External Affairs Coordinator, Environmental Planner 2 (EP2)

External Affairs Coordinator, Environmental Planner 2 (EP2)
Recruitment #2024-5-6498
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $4,497.00 - $6,046.00 Monthly

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our SEPA Center. Are you someone who enjoys communication and coordination with others regarding environmental regulations? The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Center is seeking an Environmental Planner 2 to act as the SEPA external affairs coordinator. The SEPA Center receives 4000 – 7000 notices each year and the SEPA team is a small group of planners working to ensure agency compliance with SEPA, NEPA, and the APA. The successful applicant will have an important role in screening environmental documents from other agencies to the DNR for review. This position is a great opportunity for anyone looking to review a wide range of proposals and approval types and expand their knowledge of Washington DNR programs.Responsibilities:

• Assists the programs, divisions, and regions in implementing requirements of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
• Reviews externally generated environmental documents including initial screening of environmental checklists, EIS documents, threshold determinations, and other environmental application materials from external lead agencies to assess projects’ potential impacts on DNR. Occasionally attends public meetings held by external agencies as a representative of DNR, working with agency personnel to understand proposals, and coordinating with internal agency personnel to ensure the agency’s interests and concerns are addressed.
• Forwards proposals that have potential impacts to subject matter experts within DNR and helps compile comments to be submitted to external lead agencies.
• Acts as the agency contact person for the FERC process.
• Assists with rapid day-to-day review, research, interpretation, and analysis of SEPA issues related to all land management activities.
• Engages in outreach to external agencies, ensuring good relations with external agencies.

Required Qualifications: 

• A Bachelor’s degree with a major emphasis in land use, urban, regional, environmental or natural resource planning, or environmental law or a closely related field.
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Demonstrated 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.
• Problem Solving.
• Customer Service.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• The assigned duty station is the Natural Resources Building in Olympia, WA. Work is performed almost exclusively (95%) indoors in office environments.
• The position requires occasional (5%) travel for meetings, trainings, and/or visits to region offices and work centers throughout the state.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Department of Natural Resources policies.
• Experience presenting to a group.

Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position - If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your past 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 Rochelle Goss at Rochelle.Goss@dnr.wa.gov / (360) 902-2117 or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

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. 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.

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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