Salary: $88,188.00 - $110,244.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Remote Optional
Job Number: 2024-12170
Department: Parks and Recreation Commission
Opening Date: 10/29/2024
Closing Date: 11/24/2024 11:55 PM Pacific
DescriptionWashington State Parks and Recreation Commission
Job Title- Environmental Program Manager (WMS02)
Location: Tumwater, WA.
Closes: First review will be on Nov 4th and thenapplications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hire at anytime after the first review. We strongly recommend applying as soon as possible.
Position Hours: Typical schedule is Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm,a flex schedule may be negotiated. Available for remote telework within Washington State once onboard training is completed.
A
re you passionate about the outdoors? Washington State Parks and Recreations Commission is seeking to fill a full time permanent Environmental Program Manager (WMS02). The Environmental Program Manager is a statewide WMS position that reports directly to the Stewardship Division Director. This position manages the Environmental Program for the agency and is the agency's environmental compliance expert and spokesperson. Their duty is to guide the agency's environmental compliance. The incumbent will be responsible for the supervision, accountability, and professional development of ten professional staff engaged in environmental permitting and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) compliance statewide.
Working closely with managers in the Operations, Parks Development, and Stewardship divisions, this position identifies and prioritizes permitting needs and ensures a consistent agency approach through supervision of agency environmental permitting staff.
Our ideal candidate will bring a demonstrated knowledge of state/federal environmental laws, excellent oral and written skills, specific strategic and technical expertise to manage environmental compliance for agency work at 200+ state parks and other property holdings in Washington's 138,000-acre state park system. The position plays a critical role in agency project delivery by promoting thorough project scoping and ensuring timely SEPA review and submittal of environmental permit applications.
Current staff testimonial "I feel like we have an amazing team that is kind and supportive of each other. We also get to do really meaningful work at Parks."
Excellent state benefits including: medical, dental and vision and pension retirement, along with flexible hours, telework option, and opportunities to work throughout Washington's beautiful state park system, make this an exciting and unique opportunity.
Want to join a great organization? The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages one of the largest, most diverse--and most beautiful-parks systems in the country. With more than 120,000 acres, the system includes 124 developed parks, including 19 marine parks, 11 historical parks, 35 heritage sites, 13 interpretive centers and approximately 500 miles of long-distance recreation trails. And the agency is staffed with nearly 1000 employees (summers), who are some of the most passionate employees you'll find anywhere We love what we manage and what we do. For more information on Washington State Parks, click .
Duties Under the administrative supervision of the Stewardship Director this position manages the statewide coordination of environmental review and compliance. Tasks assigned typically require expert knowledge of environmental laws, agency policies, and natural & cultural resource management. Duties include, but are not limited to:
• Serves as agency's foremost SEPA expert. Works with executive leadership and Attorney General's Office to manage legal risk related to SEPA/environmental compliance and to address legal challenges.
• Maintains and coordinates major advances in current agency SEPA policies with internal and external stakeholders, including rulemaking, rule interpretation, and resolving conflicts through attorney services requests. Reviews and comments on proposed administrative rules and regulations pertaining to environmental matters.
• Manages a team of (10) professional level environmental staff that permits projects statewide. (Three staff managed directly; seven managed through subordinates). Establishes team and individual job expectations and performance measures and ensures staff has the tools and skills needed to be successful in their duties. Promotes a team environment where staff are encouraged to solve problems openly and constructively.
• Ensures environmental permitting/SEPA support for the agency's capital, maintenance, real estate acquisition, and restoration projects, as well as other land management activities. Ensures SEPA review of other agency actions, including agency policy development and Commission requested actions. Collaborates with other agency programs/divisions to help prioritize requests for environmental permitting. Tracks progress on permitting requests to ensure timeline responses.
• Leads program development and process refinement, including data management, GIS product standardization, and environmental records management.
• Develops standards for all agency environmental permitting work. Coordinates and reviews SEPA determinations by agency environmental permitting staff to provide statewide consistency and legal defensibility. Collaborates with other agency programs/divisions to help prioritize requests for environmental permitting.
Qualifications REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:- Bachelor's degree in environmental policy, land planning, natural resource management or related discipline.
AND- Four (4) years of relevant professional experience related to Washington State Environmental Policy Act compliance and Washington State/federal natural and cultural resource permitting,
- Must be proficient in MS Office Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, Teams)
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: - Masters degree in environmental policy/land planning/natural resource management or related discipline.
- Knowledge of ArcGIS.
- Experience supervising professional staff.
- Experience working constructively with tribal governments.
Leadership - Promote agency mission and goals and demonstrate the way to achieve them. Create a positive work environment where all employees are motivated to do their best. Display a positive attitude and optimism about the work to be done, co-workers, customers, management, and employer policies. Set clear, meaningful, challenging, and attainable goals and expectations that are aligned with those of the organization and provide regular and consistent feedback on those expectations.
Workload Management - Plan, organize, prioritize, and effectively delegate work, focusing on results and desired outcomes and how best to achieve them. Effectively handle competing priorities and urgent situations, making sound decisions within short timeframes, and taking appropriate action. Remain acutely aware of timeframes, remain focused, handle interruptions effectively, and ensure deadlines are successfully met. Demonstrate accountability for the timely and accurate completion of responsibilities.
