Riparian Grant Program Manager (Internal Only)

Description

NOTE: This recruitment is exclusive to WA Conservation Commission internal employees only. External applications will not be considered.

Who we are: 
The Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) is a non-regulatory state agency that supports and coordinates our state’s 45 conservation districts and administers voluntary conservation programs. Together, the SCC and conservation districts provide incentive-based services that empower people across Washington to take actions that keep natural resources and working lands healthy for all.

What you will be doing:
The Riparian Grant Program Manager position is responsible for coordinating and collaborating with conservation districts and state and federal natural resource agencies to implement the voluntary riparian grant program (currently $25 million) to enhance riparian areas statewide. The work is complex, politically sensitive and is coordinated through various policy advising groups and initiatives. As needed the position will adaptively manage the program, this may include rewriting program guidelines, adjust reporting or improving delivery systems to better accomplish program goals. To implement the program, this position will need to work effectively with conservation districts which are independent special purpose districts; Washington has 45 such districts. 

This position is responsible for ensuring that the expenditure of public funds through the Commissions for riparian grant program is in alignment with SCC policies, procedures, and programmatic guidelines. The position is accountable for the riparian grant program, related efforts and other program activities as assigned.  The Riparian Grant Program Manager is also responsible for the budgeting and administration of the riparian grant program and for communicating and as appropriate, coordinating the work with all other SCC programs related to riparian buffer restoration and protection. Additionally, the position will communicate and, as appropriate, coordinate with other agencies doing work related to riparian buffer restoration and protection.  Building and maintaining good relationships with partners, conservation districts and SCC colleagues are critical to program success. 

Duties

Some of the duties include:

• Communicating and working effectively with conservation districts for program implementation - Washington has 45 such districts. Each is unique and independent.
• Developing or revising grant applications, reporting forms, RFP’s, program guidelines and other communications regarding program operation.
• Coordinating data flow from landowners, conservation districts, and other agencies for riparian priorities, site selection, proposal eligibility.
• Developing and strengthening program partnerships with other state and federal agencies and special interest/user groups. 
• Ensuring that the expenditure of public funds through the Commission for riparian grant program is in alignment with SCC policies, procedures, and programmatic guidelines.
• As needed, adaptively manage the program, this may include rewriting program guidelines, adjust reporting or improving delivery systems to better accomplish program goals.
• Provide information for or lead drafting of budget decision packages for the Governor’s office and ultimately the legislature
• Provide reports and information to the SCC’s governing body, legislative committees, partner organizations and others as needed
• Researching and navigating any regulatory issues connected to the program 
• Coordinate programmatic and agency policy recommendations to senior SCC staff and ultimately Commissioners
• Position manages program budget, $25 Million/biennium (23-25 biennial budget). 
• Program financial resources are controlled and influenced by this position, statewide.  The budget requests are coordinated and managed by this position.
• Position is responsible for working with Conservation Districts and partners to determine program project potential and develop a biennial budget to match
• Represent the Commission and participate on several committees and workgroups and in other critical relationships

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this role, the internal candidate must possess one (1) of the following education and/or experience options:

[OPTION 1]

• Three (3) years of professional experience as an Environmental Planner 3, or equivalent

[OPTION 2]

• Master’s degree or higher in agronomy, horticulture, environmental science or related natural resource field
  AND
• Three (3) years of professional experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning and/or program development, or other areas that would provide a foundation for understanding the responsibilities of this position

[OPTION 3]

• Nine (9) years of combined education and/or experience that directly relates to the functions of this role.

