Forestry Policy Lead (Environmental Planner 5) in , us

Forestry Policy Lead (Environmental Planner 5)

Overview

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen. The Department of Ecology is hiring a Forestry Policy Lead (Environmental Planner 5) within the Water Quality Program.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with state and federal agencies in policy development, planning efforts, rule proposals, and guidance for implementing regulations that protect lakes, rivers, and streams.
• Serve as the program planning advisor on all forestry issues for the Water Quality Program.
• Act as program expert for applying water quality standards in forestry management and state forest activities.
• Represent the agency at the Forest and Fish Policy committee, evaluate the Department of Natural Resources implementation of forest practices rules, and provide legislative support on these topics.
• Lead Ecology's forestry team in providing guidance for field personnel and advising on potential enforcement actions.
• Advise the Department of Ecology on forestry topics regarding rules, authority, policy, and strategic positions to protect water quality.
• Represent Ecology on committees to evaluate and recommend refinements to the state's forest practices rules.
• Initiate and coordinate Ecology's responsibilities under Washington's Forests and Fish Agreement.
• Participate in periodic evaluations of the forest practices program based on scientific studies.
• Serve as forestry policy advisor and provide testimony to the Forest Practices Board.
• Provide policy direction and advice to the Director, Water Quality Program Manager, and Ecology's board representative.
• Serve as agency representative in interagency and intra‑agency negotiations on forestry policy issues.
• Coordinate internally with Department of Natural Resources and other agencies on all forestry policy issues.
• Provide legislative support on forestry issues, including analysis of legislation, completing fiscal notes, and providing testimony when necessary.

Qualifications

• Eleven (11) years of experience and/or education as described below.
• Experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, program development, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related experience.
• Education involving a major study 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.
• Valid driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of forestry management and related water quality regulations.
• Experience with project management.
• Experience with environmental negotiation on complex or controversial issues with other agencies, Tribes, and partners.
• Strong writing skills.

Applicants with experience as an Environmental Planner 4 at the Department of Ecology may be preferred.

At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging.