Salary: $68,064.00 – $91,524.00 Annually
Location: Thurston County – Lacey, WA
Job Type: Project (limited duration)
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Department: Dept. of Ecology
Job Number: 2022-OCBP1190-08428
Closing: Continuous
Larn more about this position and apply today at Department of Ecology’s Government Jobs page.
Job Description:
Please Note: The pay listed above includes the 3.25% pay increase that will go into effect on July 1, 2022.
Per Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14.2 (Download PDF reader), Washington State employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination as part of the hiring process, prior to their start date. Requests for medical and religious exemptions will be considered. If you have questions, please contact Careers@ecy.wa.gov with “COVID-19 vaccination” in the subject line.
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Office of Chehalis Basin (OCB) within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Flood Risk Reduction Program Coordinator (Environmental Planner 4) (In-Training) position. This position is located in our Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.
The Chehalis River Basin is Washington’s second largest watershed, and this position is unique because it specifically supports Chehalis River Basin-related flood damage reduction. The region has had more federally declared flooding disasters than any other part of Washington State, and you will be helping real people solve real problems “on-the-ground”. In doing this, you will have the opportunity to work with a wide variety of diverse partners on projects that when complete, immediately reduce flood damages at individual locations. This includes but is not limited to local governments, property and business owners, and construction contractors.
This position would act at a senior level, independently providing project coordination and applying technical and policy expertise to site-specific flood damage reduction projects throughout the Chehalis Basin watershed. In this role, you will represent OCB as a flood expert in a variety of settings. In addition, this role will provide you with an excellent opportunity to gain the following experience:
- Ability to develop and utilize your understanding of flood damage reduction and environmental restoration strategies.
- Developing and utilizing knowledge of relevant permitting requirements at the federal, state, and local level, as they may apply to home elevations, relocations, demolitions, and retrofitting projects.
- Developing or utilizing the ability to manage construction contractors and contracts.
- Developing and utilizing knowledge of federal, state and local laws, rules, and programs related to flood-plain and land use management, and other relevant water/planning/land use statutes to provide guidance and technical assistance.
The Office of Chehalis Basin‘s (OCB) and the Chehalis Basin Board’s (Board) legislative directive is to aggressively pursue implementation of an integrated strategy and administer funding for long-term flood damage reduction and aquatic species restoration in the Chehalis River Basin.
We are looking for applicants who are creative problem solvers who want to help people with practical solutions to their flooding problems. Strong candidates will have the flexibility to rapidly respond to emerging issues, and work well with local property owners and government staff and officials as collaborative partners.
Please Note: This is a project position that is funded until June 30, 2023. The funding for this position has a high probability of being renewed for the next bi-annual budget.
Protecting Washington State’s environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We are a culture that is invested in making a difference. Join a team that is highly effective and collaborative, with leadership that embraces the value of people.
Ecology cares deeply about employee wellness; we go beyond traditional benefits, proudly offering:
- A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
- An Infants at Work Program that is based on the long-term health values of infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.
- Continuous growth and development opportunities.
- A wellness program that offers education, fitness classes, and an agency-wide fondness for outdoor meetings.
- Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work.
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology’s work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.
- Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.
- Equity: We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.
- Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology’s work.
- Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.
We believe that DEIR is both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.
During Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery, employees are working a combination of in-office and/or telework based on position and business need. As a collaborative office serving the public and partners who live and work in the Chehalis River basin, it is anticipated that OCB’s business needs will require the position to work in the basin and the office up to 2 days a week. Ecology is following current state guidance regarding building occupancy, mask requirements, health screening questions before entry, and social distancing.
Application Timeline: This position will remain open until filled, the initial screening date is June 21, 2022. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before June 20, 2022. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.
What Makes This Role Unique?
In this role, you will help support the implementation of a Chehalis basin-wide Community Flood Assistance and Resilience (CFAR) Program, a major element of the Chehalis Basin Board’s long-term integrated Chehalis Basin Strategy to reduce flood damage and improve aquatic species habitat in the basin.
You will direct implementation of CFAR-funded projects, support local governments in identifying and implementing small-scale flood damage reduction actions and assist local governments and home and business owners in identifying flood damage reduction approaches and flood insurance implications.
What You Will Do:
- Provide technical and policy recommendations for implementation of the Community Flood Assistance & Resilience (CFAR) Program.
- Manage flood damage reduction project contracts, contractors and construction through Ecology or the WA State Recreation and Conservation Office.
- Coordinate with the local partners in the basin to facilitate and ensure efficient communication during implementation of CFAR programs and projects.
- Coordinate with the principal planner and with other state agencies, federal agencies, and local governments in development of community protection strategies that identify areas where buildings should be acquired or retrofitted to reduce or mitigate flood damage.
- Provide technical assistance to communities and property owners on non-regulatory floodplain management and flood insurance matters.
