Head of Project Management Department

Overview Title- Energy, Water, and Major Projects Division Manager Classification- WMS Band 3 Job Status- Full-Time-Permanent Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County Hybrid/Telework- Up to two days of telework may be available at the discretion of the supervisor. Photo Caption – Elwha Dam Removal and Restoration Site – Photo Credit: WDFW Step into a leadership role where your work shapes energy development, water policy, and major infrastructure projects across Washington. You’ll influence licensing processes, environmental outcomes, and the conservation of salmon, wildlife, and ecosystems statewide. Direct fish and wildlife mitigation negotiations and oversee implementation for over 100 major energy projects, from hydroelectric dams to wind, solar, and fuel transmission infrastructure. Through thoughtful and collaborative decision-making, the Department’s mitigation policies are applied in ways that effectively conserve and enhance fish, wildlife, and habitats. Be at the forefront of preserving the agency’s credibility, stewardship, and financial accountability. Photo Caption–Solar Power Array- Wild Horse Wind Farm-Kittitas County–Photo Credit: WDFW What to Expect Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Energy, Water, and Major Projects Division Manager will: Provide training and technical assistance to Energy, Water, and Major Projects Division employees and the department’s regional biologists using energy expertise and experience to assure consistent conservation of fish, wildlife, habitat, and superior customer service. Coordinate with Energy, Water, and Major Projects Division employees and Regional Habitat Program Managers (RHPMs) regarding energy and water policy work priorities to ensure statewide implementation of energy services and water resource management comports with agency priorities. Conduct or oversee development of, or updates to, Energy, Water, and Major Projects Division publications (such as the WDFW Wind Power Guidelines or draft Hydropower Guidelines) using best available science, so constituents understand what best management practices and mitigation actions conserve fish, wildlife, and habitat. Conduct and operationalize strategic and tactical planning related to the division. Provide strong, supportive supervision to staff in the Energy, Water, and Major Projects Division by setting clear performance expectations, fostering professional growth, and creating a positive work environment that supports employee satisfaction, recruitment, and retention. Manage financial resources, including grants, using department budget and contract applications and project management skills to meet contract requirements (including reporting) and successfully deliver energy related products and services. Manage and guide staff in the development and/or management of large restoration projects associated with energy or other major project mitigation. Identify and resolve major project, energy, and water policy issues that affect the conservation of fish, wildlife, and habitat though coordination and consultation with WDFW staff; external regulatory authorities (e.g., the Department of Ecology’s Clean Water Act Section 401 certification program and Water Resources Program, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) and counties); Office of Chehalis Basin, Office of Columbia River); local and tribal governments; Serving as the agency lead and policy representative for high profile energy development, water resource management initiatives, and large infrastructure projects and forums (as scope and other considerations require). Use policy and project experience, mitigation expertise and scientific knowledge to evaluate mitigation standards to ensure the ability to secure fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation and enhancement goals. Assure that department policies are implemented correctly by overseeing mitigation negotiations in process, directing the oversight of mitigation agreement compliance at large development projects, and develop, revise, and monitor agency policies and procedures pertaining to fish and wildlife mitigation. Ensure agency commitments are met and oversee strategic and operational planning in the agency’s engagement in the Chehalis Basin Strategy to ensure fish and wildlife interests are well represented. Serve as WDFW’s ex-officio member on the Chehalis Board. Represent the agency on matters affecting policy and directives associated with energy, water, and major projects. Develop and recommend energy and water development policies, legislation, and policy/program implementation plans for the department and the state that conserve fish, wildlife, and habitats. Coordinate with managers and policy staff within the department and in other state, local, and federal agencies to advance policies, or resolve energy and water policy issues that would affect fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation. Develop and review proposed legislation and/or respond to legislative assignments that would affect energy development and/or water management to identify and resolve potential effects on the conservation of fish, wildlife, and habitats. Office setting. Schedule : This position works Monday through Friday, with core hours from 8:30 a.m. Travel Requirements: Some travel, including occasional overnight stays, may be required. College degree with major emphasis in energy, land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, fish or wildlife biology/management or closely related field. Five (5) years of professional experience in energy policy land use, urban, regional, environmental, natural resource management or planning, and/or program development is required, Two (2) of which must include supervisory/management experience. Knowledge of energy development and water management laws, policies, and programs (federal and state) and their impact on fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation in Washington. Principles of staff supervision and organizational management. Experience building and maintaining collaborative working relationships. Ability to manage multiple projects and programs involving up to 10 employees. Skilled in negotiating agreements while maintaining scientific credibility and agency policy. Ability to organize and oversee multi-disciplinary teams addressing major policy issues, developing legislation, and implementing new programs and laws. Experience working with or for energy project proponents or energy project permitting/licensing entities (i.e., FERC, EFSEC, or other state or county agencies) to successfully develop and/or implement energy project licenses, including terms and conditions to protect natural resources and mitigate for impacts. The preferred candidate will have experience with multiple energy project types, including hydropower, wind power, and energy transmission infrastructure. Knowledge of environmental regulations, including NEPA, SEPA, HPA, Clean Water Act, Federal Power Act, Endangered Species Act, Washington water law, Growth Management Act and Shoreline Management Act. Has managed a large staff of professionals (10 or more members). Change management, Lean practices, negotiation, and working with internal and external stakeholders in challenging land use/land management arenas. Ability to interpret and apply department and state policies in order to lead major program activities and staff to expected results. Experience and demonstrated ability to develop and convey clear, timely, and persuasive messages in writing and spoken word that positively influence the thoughts and actions of others. Master’s degree or Doctorate with major emphasis in biology, land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, energy policy and/or climate change policy, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related field. Your application must include the following: A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following: 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. Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at Valerie.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: 2025-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran) Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington. 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. 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.If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram #