Description

Aquatics Contracts and Training Specialist, Contracts Specialist 2
Recruitment #2022-10-0190
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA

CLOSING DATE EXTENDED! Review of applications is ongoing. The hiring authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time. It is in the applicant’s best interest to apply as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Aquatic Resources Division. We are seeking to fill an Aquatics Contracts and Training Specialist, Contracts Specialist 2. This position develops and maintains contract templates, procedures, and trainings in support of sustainable aquatic natural resource management, with a focus on the aquatic use authorization program, in coordination with field staff, the state attorney general’s office, risk management, and others. This position works under the guidance of state and federal laws, rules, policies, and procedures, and applicable collective bargaining agreements. This position reports to the Senior Aquatic Policy Analyst, and interacts with other members of the Policy Unit team, district and land managers, the assistant attorney general, other division staff, and other state and local agencies when carrying out their duties.

Duties

Responsibilities:
Aquatic Use Authorization Contract Management

• Develops, updates, and maintains aquatic land use master contract templates, including leases, easements, licenses, support documents, letters, and general forms. Identifies and makes necessary changes and updates to use authorization terms and conditions for consistency with legislative or policy changes, agency policy guidance, laws and legal advice, risk management policies, and environmental protection and habitat stewardship.
• Leads communications efforts between Policy Unit, Planning Unit, Sediment Quality Unit, Aquaculture Specialist, Management Team, Support staff, District Managers and District staff, and others, to write, revise and update master templates and procedures.
• Independently tracks templates updates and requests for one-time changes to identify trends, Division needs, and challenges. Develops and implements recommendations for streamlining processes and procedures when necessary to address trends and needs.
  
  • Works with the Office of the Attorney General to gain legal input and final “approval as to form” for each contract template.
• Works with and serves as a liaison to the assistant attorney general to obtain legal input and approval for use authorization one-time changes.
• Reviews, coordinates, and tracks requests for template revisions and one-time changes with supervisor, risk management, legal, habitat stewardship, and other program staff; ensures proposed changes are consistent with DNR Aquatic Division programmatic and policy direction, and state laws, and rules.
• Gathers input from staff for leasing program modifications.
• Maintains a SharePoint site to communicate and document contract template changes, and to ensure accessibility of master documents for use by Program staff.

Procedure Manual Management

• Develops, updates and maintains more than 45 chapters in the Aquatic Resources Procedure Manual that outline procedures for the Aquatic Leasing Program, ensuring updates are consistent with Department and Aquatic Resources Division policy guidance, agency programmatic and policy direction. Coordinate with the Policy Unit, Planning Unit, Sediment Quality Unit, Science staff, Management team, District Managers, and other DNR staff as needed.
• Researches procedures and practices related to the sustainable management of state-owned aquatic lands applicable to the leasing program; makes recommendations for revising use authorization templates and procedures that are in the state’s interest

Contract Training Coordination

• Coordinate training for the Program including ongoing courses such as Aquatic Land Boundaries and Attorney house calls, Legal Descriptions contract training, risk management, and other aspects of aquatic land management.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree involving major study in public administration, business administration, business law, education, natural resources, environmental studies, or other closely related field.
  OR Two years of experience developing, negotiating, administering, or terminating government contracts, contract property management, or contract compliance; maintaining, organizing and managing documents using Microsoft SharePoint, or other equivalent online file sharing platform; and working as part of a successful team (Master’s degree in one of the above disciplines may be substituted for one year of experience).
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Conditions of Employment:

• Employees of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. This position is based in an office/fieldwork setting and requires in-person attendance/interactions with no option for full-time telework. Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status. No start date will be approved until you verify your status.
  

Desired Qualifications:

• Three years' experience preparing leasing or natural resource management contracts;
• Knowledge of DNR’s aquatic land management authorities, rules and official designations;
• Education with a specific focus on aquatic resource sciences, management and/or regulation;
• Demonstrated knowledge of principles of natural resource management; environmental laws, policies and programs; and
• Familiarity with Microsoft SharePoint and Adobe Acrobat Pro software
• Excellent communication skills, knowledge of policies/regulations, and computer skills.

Supplemental Information

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity and inclusion. With nearly 1,500 employees in locations throughout Washington, we manage and protect more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands.
Our Vision – Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission – Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:

• Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of those include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefit package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

Application Requirements:

• To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
• Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile and the position required, desired and special requirements.
• Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
• Provide three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
• Complete all supplemental questions.

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22 or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

The Department of Natural Resources 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, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Persons needing accommodation during the screening process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff at (360) 522-2500 or (360) 522-0143 or by email at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) at 1-800-833-6388 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

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Questions? Please contact Allison Lu at allison.lu@dnr.wa.gov, 564-999-0134 or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.