Tug Escort Environmental Analysis Coordinator (Environmental Planner 4)

 Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Spill Prevention, Preparedness & Response (SPPR) program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Tug Escort Environmental Analysis Coordinator (Environmental Planner 4) position. This position can be located in any of the following offices: Our Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA or our Northwest Region Office (NWRO) in Shoreline, WA. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Please Note: If the final location of this position is determined to be in our Northwest Region Office (NWRO) in Shoreline, WA. there will be an additional 5% pay increase due to its location in King County. In this instance the salary range will be $6,195 - $8,328 per month. 

In this role, you will serve as a senior level environmental planner for the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) analysis that is required as part of the tug escort rulemaking. You will manage the SEPA process and environmental analysis for the rule, manage the procurement and contract analysis for environmental elements of the proposed rules that may have significant adverse environmental impacts, conduct research to support the SEPA analysis and contracted work, coordinate stakeholder outreach and feedback related to SEPA, and develop reports and other documents related to SEPA. You will gain a well-rounded understanding of the SEPA process, contract and procurement process, and work closely with the Board of Pilotage Commissioners (BPC). 

Please Note: This is a project position that is funded until December 31, 2025. 

 

Agency Mission: The mission of the Department of Ecology's is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment for current and future generations.

Program Mission: The Spills Program’s mission is to protect, preserve, and restore Washington’s environment. Our vision is to create a zero spills world.

Statewide Resources Section: 

• Supports the Agency and Program missions in maintaining 24/7 response capability, aggressive response to oil and hazardous substance spills through service delivery of legislative and policy support, program planning, data and IT management, performance reporting, statewide training, investigation, enforcement, research and analysis, file management, and time accounting activities.
• This position is a part of a newly established Research and Policy Unit within the Statewide Resources Section.

Tele-work options for this position: This position is eligible for up to a 90% telework schedule. This position may need to come into the office infrequently for team and external meetings, travel opportunities, trainings, and workshops.

Application Timeline: This position will remain open until filled, we will review applications on October 13, 2023. In order to be considered, please submit an application on or before October 12, 2023. If your application isn't received by this date, it may not be considered. The agency reserves the right to make a Hire any time after the initial screening date. 

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 *Click here for more information 
 

About the Department of Ecology

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. To learn more, check out our Strategic Plan. 

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.
• Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work.

Our commitment to DEIR
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. 

 

Duties

What makes this role unique? 

In this role, you will manage the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) process and environmental analysis for the tug escort rulemaking. You will gain experience as a lead conducting research to support the SEPA analysis, coordinate stakeholder outreach and feedback, develop reports related to SEPA, and communicate findings and provide recommendations to decision-makers. You will gain experience managing a procurement process and associated contracted environmental analyses related to the tug escort rulemaking.

What you will do: 

• Lead the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) process and environmental analysis for the tug escort rulemaking.
• Conduct research to support the SEPA analysis and contracted work and develop reports and other SEPA documents, including an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
• Provide expertise to the rulemaking team through research and evaluation of environmental impacts of the proposed rules, supporting the contracted analysis.
• Communicate and present results of the SEPA analysis both internally and externally through meetings, workshops, and other avenues.
• Lead outreach efforts related to SEPA including working with Tribes, local, state, and federal government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and industry stakeholder groups.
• Manage the procurement process and subsequent contract for contracted environmental analyses related to the tug escort rulemaking.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

Years of required experience indicated below are full-time equivalent years. Full-time equivalent experience means that any experience where working hours were less than 40 hours per week will be prorated in order to meet the equivalency of full-time. We would calculate this by looking at the total hours worked per week, divide this by 40, and then multiply by the total number of months worked. Examples of the proration calculations are:
  

• 30 hours worked per week for 20 months: (30/40) x 20 months = 15 months full-time equivalent.
• 20 hours worked per week for 12 months: (20/40) x 12 months = 6 months full-time equivalent. 

Experience for both required and desired qualifications can be gained through various combinations of formal professional employment, education, and volunteer experience. See below for how you may qualify.

Option One: 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 years of professional experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development. 

Options Two: A Master's degree or above 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 years of professional experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development. 

Option Three: One year of experience as an Environmental Planner 3, at the Department of Ecology.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 

• The position normally works in a relatively sedentary open office environment, working with computers and other office equipment for long periods of time. 
• This position is required to complete Incident Command System (ICS) training at the level of 100.  
• Hold and maintain eligibility and certification to permit travel to and from Canada, including passport or Enhanced Driver’s License. 
• Hold 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.  

• Experience directing all aspects of a project, ensuring that work progresses toward achieving goals and objectives. Including prioritizing work, exercising judgment, and evaluating ongoing progress.
• Experience with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), conducting and synthesizing research, oil spill policy, and marine policy.
• Experience working in politically sensitive situations and with maintaining appropriate discretion.
• Understanding of regulations at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively communicate with various stakeholder groups, including state and federal agencies, Tribal and local governments, regulated businesses, and non-governmental organizations.

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 on 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.
• A list of 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 (such as 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 the position, please email Brittany Flittner at: Brittany.Flittner@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Brittany 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.

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.