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Role Description

As the Ecosystem Services Division Manager, you will lead statewide conservation strategy and advance WDFW’s Conservation Initiative, Strategic Plan, and Habitat Program priorities to protect, restore, and enhance Washington’s fish, wildlife, and habitats.

• Provide executive oversight of land use planning, conservation policy, forest health and forest practices, toxic contaminant policy, and large-scale shrubsteppe restoration initiatives.
• Represent the WDFW in engagements with legislators, tribes, state and federal partners, and statewide policy boards to influence policy discussions and guide collaborative solutions on Washington’s most significant natural resource issues.

In this role, the Ecosystem Services Division Manager provides strategic leadership for managing and sustaining Washington’s habitats. Some of the key responsibilities include:

• Representing the agency in state and federal habitat management forums and stakeholder groups as designated by the Program Director or Deputy Director of Divisions.
• Providing agency representation in the Department of Natural Resources Adaptive Management Program’s Timber Fish and Wildlife (TFW) Policy Committee and coordinating with WDFW’s Forest Practices Board representative to ensure agency alignment within the Adaptive Management Program.
• Directing Division operations in budget, personnel, facilities, staff and external communications, legislative affairs, regulations, and contracts.
• Leading, organizing, and accounting for the work performed by the Ecosystem Services Division.
• Assuring appropriate and optimum use of resources and enhancing the effectiveness of employees through timely appraisal and professional development opportunities.
• Supporting effective communications throughout the Division, Program, and agency.
• Maintaining the highest standards of personal/professional and ethical conduct, supporting the state's goal for a diverse workforce, and adhering to and promoting WDFW’s ASPIRE values (Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy).
• Directing efforts to ensure communities across Washington recognize and support the contributions of the Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) Program to the conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats.
• Providing management expertise and policy guidance on Ecosystem Services Division issues.
• Resolving operational issues that elevate above Section/Sub-Program Manager level of responsibility.

Qualifications

• Option 1: Seven (7) years of professional experience in habitat conservation or ecosystem management, including applying science-based approaches to the planning, protection, restoration, and management of diverse fish and wildlife habitats.
• Two (2) years of supervisory or management experience.
• Option 2: Bachelor’s Degree in habitat-focused disciplines such as Ecology, Conservation Biology, Wildlife or Fisheries Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of professional experience in habitat conservation or ecosystem management, including applying science-based approaches to the planning, protection, restoration, and management of diverse fish and wildlife habitats.
• Two (2) years of supervisory or management experience.
• Option 3: Masters’ Degree or higher in habitat-focused disciplines such as Ecology, Conservation Biology, Wildlife or Fisheries Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of professional experience in habitat conservation or ecosystem management, including applying science-based approaches to the planning, protection, restoration, and management of diverse fish and wildlife habitats.
• Two (2) years of supervisory or management experience.

Requirements

• Experience in developing, analyzing, and implementing policies that guide natural resource or habitat management programs.
• Experience developing, managing, and overseeing budgets, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and fiscal accountability.
• Proven leadership skills that demonstrate WDFW’s ASPIRE values (Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy).
• Performance based management.
• Exercise strategic planning and visioning.
• Work effectively with the public and individuals representing diverse interests and professional disciplines.
• Negotiate and resolve complex and conflicting issues within short timeframes.
• Prioritize and make decisions on diverse issues.
• Organize, motivate, and provide leadership and vision for staff.

Benefits

• Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Supplemental Information

• 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.
• Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage.
• 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.
• The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer.
• Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase.
• If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free.
• If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to kaila.daudt@dfw.wa.gov.