In addition to the required qualification options listed above, a candidate must possess the following to qualify for the role:

• Computer skills with Microsoft applications
• Strong customer relations, negotiation and problem-solving skills including experience facilitating meetings/groups and working with committees to gain consensus
• Budget development and management experience
• Hold a valid Washington State Driver’s License
• Ability to travel (including overnight)
• Ability to handle multiple projects with competing deadlines in a dynamic work environment
• Strong written and verbal communications skills, including public speaking and the ability to research, organize and present varied and complex subjects in an approachable and understandable manner
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills necessary to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other agency staff, partner organizations and conservation district supervisors and staff
• Ability to understand and follow agency safety policies and other standards established to maintain a safe work environment
• Proven ability to work comfortably with people of widely differing temperaments, perspectives, cultures, work styles and preferences

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with conservation districts, other local, state or federal agencies (especially USDA), and other specialty or user groups
• Extensive knowledge and/or experience working in or around agriculture in the western United States
• Experience working effectively with Tribes
• Certified natural resource planner
• Experience managing and/or developing grant programs
• Working knowledge of stream geomorphology and stream flow
• Working knowledge of the Endangered Species Act
• Working knowledge of the Clean Water Act
• Familiarity with Washington law regarding purchasing, bidding, and contracting
• Working knowledge of salmon recovery efforts in the Pacific Northwest
• Skill with collaborative decision-making models
• Able to compose technically complex directives, administrative policies and procedures, contracts/interagency agreements, and other business communications or documents with excellent attention to detail 

AND

Diversity Equity and Inclusion: 
Incumbents to this position must possess and demonstrate the following DEI competencies (complete version found here (Download PDF reader)):

• Able to learn and understand the language and concepts of our SCC DEI culture and commit to being a part of creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable, respectful and inclusive workplace
• Demonstrate a commitment to growth, learning and self-awareness when provided training and opportunities to participate in improving our work environment
• Participate and behave in a manner that creates trust and builds working relationships, promoting teamwork and collaboration in the work environment
• Demonstrate the understanding that all people are valued; contribute to an equitable, inclusive and respectful environment when working with members of the group, team, organization or community
• Commit to being an active participant in continually evaluating and improving strategies that promote equity and inclusion in our organization

Additional Expectations:

• Build and maintain constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, respect, cooperation and mutual regard. Make the necessary adjustments to work effectively with people of widely differing temperaments, cultural background, work styles and preferences.  
• Work in a collaborative manner, considering the effect of decisions jointly with team members and others. Offer ideas, communicate openly and contribute to positive resolution of issues.
• Provide excellent customer service, using a team approach where appropriate. Initiate and respond to telephone calls and emails in a professional and timely manner.
• When communicating with individuals and groups within and outside of the organization, adjust the approach as needed to better fit the styles, culture and needs of the individuals and groups with whom one is communicating.
• Keep supervisor and co-workers informed of need-to-know items timely and share complete and accurate information with others as appropriate.
• Adapt to changing business needs, conditions and work responsibilities.  Manage frustrations or setbacks with little or no interruption to work processes.
• Earn and maintain the trust, respect, and confidence of coworkers and customers through consistent honesty, forthrightness and professionalism in all interactions. 
• Accept personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work.  
• Be aware of one’s own performance and work to continually improve; take responsibility for any errors, respond to setbacks with renewed efforts; be persistent in the face of difficulty; display a high level of dedication and enthusiasm.
• Practice adaptive management - proactively anticipate and effectively communicate when there is a need for change; identify and provide different alternatives; consult others and collaborate as appropriate; accept change and help others deal with the ongoing demands of change. 
• Meet productivity standards, deadlines and work schedules; stay focused on tasks in spite of distractions and interruptions; ensure that errors are rare; acknowledge and correct mistakes.
• Carefully organize the personal workspace to minimize the likelihood of an accident or other unsafe incidents. Report injuries, accidents or hazards to your supervisor.
• Consistently follow applicable guidelines, regulations, principles and standards.

Supplemental Information

Please provide the following documents to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:
 

• A letter of interest (no more than 2 pages) explaining how you have prepared yourself for this position.
• A current resume or CV, detailing experience, and education
• A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information 

NOTE:  By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.  A resume will not substitute for completing the “duties summary” section of the application.  Please do not refer to resume for detail, or your application may be disqualified. 
 
Opportunity for All: 
The Washington State Conservation Commission celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
 
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.

Contact Information:
For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Rachel Vaughan via email at jobs@des.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.