Compliance Division Manager – WMS Band 3 – Permanent – *09256-24

Working Title – Compliance Division Manager 
Classification – WMS Band 3
Job Status – Permanent 
WDFW Program – Habitat Program
Duty Station – Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
Posting Timeline – This recruitment will be posted until September 24, 2024 – the first review of applications will take place August 27, 2024.  Application review is ongoing, submit your application materials as soon as possible. This recruitment may be closed at any time.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

The protection of Washington’s natural resources is a vital responsibility that WDFW has been entrusted with. In this role the Compliance Division Manager builds and strengthens partnerships which enhances and furthers the protection our state’s natural resources.

Embrace this leadership role, oversee all activities of the Compliance Division including the development and implementation of a statewide civil compliance program, the expansion of guidelines, and a training program for employees.

In a critically important role for the Department, you will be accountable for assuring that WDFW’s internal and external policies, guidelines, and recommendations associated with administrative compliance are legally and scientifically defensible and appropriate for the unique issues associated with the compliance process.

The Compliance Division Manager influences several important fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation policies, including the application of WDFW’s:

• Regulations and compliance policy for monitoring compliance with the hydraulic code (Chapter 77.55 Revised Code of Washington (RCW).
• Mitigation policy for requiring or recommending avoidance, minimization, and compensation for fish and wildlife impacts throughout the state.
• Regulations and policy for fish protection at water diversion/flow control structures and fish passage.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Compliance Division Manager will, 

• Manage the Habitat Program’s Compliance Division.
• Implement the fish, wildlife, and habitat protection priorities of the department and provide guidance on policy and planning to other planning and technical staff.
• Facilitates resolution of pertinent management issues arising from compliance actions which are complex or sensitive, involve multiple agencies, programs, and deal with major regulatory issues facing the department.
• Coordinate and consult with WDFW employees, local, state and federal natural resource agencies, the Office of the Attorney General, tribal governments, the regulated community and others as necessary, to identify and address major compliance issues that affect the protection of fish, wildlife, and habitat.
• Develop and recommend administrative compliance policies, legislation, and policy/program implementation plans for the department and the state that conserve fish, wildlife, and habitats.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Typically, work is performed in an office environment with occasional compliance duties in the field.  Fieldwork may include working in any weather conditions, during the day or night, on land or on water, with associated hazards. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations. 

Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Travel Requirements: At times, statewide travel to field sites and other offices – may require overnight travel. 

Customer Relations: Works directly with Tribes, local, state, and federal agencies, conservation groups, Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups, private industry, private citizens, public ports, utilities, drainage districts and others.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Science or a related field. 

AND 

Five (5) years of experience supervising professional staff. 

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

Required Competencies: 

• Proven ability to develop and manage programs, policies, and procedures.
• Serves as a model of ethics and integrity to enhance the public’s perception of the quality of the organization’s enforcement activities.
• Thoroughly understands and clearly explains laws and administrative rules (Chapters 77.55 and 77.57 RCW and Chapter 220-660 WAC), as well as what constitutes compliance.
• Clearly understands “the spirit of the law” as well as “the letter of the law” in order to better determine when enforcement action is most appropriately applied.
• Exhausts other available options, such as advocating voluntary compliance, before resorting to enforcement action.
• Clearly demonstrates a willingness to consider mitigating circumstances when applying enforcement actions in order to inject “common sense” into the enforcement actions.
• Builds and manages a diverse, talented workforce based on organizational goals, budget considerations, and staffing needs.
• Ensures that employees are appropriately recruited, selected, appraised, and rewarded.
• Gives clear direction, sets performance expectations, and holds staff accountable for accomplishing.
• Fosters an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission of the organization.
• Anticipates and takes steps to prevent counter-productive confrontations.
• Manages and resolves conflicts and disagreements in a constructive manner.
• Proven ability to clearly communicate with management, the Legislature, regulatory bodies, employees, tribes, private companies, and the public.
• Proven ability to prepare and administer the work unit’s budget.
• Oversees procurement and contracting to achieve desired results.
• Monitors expenditures and uses cost-benefit thinking to set priorities.

Certifications/Licenses: 

• A Valid Driver’s License without restrictions.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Experience with or familiarity with reviewing, negotiating, and issuing Hydraulic Project Approvals (HPAs) and the associated Revised Code of Washington (RCW)/Washington Administrative Code (WACs), and guidance documents, and the ability to identify appropriate mitigation for impacts to fish life.
• Experience enforcing and interpreting the intent of environmental laws.
• Ability to take interest in and understand others’ perspectives, easily recognize when others have important information, perspectives, or ideas, demonstrate appropriate assertiveness, and be committed to the service of the public, mission, and team

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application.
• An up-to-date resume (chronological preferred) showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• 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

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 kaila.daudt@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 kaila.daudt@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2024-09256 

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