STREAMFLOW RESTORATION PLANNER

Thurston County • Olympia, WA

25d • $6,034 - $7,937

About The Position

The Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED) department is seeking a
highly motivated Streamflow Restoration Planner to join our Natural Resources
Program. Under the guidance of a Natural Resources Program Manager,
the Streamflow Restoration Planner is responsible for leading and coordinating
county-wide water resource policy issues, with a focus on water resource
management and streamflow restoration planning.

The Streamflow Restoration Planner will use their skills to provide journey
level expertise and guidance on water resource policy and planning issues. The
focus for this position will be on a number of planning projects related to
water resource management, streamflow restoration, natural resources policy
issues, including on forestry and agriculture, climate resiliency,
endangered/threatened species recovery, and salmon recovery.

Being a great planning and policy analyst, communicator and experience with
watershed planning is key for this position.  You will be working with elected
officials, community members, and other organizations on your projects.

This is a great position for an experienced Associate Planner, or someone early
in their career with demonstrated ability to take on new challenges and would
like to take the next step in their career.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, Environmental Science, Earth Science, Biology, Environmental Planning, or a closely related field depending upon area of assignment. Additional experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in professional level planning in current, long range, and/or environmental planning.
• Ability to utilize the personal computer and related software packages to perform word processing, information retrieval and tracking.
• Current Washington State Driver's License or have requested and obtained an appropriate accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in planning, biological sciences, hydrology, public administration, ecology, environmental planning, or a related field.
• Knowledge of water resource management, streamflow restoration planning, or a related field.
• Knowledge of geospatial data analysis and interpreting environmental data.
• Ability to prepare budgets, familiarity with State and Federal funding opportunities to apply for grants and administer consultant contracts.
• Ability to quickly assess problems and act independently to positively resolve conflicts and coordinate efforts constructively and collaboratively to the satisfaction of elected officials, tribal partners, regulators, staff, local jurisdictions, consultants, contractors, and the community.
• Knowledge of conservation financing, land acquisition, and site management planning related to natural resource conservation programs.
• Experience in project management and giving presentations.
• Ability to conduct effective research and evaluate complex data to prepare clear and concise written and oral reports.
• Ability to develop and manage long-range conservation plans, short-range operational programs, and day-to-day property management.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups regarding complex or controversial planning policies or regulations.
• Ability to collaborate with other staff, property owners, developers, contractors, public officials, the general public, and representatives of other agencies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct journey level research at the direction of a Senior Planner, Natural Resources Program Manager, or Community Planning Manager and provide detailed staff reports and recommendations.
• Ability to build coalitions and strengthen partnerships.
• Manage grants and contracts related to water resource management and streamflow restoration projects.
• Participate in regional watershed management planning.
• Advise elected and appointed officials, including the Planning Commission, Water Resource Advisory Board, on planning and policy issues and projects.
• Prepare and present reports and information to advisory groups, committees, community groups, and private organizations.
• Hold or assist with open houses, workshops and stakeholder groups.
• Respond to public inquiries with information on the planning process and policy issues.
• Work collaboratively across disciplines and departments to problem-solve around water resource planning issues.
• Prepare and/or review proposed amendments to county codes or long-range plans.

Benefits

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees