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Terrestrial Resources Strategic Advisor (SA 2)

Employer
Seattle Public Utilities
Location
North Bend, Washington State
Salary
$93,354.48 - $140,083.92 Annually
Closing date
Jan 8, 2023

View more

Discipline
Other
Job Type
Other
Organization Type
Government

Position Description

 

An online application including response to the supplemental questionnaire must be fully completed for considerationPlease DO NOT attach resumes and cover letters, as they will not be considered in the review of candidate's qualifications.  

 

Do you want to play a critical part in developing regulations and guidance that will preserve and protect natural resources within the Seattle community? Are you looking to make a difference by mitigating environmental impacts here in the Puget Sound?

 

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is currently recruiting for a Terrestrial Resources Strategic Advisor (Strategic Advisor 2). This position will report to the Watershed Natural Resources Manager in the Watershed Management Division within the Water Line of Business. This is a permanent, full-time position as a Strategic Advisor working as part of the Tolt Relicensing Team to secure the next Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license for the City to continue hydropower and water supply operations on the South Fork Tolt for the next 30-50 years. This position is responsible for the development and implementation of legal and regulatory commitments for terrestrial and recreation resource management issues related to operation, maintenance, and CIP projects for both South Fork Tolt and Cedar water supplies. The Terrestrial Resources Strategic Advisor will also serve as SPU's terrestrial resources subject matter expert for the South Fork Tolt Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) re-licensing process, lead discussions on recreation management options, and will play a critical role on the City's Tolt FERC relicensing team.  

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations. We deliver high quality, vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. In addition, SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities. Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the highest benefits possible for every investment we make. 

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

Why join us?

We know work isn't only about what you do it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including: 

  • Hybrid work schedule opportunities
  • Family-friendly and multicultural work environment 
  • Generous benefits package  
  • Free public transportation options 
  • City pension plan with employer/employee contributions 
  • Growth potential and advancement opportunities 

 

Job Responsibilities

 

  • Provide strategic support for SPU's Terrestrial Resources Program, including administering regular policy recommendations to City leadership.
  • Provide technical expertise to SPU and the City of Seattle in forestland and wildlife management, ecological conservation, recreation management, environmental regulatory compliance and mitigation development and implementation.
  • Prioritize, plan, initiate, and adapt terrestrial resources mitigation programs, in consultation with federal, state, tribal and non-governmental organizations, stakeholders, and administer such projects once they are determined. Serve as a terrestrial resources liaison for SPU regarding any relevant technical, advisory, or oversight groups.
  • Manage long-term forest ecosystem research, technical teams, and monitoring programs; oversee database development and management.
  • Prepare and review relevant sections of required Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) documentation.
  • Track, review, and report to SPU and Seattle City Light leadership on proposed policies related to terrestrial management in the Tait Watershed, recreation management, and water quality and sensitive habitat protection.
  • Support implementation and stakeholder engagement on Cedar River Watershed Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and other mitigation agreements, representing City interests to state and federal agencies, Tribes, and other interested parties; support HCP requirements and activities.
  • Coordinate with an interdisciplinary team in the Watershed Natural Resources Section in the Water Line of Business, Watershed Management Division, on watershed and mitigation activities that could impact SPU's municipal water supply.
  • Guide and assist with field verification and mapping of vegetation types, rare plants, invasive weeds, and wildlife populations in the South Fork Tait Municipal Watershed (SFTMW) and additional City lands and the development of associated attribute data and GIS files; map and provide recommendations on permitting implications for wetlands and other critical areas.
  • Interact and work with a multicultural and diverse group of individuals and teams.
  • Perform work in alignment with the City of Seattle's Racial Equity & Social Justice framework.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Dutiesresponsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

 

Qualifications

 

Experience: Minimum five (5) years of advanced professional experience relevant to the performance of essential duties at a high level.

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science, Forest Management, Recreation Management, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.

Combinations of appropriate education, training, certification, and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability to the minimum education and experience requirements.

 

License Requirements: At the time of appointment must hold a valid Washington State Driver License.

You will be most successful in this role if you possess one or more of the following:

  • Experience working in terrestrial resource management, forest management, watershed management, and/or recreation management.
  • Experience negotiating terrestrial or environmental resources mitigation agreements with Tribal governments, state/federal agencies, and other stakeholders (i.e., federal, state, tribal, NGO stakeholders).
  • Experience overseeing consultant contracts or consulting in a related field of work.
  • Ability to effectively communicate technical information both verbally and in writing to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Exceptional ability to facilitate and/or negotiate.
  • Demonstrated history with developing good working relationships and navigating complex networks to achieve results.
  • Demonstrated history navigating complex, multidisciplinary, and sensitive issues and achieving successful outcomes.
  • Excellent analytical skills and the ability to manage multiple, concurrent tasks.
  • Excellent computer skills, including SharePoint and Microsoft Suite of tools.

 

Additional Information

 

City of Seattle COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate:

All City of Seattle employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Failure to submit proof of vaccination or qualify for a reasonable accommodation will result in withdrawal of a job offer.
 
Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences.
Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
 

Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment; however, due to the ongoing pandemic and Covid-19 state and local restrictions, hybrid telework/office/field assignment work will be available consistent with HR guidelines, and as circumstances dictate. We continue to seek guidance from local public health agencies and will proceed accordingly with any necessary changed or needs regarding "workplace location" expectations.

 

This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.


Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/.

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