associated with natural resource management, environmental protection, and/or cultural resource protection.
• Knowledge of Puget Sound (Pacific Northwest) riverine, estuarine, and marine nearshore ecosystem processes and habitats and ability to apply knowledge to resource management.
• Experience facilitating implementation and effectiveness monitoring of aquatic resource management strategies.
• Experience applying for and managing grants for natural resource/environmental protection, recreation, or historical preservation projects.
• Experience with contracts such as small public works, public works, and architecture & engineering contracts.
• Experience facilitating public meetings and giving public presentations.
• Experience in public outreach and education.
• Participation in or experience working with Americorps or other Corps programs.
• Experience with GIS software such as ArcGIS.
• Experience operating small motorboats.

Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position - If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don’t hesitate to apply!Application Requirements:

• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers– you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your 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 who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at 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 Hannah Blackstock at Hannah.Blackstock@dnr.wa.gov / (360) 790-1696 or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

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 through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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 which 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 benefits 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 it. 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.

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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Salary : $72,924 - $98,040