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Permit Writer (Environmental Specialist 3)

Washington State Department of Ecology
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Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
 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 Office of the Columbia River (OCR) is looking to fill a Permit Writer (Environmental Specialist 3). The position will be located in our Central Regional Office (CRO) in Union Gap, WA.
The Permit Writer position is responsible for independently performing the following professional level duties: reviewing water rights applications for technical accuracy and completeness and compliance with regulatory requirements; independently investigating and making recommendations on routine water rights applications for final permit approval; providing in-depth customer service, including technical assistance and interpretation of water resources policy, to water rights applicants and the general public regarding water rights; evaluating water use data in the regulation of existing water rights and the enforcement against illegal water use; assisting in implementation of metering efforts for OCR; overseeing contractor or consultant services for compliance and certifying performance; and supporting the production of legislative reports.
We are looking for applicants who are self-motivated, science-minded and ready to be part of a team that builds partnerships with stakeholders and communities alike; using excellent people skills and open and honest communication.
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 Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.
Local efforts... Diverse people... Statewide impacts
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 mission of the Office of the Columbia River (OCR) is to aggressively pursue the development of new water supplies for the Columbia River through conservation and storage projects.
OCR was developed in 2006 when the Washington State Legislature created the Office of Columbia River as an individual program and designated their mission to aggressively pursue the development of new water supplies for instream and out-of-stream uses. This mandate dictates our efforts and frames our actions, words and outcomes. As a new program we are growing and adapting as needed to fulfill our mission. 
Some of the key work activities of the Permit Writer position are: 
  • Working with a dynamic team of professionals to process water rights applications for the Office of Columbia River (OCR).
  • Work closely with hydrogeologists, engineers and project managers in support of project goals that provide water in low-supply areas by managing creative water supply techniques including Aquifer Storage Recharge, conservation, increase reservoirs and first-of-its-kind fish passages.
  • Conduct field investigations to verify the validity of water rights applications.
This position will review, investigate and process water rights applications within the OCR purview to meet the mission of the program; to aggressively pursue the development of new water supplies for instream and out-of-stream uses. Untangling water code and rules for customers seeking water rights takes commitment and determination not only to identify the current codes but to keep up with often-changing case law and legislative direction. This position will learn to be a leader in translating difficult regulation into laymen terms for customers.
As a team, OCR leads the state in water supply solutions, giving families, farms and fish the opportunity to thrive in areas impacted by over-allocated water supplies. As a part of this team, you have an impact on current and future water uses throughout central and eastern Washington.
OCR is made up of technical and operational components and each rely on the other for support when large project tasks arise. As a team, this small-but-mighty program can accomplish great things in the world of water supplies, partnerships and future solutions.
This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be December 26, 2019. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before December 25, 2019. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.
Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
 A Bachelor's degree involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field AND two (2) years of professional level experience in environmental analysis or control, or environmental planning.
Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education.
OR
A Master's degree in one of the fields of study described above will substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
OR
A Ph.D. in one of the fields of study described above.
OR
One (1) year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 2 at the Department of Ecology.
Desired Qualifications:
 Working knowledge and administration of Washington State's water resources laws, case law, rules and policies.
 Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.
Why work for Ecology?
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:
Student debt and how working for Ecology can help
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.
*See the Benefits tab in this announcement for more information
Supplemental Information
Application Instructions: 
Please include the following documents as an attachment to your application:
  • A cover letter describing how your experience, skills and abilities meet the required qualifications of this position.
  • A resume outlining your professional experience.
Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.
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."
Other Information:
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 Holly Myers at: hmye461@ecy.wa.gov.  Please do not contact Holly 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.