The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is dedicated to preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish, wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable recreational and commercial opportunities dependent on viable fish and wildlife populations. If this reflects your values too, then come join a team that is passionate about what they do and wants to make a positive difference every day!
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is mandated to “preserve, protect, perpetuate, and manage the wildlife and fish, game fish, and shellfish in state waters and offshore waters” (RCW 77.04.012). This position manages the Water Policy Section of Energy, Water, and Major Projects Division. This position is WDFW’s lead on water policy, including WDFW’s involvement with the Department of Ecology’s Office of Columbia River and Yakima Basin Integrated Plan and work under Stream flow Restoration Act to mitigate for water withdrawals from permit exempt wells. This position also oversees the agency drought coordinator and supports the division manager’s work on Columbia River Treaty and upper Columbia River salmon reintroduction processes. Supervises 2-3 staff members.
We are looking for applicants that have a strong understanding of governmental administrative structure at local, tribal, state, and federal levels who are collaborative with strong communication skills that reflect WDFW’s commitment to inclusion and diversity. Along with a strong understanding of water law in Washington state and how it is applied.
Some of the things you will do as Water Policy Section Manager are:
- Serve as policy lead on Office of Columbia River (OCR) issues, looking for opportunities to advance WDFW values and mission.
- Attend OCR Policy Advisory Group meetings
- Serve as WDFW headquarters liaison to regional staff working on Yakima Basin Integrated Plan
- Oversee regional involvement in watershed planning under the Streamflow Restoration Act (RCW 90.94).
- Advise Ecology Streamflow Restoration grant funding
- Review watershed/streamflow planning processes.”
- With Division Manager, help coordinate WDFW involvement in advancing Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s Fish and Wildlife Program’s phased process for reintroducing anadromous fish above Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee dams. Coordinate closely with upper Columbia tribes and regional WDFW staff. [Water Policy Section Manager description image] [Water Policy Section Manager description image]
Duties
Some of the things you will do as Water Policy Section Manager are:
- Serve as policy lead on Office of Columbia River (OCR) issues, looking for opportunities to advance WDFW values and mission.
- Attend OCR Policy Advisory Group meetings
- Serve as WDFW headquarters liaison to regional staff working on Yakima Basin Integrated Plan
- Oversee regional involvement in watershed planning under the Streamflow Restoration Act (RCW 90.94).
- Advise Ecology Streamflow Restoration grant funding
- Review watershed/streamflow planning processes.”
With Division Manager, help coordinate WDFW involvement in advancing Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s Fish and Wildlife Program’s phased process for reintroducing anadromous fish above Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee dams. Coordinate closely with upper Columbia tribes and regional WDFW staff.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- General Schedule: Monday-Friday 8-5
- General office setting with frequent travel in-state and occasionally regionally.
- Travel: Frequent travel through-out state- up to 20% of the time.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- A bachelor’s degree or above with major emphasis in environmental or natural resource planning, geography, environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related field; AND, at least three years of professional experience in regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development.
PREFERRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
A master’s degree or higher in environmental policy, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or a closely related field, or a law degree with a focus on environmental law.
The best qualified applicants will demonstrate competencies in the following areas:
- Strong understanding of natural resource management principles, planning principles, environmental law and policy, and objectives of natural resource planning.
- Strong understanding of governmental administrative structure at local, tribal, state, and federal levels, as well as environmental, social, and other challenges affecting development of federal, state, tribal natural resource management programs.
- Strong understanding of water law and policy generally, and a moderate knowledge of how it is applied in Washington state.
- At least moderate knowledge of Washington state natural resources
- Ability to accept responsibility for major program activities; interpret and apply agency policy; develop long-range work plans; think conceptually; observe and interpret trends; analyze data, identify key relationships; draw logical conclusions; and maintain effective working relationships with government officials; address large groups; and write effectively.
- Project management skills: ensure effective participation and organization of materials, tasks, and timelines associated with agency participation in Office of Columbia River (OCR), Streamflow Restoration Act, and other processes.
- Ability to provide oversight and assistance on contracts with Dept. of Ecology and others.
Supplemental Information
WHY WORK FOR WDFW:
A career in public service allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping the health and financial security of you and your family a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to work/life balance.
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
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Please note: Failure to follow the above application instructions may lead to disqualification.
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
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 professionalism, accountability, empathy, integrity, service, and respect.
UNION – WAFWP:
This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.
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 [email protected].
- Subject line should 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 [email protected].
- Subject line should 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
