Program Specialist - PW-Natural Resources

Salary : $34.27 - $49.29 Hourly

Location : Bellingham, WA 98225

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Number : 202500232

Department : Public Works

Division : Natural Resources

Opening Date : 02 / 06 / 2025

Closing Date : 2 / 23 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific

Summary

Public Works is seeking an experienced outreach professional to fill the position of Natural Resources Program Specialist.

Key assignments of this position will be :

• Leading communication projects related to Natural Resources programs including the River & Flood program, as well as other department-wide and / or community initiatives.
• Writing, editing, and reviewing materials to appear in publications, reports, periodicals, brochures, speeches, presentations, social media, website and audio - visual productions; working with division and departmental staff to ensure message consistency. Assuring that appropriate branding, design standards, templates, and communication tools are used consistently throughout the agency.
• Coordinating the activities of the Lake Whatcom Management Program including internal and external meetings, reporting and coordinating the aquatic invasive species program.
• Leading outreach and technical assistance projects for the WRIA 1 water rights adjudication, including planning public meetings and working with external agencies.

The Program Specialist will be responsible for developing, coordinating, and delivering strategic community engagement programs that advance delivery of the department's natural resources services. Serves as the principal resource and lead for all outreach, education, community engagement, media communication, and market research for Public Works' Natural Resources programs. Researches, plans, organizes, and implements a variety of targeted outreach solutions that improve internal and public understanding, and measures acceptance of services provided by the department. Responds to public inquiries and prepares information for distribution through a variety of media.

Primary areas of focus may include water quality, watershed functions, marine and riverine habitats, endangered species, the Pollution Identification and Correction (PIC) program, shellfish protection districts, and the supply, demand and allocation of the County's natural resource assets, water supply, floodplain management, agriculture, and other natural resource values and services that further local, state and federal laws and policies.

This position provides public outreach and education to the general public and target groups regarding natural resources including water quantity, and water quality programs and solicits input as appropriate. Collects, analyzes, understands and interprets complex technical information and scientific data for lay audiences. Develops new programs targeted to effectively reach appropriate audiences. Plans, develops, produces and distributes educational information to target groups to promote participation and awareness, including brochures, fact sheets, press releases, surveys, oral presentations and social marketing. Serves as the principal point of contact and respondent for public inquiries regarding Natural Resources services, including, but not limited to, water quality, water quantity, habitat and floodplain management, the PIC program, and shellfish protection districts.

For more information, see full and

Public Works Seniority Division : Administration

Supervisor : Natural Resources Program Manager

Qualifications

Requires a Bachelor's degree in a natural resources science, environmental policy or related field AND four years of progressively responsible experience including at least 2 years of experience in developing natural resources focused outreach and communications and teaching environmental concepts.

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

Requires knowledge of :

Principles and practices of Natural Resources issues including fundamental concepts in watershed processes and protection, water quality and related policies.

Public outreach and education plan development.

Computer graphics and layout applications.

Print and broadcast media and the production of outreach and education support materials.

Website software and social media communications.

ArcGIS and data collection apps. Research and data collection techniques.

Whatcom County offers excellent benefits at no cost to employees, including :

Do you have a Bachelor's degree (or higher) in a natural resources science, environmental policy or related field?

How many years of work experience do you have in natural resources outreach?

Describe the software you have used to create outreach and educational materials :

Please describe your experience working with developing and conducting community outreach events.

Please describe your experience with website software and social media communications :

Required Question

Salary : $34 - $49