Communications Specialist (Communications Consultant 4)

Protecting Washington State's environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We are 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, and believes in the fun factor, Ecology is a good fit.

The Environmental Assessment Program (EAP) within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Communications Specialist (Communications Consultant 4) position. This position is located in our Headquarters Building (HQ) in Lacey, WA.

The Communications Specialist position supports Ecology's leadership, and works in close collaboration with project, program and regional teams to help address some of the toughest environmental challenges of our time. This position is a collaborative and integrated member of two teams – EAP and the Agency Communications program.

This position serves as the media relations lead and spokesperson on behalf of EAP for Ecology issues in support of proactive promotion of the program's science and research projects to the media. This position supervises three (3) communications positions in the development and implementation of strategic communications to the public, stakeholders, other governmental entities, and the regulated community, as well as public involvement strategies and activities.

We're looking for multi-dimensional (variety of communications platforms) applicants who are excited by the prospect of science and in applying science to environmental decision making. The successful applicant should possess excellent people and writing skills and be able to help summarize technical information clearly and concisely to a diverse lay audience.

As an agency, 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.

 

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 Environmental Assessment Program's mission is to measure, assess, and communicate environmental conditions in Washington State to reduce and prepare for climate impacts, deliver integrated water solutions, protect and restore Puget Sound, and prevent and reduce toxic threats.

 

Some of the key work activities include:

 

Be responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and leading an effective communications program for the Environmental Assessment Program. This includes working with the media to promote our science to a wide range of audiences. Seeks to tell stories visually- incorporating photography, videography and graphics. Provides leadership on web content and strategy. 

 

 

The Communications Specialist develops and implements complex communications and public involvement strategies in the Environmental Assessment Program. This work often involves developing strategies to integrate program science into decision making and policy setting in the agency and working with external stakeholders to understand our science. Issues cover a wide range of topics from freshwater and marine monitoring to toxic chemical research and watershed health issues. 

 

The Environmental Assessment Program is the science arm of Ecology which is the backbone of natural resource decision making in the agency. Good communication of our findings is critical to our mission which is to protect the health of Washington's residents and the environment.

 

 

Serves on the Spills Program's after-hours, on-call communications support team. Works an average of two week-long shifts every six months.

 

The Environmental Assessment Program is composed of Natural Resource Scientists, Environmental Engineers, Hydrogeologists, Chemists, Oceanographers and Biologists that are passionate about the work they do. We need and want someone to join our team and be an active participant to help these professionals communication their findings in an effective way to the right audiences.

This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be December 16, 2019. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before December 15, 2019. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

 

 

 

Qualifications

 

A Bachelor's Degree in English, communications, journalism, public relations, or related field

Three (3) years of writing/editing/translation experience, which includes two (2) years of the following:

 

Equivalent education/experience.

 

 

Experience communicating environmental science to the public.

 

 

 

 

Possess a valid driver's license to operate a vehicle in Washington State.

 

 

 

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 include the following documents as an attachment to your application:

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 Annette Hoffman at: Annette.hoffman@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Annette 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.