Communication and Outreach Specialist (Community Outreach & Environmental Education Specialist 2)

Protecting Washington State's environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We have a culture that is invested in making a difference. If you want to join a team that is highly effective, collaborative, has leadership that embraces the value of people, Ecology is a good fit.

The Northwest Straits Commission--a governmental organization housed in the Department of Ecology SEA program and established to protect and restore the unique, rich marine ecosystem of the Northwest Straits region of Puget Sound through a local-based approach--is looking to fill a Communication and Outreach Specialist (Community Outreach and Environmental Education Specialist 2) position. This is a full-time project position and includes a full state benefits package. This position will be located in our Padilla Bay Office in Mount Vernon, WA. 

The Northwest Straits Commission provides resources, coordination and technical support to seven county-based Marine Resource Committees (MRCs) and carries out marine conservation projects throughout the Northwest Straits region.

 

We are looking for applicants who have strong communication skills both written and verbal, possess the ability to thrive working independently and as a member of a small, highly-collaborative team, are deeply familiar with event, meeting and logistics planning, possess the ability to plan and implement communications strategies, have excellent time and task management skills, and possess a sense of humor and excellent diplomacy skills.

As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment for current and future generations. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism and accountability.

To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.

Duties

Agency Mission: Ecology's mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment and to promote the wise management of our air, land and water for the benefit of current and future generations.  

Program Mission: The Shorelands and Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program's mission is to support community conservation efforts for our shorelands, wetlands, and floodplains.

 

The Communication and Outreach Specialist position provides administrative, communications and outreach support to volunteer based Marine Resources Committees (MRC) and the Northwest Straits Commission. Primary activities include coordinating meetings and schedules, creation and distribution of related materials and event planning. The incumbent will also be a key figure in assuring the organization's work is prominently displayed throughout Puget Sound by creating, implementing and tracking the success of communications strategies. The position also serves a role in outreach support through participation in workshops, retreats, meetings, conferences and project development. Creativity is welcome as we seek new and improved communication methods and administrative efficiencies. Some specific duties include:

 

 

 

Qualifications

 

A Bachelor's degree in environmental science, education, communications or a related field AND one (1) year professional experience in community outreach, education, communications or closely related field.  

 

 

 

Must have a valid driver's license and must maintain first aid/CPR certification.

 

 

Joining Ecology means becoming a part of a team committed to protecting and restoring Washington State's environment.

A career in public service allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping the health and financial security of you and your family a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to work/life balance.

Ecology 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 

Employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.

 

 

Supplemental Information

 

Please complete the applicant profile when applying for this position. Or, you may paste the text of your resume within the profile's resume text field.

Please read the supplemental questions carefully and answer completely. Incomplete responses, including "please see resume" may disqualify you from further consideration.

Department of Ecology employees, please make sure to answer the agency-wide questions regarding permanent status as a classified employee within the Washington General Service or Washington Management Service. Do not forget to select Department of Ecology as a response to question 2, and type your personnel ID number for question 3. If you are not sure of your status or do not know your personnel ID number, please contact Human Resources at (360) 407-6186.

If you are reading this announcement in print format, please visit www.careers.wa.gov to access the online recruitment system. Click on "Look for Jobs" and select Dept. of Ecology under the "Department" search list. Click "Apply Search."

If you need assistance applying for this job, please call Human Resources at (360) 407-6186 or e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not call this number or send an email to this address to follow-up the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile's main page.

If you have specific questions about the position, please email Dr. Lucas Hart at: hart@nwstraits.org. Please do not contact Lucas to inquire about the status of your application.

The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.

This position is included in the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) union bargaining unit for the Department of Ecology. 

The Washington State Department of Ecology 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, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 407-6186. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.