- Coordinate with Ecology Regional floodplain management staff, Flood Program policy lead, State NFIP Coordinator, Ecology RiskMAP coordinator, and OCB staff, to ensure Chehalis Basin Strategy flood risk reduction program priorities are informing state and Federal priorities.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications: The goal class for this position is an Environmental Planner 4 (EP4). We welcome applicants who meet the requirements for either the Environmental Planner 2, 3 or 4 levels. If the finalist meets the requirements for the EP2 or EP3 level, then they will receive a training program to become an EP3 or EP4 within a specified period of time.
At the Environmental Planner 2 Level (Salary Range 52: $4,324-$5,812 Monthly)
A Bachelor’s degree with a major emphasis in:
- Land use
- Urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning
- Landscape architecture
- Geography
- Land use or environmental law
- Public administration with an environmental emphasis
- Or closely related field
AND
Three (3) years of professional experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development.
OR
A Master’s degree in one of the above fields
AND
One (1) year of professional experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development.
OR
One (1) year of experience as an Environmental Planner 1 at the Department of Ecology.
At the Environmental Planner 3 Level (Salary Range 59: $5,135-$6,746 Monthly)
A Bachelor’s degree with a major emphasis in:
- Land use
- Urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning
- Landscape architecture
- Geography
- Land use or environmental law
- Public administration with an environmental emphasis
- Or closely related field
AND
Four (4) years of professional experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning and/or program development.
OR
A Master’s degree in one of the above fields
AND
Two (2) years of professional experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development.
OR
One (1) year of experience as an Environmental Planner 2 at the Department of Ecology.
At the Environmental Planner 4 Level (Goal Class) (Salary Range 63: $5,672-$7,627 Monthly)
A Bachelor’s degree with a major emphasis in:
- Land use
- Urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning
- Landscape architecture
- Geography
- Land use or environmental law
- Public administration with an environmental emphasis
- Or closely related field
AND
Five (5) years of professional experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental or natural resource planning, and/or program development.
OR
A Master’s degree in one of the above fields
AND
Three (3) years of professional experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development.
OR
One (1) year of experience as an Environmental Planner 3 at the Department of Ecology.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Must obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Desired Qualifications:
We highly encourage you to apply even if you do not have some (or all) of the desired experience below.
- Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM).
- Three years of professional experience in floodplain management, code enforcement, construction management, or floodplain engineering.
- Working knowledge of the state’s Shoreline Management Act, Growth Management Act, Critical Area Ordinance requirements, Floodplain Management Act, Coastal Zone Management Act, FEMA’s Community Rating System and the National Flood Insurance Program.
- At least five years of professional experience implementing a flood risk reduction/flood proofing investment program at the federal, state, tribal or local level.
- Experience working for local, state, federal or tribal resource management agency in a planning, floodplain management, programming, policy, or permitting capacity.
- Professional experience providing technical assistance to local governments regarding, floodplain ordinances: Providing scientific, technical, and policy assistance to local governments.
- Working knowledge of community-specific property protection strategies and experience developing community-specific property protection strategies.
Note: Having some (or all) of this desired experience may make your application more competitive in a highly competitive applicant pool.
Supplemental Information:
Ecology Seeks Diverse Applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Need an Accommodation in the application and/or screening process or this job announcement in an alternative format?
- Please call: (360) 407-6186 or email: careers@ecy.wa.gov and we will be happy to assist.
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can reach the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
- If you need assistance applying for this job, please e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not send an email to this address to follow-up the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile’s main page.
- If you are reading this announcement in print format, please enter the following URL to your search engine to apply: https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/Jobs-at-Ecology.
Application Instructions:
It’s in the applicant’s best interest to submit all of the documents listed below. Applications without these documents may be declined.
- A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position.
- A resume outlining your experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to the minimum qualifications of this position.
- Three professional references.
Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.
For Your Privacy:
When attaching documents to your application (Resume, Cover Letter, Transcripts, DD-214, etc.):
- Please be sure to remove private information such as your social security number, date of birth, etc.
- Do not attach documents that are password-protected, as these documents may not be reviewed and may cause errors within your application when downloaded.
Additional Application Instructions for Current Ecology Employees:
Please make sure to answer the agency-wide questions regarding permanent status as a classified employee within the Washington General Service or Washington Management Service. Do not forget to select Department of Ecology as a response to question 2 and type your personnel ID number for question 3. If you are not sure of your status or do not know your personnel ID number, please contact Human Resources.
Application Attestation:
The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.
Other Information:
If you have specific questions about this position, please email cindy.bradley@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Cindy to inquire about the status of your application.
To request the full position description: email careers@ecy.wa.gov
Why Work for Ecology?
As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington’s environment for current and future generations. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.
Joining Ecology means becoming a part of a team committed to protecting and restoring Washington State’s environment. A career in public service allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work balance.
Ecology 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 *See the Benefits tab in this announcement for more information
Student Debt: How Working for Ecology Can Help?
The Department of Ecology is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Forgiveness Program (PSLF). See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.
To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.
Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Ecology 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 in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 407-6186. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.