Critical Thinking - In the absence of clear guidelines or information use judgment and critical thinking to infer appropriate meaning and form conclusions to resolve problems or issues. Display balanced thinking that combines analysis, wisdom, experience, varying perspectives, and agency goals.
Mastery of Computer Skills - Use computers, including all associated hardware and software, to produce timely and accurate work products that fully satisfy the demands of the assignment. Adapt through continual learning to new/updated computer software and hardware. Includes but is not limited to proficient use of Microsoft Office products to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Interpersonal Skills - Demonstrate ability to build and maintain strong, courteous relationships with peers, managers, and customers. Respond to difficult, stressful, or sensitive interpersonal situations in ways that reduce or minimize potential conflicts and maintains good working relationships with others.
Occupational Competencies: (The competencies listed below must be demonstrated within the trial service/probationary period and are a continuing requirement of this position.)
Building Collaborative Relationships - Develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with others inside or outside the agency who can provide information, assistance, and support. Recognize business concerns and perspectives of others while maintaining focus on agency mission and goals. Integrate the ideas and needs of others in developing feasible strategies to accomplish stated objectives. Achieve internal and external acceptance of and support for those strategies. Express gratitude and appreciation to others who have provided information, assistance, or support.
Project Evaluation - Evaluate overall project progress or program effectiveness, ensuring performance standards are upheld and met, and appraising deficiencies or difficulties. Resolve problems quickly and efficiently with minimal negative impact. Provide viable options when needed.
Fiscal Accountability - Follow fiscal guidelines, regulations, principles, and standards when committing fiscal resources or processing financial transactions. Responsibly allocate and account for the use of fiscal resources, weighing alternatives and their benefits. Monitor budget usage and ensure critical costs are covered.
Interpersonal Influence - Influence others within the organization to be excited, enthused, and committed to furthering the organization's objectives. Facilitate development of shared mission, vision, and key values and use those principles to guide actions. Address problems and issues in an open, constructive, and respectful manner that maintains the dignity of all.
Adaptability and Flexibility - Adapt easily to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities. Anticipate and effectively communicate need for change, proactively embrace change as a way to accomplish goals more effectively, and help others deal with the ongoing demands of change.
Supplemental InformationHOW TO APPLYTo ensure consideration, please complete the online job application and profile at or at You must attach or embed in your application the following:
- A letter of interest, describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting.
- A current resume, detailing experience, and education.
- A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information.
All requested materials must be submitted. Incomplete or late application materials will not be accepted. Failure to follow application process may disqualify you from further consideration.
Diversity StatementThe Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build a workplace culture that is welcoming and inclusive in which all employees feel respected and empowered to bring their unique ideas to the agency. At State Parks, we believe that embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences is essential to growing a strong workforce. We encourage applicants underrepresented in natural resources and outdoor recreation fields to apply, including but not limited to women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, persons over 40 years of age, and individuals who identify as a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at (360) 902-8565. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
For information about this position, please contact Lisa Lantz at or (360) 902-8641. For information about the hiring process, please contact Wendy Vandel at or (360) 902-8688. More than Just a Paycheck!Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance BenefitsEmployees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred CompensationState Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social SecurityAll state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan ForgivenessIf you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for
exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military LeaveWashington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional LeaveLeave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
Do you possess a Bachelor's degree or higher in environmental policy, land planning, natural resource management or related discipline?
02
Please list your educational degree(s), date received and specializations.
03
Do you have four years professional experience related to Washington State Environmental Policy Act compliance and Washington State/federal natural and cultural resource permitting?
04
Please describe your professional experience performing SEPA determinations?
05
Do you possess a valid drivers license?
06
Which one of the following best describes your experience with state and federal environmental regulations and permitting?
- I have little or no experience performing it.
- I have experience performing this activity under direct supervision.
- I am skilled at performing this activity and I have performed it independently.
- I am an expert in performing this activity and I have trained or led (4 or more years of experience).
07
Which one of the following best describes your experience working constructively with tribal governments on environmental issues?
- I have little or no experience performing it.
- I have experience performing this activity under direct supervision.
- I am skilled at performing this activity and I have performed it independently.
- I am an expert in performing this activity and I have trained or led (4 or more years of experience).
08
Which one of the following best describes your knowledge of ArcGIS?
- I have little or no experience performing it.
- I have experience performing this activity under direct supervision.
- I am skilled at performing this activity and I have performed it independently.
- I am an expert in performing this activity and I have trained or led (4 or more years of experience).
09
Which one of the following best describes your experience supervising staff, providing mentorship, writing performance expectations and evaluations?
- I have little or no experience performing it.
- I have 12 to 23 months of experience performing these activities.
- I have 24 to 35 months of experience performing these activities.
- I have 36 to 47 months of experience performing these activities.
- I have 48 or more months of experience performing these activities.
10
Which of the following best describes your proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams?
- Beginner (little or no experience, but interested and willing to learn)
- Developing (working knowledge)
- Skilled (working knowledge, uses software frequently)
- Expert (exceptional knowledge, recognized as expert user)
Required Question
