HPA Intake Unit Supervisor - Environmental Specialist - Permanent
FULL-TIME/PERMANENT
ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST4
HYDRAULIC PROJECT APPROVAL (HPA) INTAKE UNIT SUPERVISOR
WDFW Habitat Program – Regulatory Services Section
Olympia, Washington
Are you passionate about preserving, protecting, and perpetuating fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities?
Our HPA Intake Unit Supervisor oversees a small team of environmental specialists who assist habitat biologists throughout Washington State by managing the HPA permit intake and screening process through an online application platform. This position will work closely with regional Habitat Biologists and managers, compliance inspectors, Regulatory Services Section staff, applicants and other public individuals and groups, tribal biologists, and regulatory staff in other government agencies.
If this sounds like the perfect opportunity for you, then apply today and join the WDFW Team!
Hydraulic Project – Bulkhead Removal – Photo Credit: Allison Cook
With that in mind,
With your experience, you will provide technical assistance for highly complex inquires that require comprehensive understanding of both the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) authority and associated rules, regulations, and statutory requirements, as well as State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) rules.
The optimal applicant has effective communication skills, can easily build rapport, and will apply negotiation/conflict resolution skills when communicating with people under difficult circumstances.
You thrive on building collaboration and teamwork with WDFW staff, the public, Indian Tribes, and local, state, and federal governmental agencies regarding issues pertaining to fish and wildlife protection.
We are seeking a candidate who respects and values the opinions of others, creating an inclusive team environment where every member feels they contribute value to the project and WDFW.
Hydraulic Project – Replacement Bulkhead – Photo Credit: Allison Cook
Our HPA Intake Unit Supervisor,
Manages HPA application processing and technical assistance. Tasks include, but are not limited to:
- Review and evaluate HPA applications, plans and supplemental materials for accuracy and administrative statutory completeness in accordance with the applicable statutes, rules, agency policies, and guidance.
- Conduct technical review of project proposals to ensure complete project plans and compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
- Provides technical assistance for high priority and complex inquiries that require deviating from standard procedures and extensive research and coordination with internal and external parties.
- Be the lead in resolving and training other hydraulic permit specialists in resolving nuance HPA issues whose resolution isn’t clearly articulated in existing rules and regulations that may have legal or other ramifications outside of the scope of the HPA processing unit.
- Assign complete applications to the appropriate Habitat Biologist for final permit issuance or denial.
- Address time-sensitive technical and logistical issues for which regional habitat biologists rely on to ensure compliance permitting timeline (in accordance with State law at RCW 77.55).
Maintains and oversees the Aquatic Protection Permitting System (APPS) to maintain compliance with RCW 77.55. Tasks include, but are not limited to:
- As the agency’s APPS expert, lead troubleshooting, communicating, and tracking of the progress of any technical issues that arise in APPS.
- Report a detailed summary of the issue in the project team website page to the platform contractor.
- Monitor contractor progress on updating the database system to ensure work is performed on time.
- Run queries and reports in APPS to retrieve data requested by the Habitat Program.
- HPA records manager: Delegates and oversees the fulfillment of PDR requests, ensures proper disposition of records, and provides training to hydraulic permit specialists.
Supervises the HPA Intake Unit Staff. Tasks include, but are not limited to:
- Ensure unit staff are completing assigned duties to required standards of quality and timeliness.
- Implement LEAN practices and lead ongoing discussions with the team to identify and develop opportunities to streamline or improve how the unit completes work and with the HPA program.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work Setting, including hazards:
- Work is performed mostly indoors in an office environment, with occasional work outdoors to review project sites before, during, and after construction.
Schedule:
- Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Work schedule may be adjusted to meet business needs.
Travel Requirements:
- Some travel is required to meet with regional staff, conduct business, or attend training.
Tools and Equipment:
- Standard office furniture and equipment.
Customer Interactions:
- Daily contact with internal and external customers primarily through email or phone, and face-to-face contact is also common.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree involving major study in one (1) of the following:
- Environmental Science.
- Physical Science.
- Environmental Planning.
- Other allied Natural Sciences.
AND
- Five (5) years of professional-level experience in one (1) of the following:
- Environmental Analysis.
- Environmental Control.
- Environmental Planning.
OR
- Two (2) years of experience as an Environmental Specialist 3.
Please note:
- Additional qualifying experience may substitute, year for year, for the required education.
- A Master’s Degree in one of the above fields will substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.
- A Ph.D. in one of the above fields will substitute for three (3) years of the required experience.
Certifications/Licenses:
- Valid State Driver’s License.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Functional knowledge of the requirements of State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) as they pertain to the Hydraulic Code.
- Effectively communicates in individual and group discussions, independently analyzes, and weighs the risks verses benefits in decisions and recommendations related to fish and wildlife resources, and habitat issues.
- Builds rapport and partners with WDFW staff, the public, Indian Tribes, and local, state, and federal governmental agencies regarding issues pertaining to fish and wildlife protection.
Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification.
In order to successfully apply for this position, you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.govand 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.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
On Monday August 9, 2021, Governor Inslee enacted Proclamation 21-14 which requires that all employees of all state agencies not headed by an elected official be fully vaccinated with a recommended COVID-19 vaccine by October 18, 2021 as a condition of employment. Fully vaccinated includes the two-week waiting period after the last shot in each series, or single shot, is given. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide verification of COVID vaccination. A list of acceptable documents to provide verification can be reviewed here. Vaccination acceptable documents link (Download PDF reader)(Download PDF reader)
The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s priority during the Covid-19 health crisis is to keep our staff, candidates, and the public safe. We are hiring and encourage you to apply to open positions. We have transitioned to a virtual recruitment process, to include web-based interviews.
All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:
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 Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE).
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.
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.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
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 RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
- 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 RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
- 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.
Note: Please blackout any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. For further information, please contact us at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully. All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife 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, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.
If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.
*Images shown are Pre-COVID, WDFW Staff follow current COVID Safety Protocol including the use of face masks.
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