Assistant Environmental Permitting Supervisor – Environmental Planner 4 – Permanent – *04597-25

Title- Assistant Environmental Permitting Supervisor (AEPS)
Classification- Environmental Planner 4
Job Status– Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program– Capital and Asset Management Program (CAMP) – Environmental Permitting Section
Duty Station– Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
Hybrid/Telework– This position is currently approved to work from home up to four (4) days per week, at the discretion of the supervisor. 

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to serve as the Assistant Environmental Permitting Supervisor (AEPS). In this key role, you will lead high-profile initiatives related to land use planning and capital projects across the state, acting as the primary liaison to federal, state, local, and tribal partners. As a senior planner, you’ll coordinate strategic planning and policy implementation, provide internal leadership across multidisciplinary teams, and supervise a team of environmental planners and interns. Your work will directly support environmental permitting efforts that protect fish and wildlife habitats, align with agency goals, and foster collaboration across a wide network of stakeholders.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Environmental Permitting Supervisor will be responsible for:

Statewide Project Permit Review and Requirements

• Assist Senior and Executive Management in identifying new policies and regulations, new direction of existing policies and regulations, and significant initiatives that could most affect Liaison to state, local, federal, and other external entities, as well as work areas that would be improved by new policy, new direction, or initiative development.
• Determine permitting requirements for CAMP-assigned projects. Determine scheduling and budget of project goals and needs. Prepare and submit permit application packages, including supporting permit documents.
• Maintain environmental law, regulation, and permit compliance through oversight, facilitation, and compliance with environmental elements of project implementation, including permitting requirements, special evaluations, and Best Management Practices (BMP) usage.
• Work within the Mid-Management Team (MMT) or other identified entity to develop and maintain a consistent state-wide approach to new policies, new direction on existing policies, and significant initiatives.
• Serve as Liaison and Regulation Policy Lead for projects/issues/processes that are impacted by new or redirected regulation policies or significant initiatives.
• As lead, conduct strategic analyses concerning agency or externally developed regulation policies, redirected policies, or significant initiatives.

Supervision

• Provides guidance, direction and information to staff regarding Program/Agency policies, procedures, and directions in a clear and timely manner.
• Works with staff to develop strategic approach to accomplishing goals, addressing issues and successfully implementing assignments.
• In collaboration with staff, develops and provides training for professional staff.
• Provides mentoring to staff to promote and support professional development.
• Works with individual staff to provide guidance and direction regarding workload control and prioritization.

Program Strategic Planning 

• Position actively engages to assist Senior and Executive Management in Program or Agency level short-term and long-term strategic planning.
• Position works with Environmental Permitting Manager and other Program staff to develop and bring permitting perspective to Program/Agency strategic planning.
• The AEPS, with Environmental Permitting Manager, is responsible for communicating and encouraging support for the strategic direction identified by the Program and/or Agency.

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards: Duties are performed in an office setting, construction sites, in-water work (Hatcheries and Wildlife Areas) which includes the following hazards: walking on uneven terrain including slippery footing, mud, and other challenging field conditions; steep slopes for extended periods; inclement weather conditions; must be able to climb ladders, work from boats, and elevated locations. Physical, environmental, or mental demands of key work: Must be able to drive a vehicle to conduct field review of project sites. Physical capacity to work in remote forested and aquatic environments, conducting fish surveys and other related tasks. These activities can occasionally consist of days in excess of 8 hours, for several days in a row. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule (i.e., hours and days): Monday through Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM Workload may require additional hours, and the incumbent may be expected to adjust the work schedule to meet business needs. A flexible work schedule and remote work will be considered at the incumbent’s request, subject to supervisory approval.

Travel: Travel will be required throughout the state to attend training, meetings, and conferences. Travel for fieldwork will also be required. Periods of overnight travel may be required, and work hours may exceed the standard 8 am to 5 pm workday. Travel may comprise up to 20%

Tools: Electroshocking equipment, boots, GPS, clinometer, digital camera, state-assigned work vehicle.

Customer interactions: Agency staff, other government agencies, tribal, private stakeholders, and the public.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis. 

Option 1: A master’s degree or above with major emphasis in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related field and three years of professional experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development plus one (1) year of supervisor experience.

Option 2: A bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science and five (5) years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, habitat management or habitat research, natural resource planning, or equivalent field plus one (1) year of supervisor experience.

Option 3: An associate’s degree with an emphasis/specialty in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science and seven (7) years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, habitat management or habitat research, natural resource planning, or equivalent field plus one (1) year of supervisor experience.

Licenses: Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess experience in some or all the following:

• Successfully developing and delivering educational content to diverse audiences, demonstrating effective teaching and communication skills.
• Building and maintaining productive partnerships with tribal governments, the public, and local, state, and federal agencies to support collaborative environmental initiatives.
• Applying knowledge of Pacific Northwest ecological processes to inform habitat assessments, conservation planning, and regulatory reviews.
• Interpreting and applying environmental regulations, including the Hydraulic Code, Growth Management Act (GMA), State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and Shoreline Management Act (SMA), in support of permitting and land use decisions.
• Managing competing priorities and meeting project deadlines through strong organizational and time management skills.
• Reviewing and monitoring environmental permits to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, supporting environmentally responsible development and resource protection.
• Proven success in delivering clear, concise, and effective verbal and written communications to diverse internal and external audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust, foster collaboration, and maintain positive working relationships across teams and stakeholder groups.
• Skilled at translating complex or sensitive topics into accessible language while maintaining a respectful and non-confrontational tone.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

Supplemental information:

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Union – WAFWP:

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.  Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife 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, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn tendersglobal.net Facebook tendersglobal.net Instagram