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Location

Olympia, WA | United States

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Job description

Salary: $5,900.00 - $7,932.00 Monthly

Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type: Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number: 2023-EFSEC-005

Department: Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council

Opening Date: 02/26/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description

Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm
In-Office

This posting has been reopened and is open until filled. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time. It will be in your best interest to apply as soon as possible.


Schedule: This is a full-time position. Work schedule is normally Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. however, you must be willing to workdays or hours outside of your approved schedule as required to meet business needs and will spend time traveling during and outside normal work hours throughout the state, including overnight stays.

What you will be doing:
You will develop conditions of construction and operation facility and site operations. You will be directly responsible for evaluating applications for or amendments to site certification and oversee compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). You will be responsible for making recommendations to the SEPA Responsible Official on proposals in front of EFSEC.

Who we are looking for:
You're an energetic and ambitious individual who is a quick learner that loves talking to people and finding solutions. You're a creative self-starter, and helping others is a natural impulse. You enjoy working with a fast-paced team with competing priorities. You value our environment and serving our public.

Who we are:
EFSEC was created in 1970 to provide "one stop" siting and permitting for large energy projects. By establishing the Council, the state legislature centralized the evaluation and oversight of large energy facilities within one state agency. The legislature cited the necessity of balancing the need for new energy facilities with the broad interests of the public. As part of the balancing process, the Council must take into account protection of environmental quality, the safety of energy facilities, and concern for energy availability.


The Council's responsibilities are listed in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 80.50 . These responsibilities include siting large natural gas and oil pipelines, thermal electric power plants that are 350 megawatts or greater and their dedicated transmission lines, new oil refineries or large expansions of existing facilities, and underground natural gas storage fields. Energy facilities of any size that exclusively use alternative energy resources (wind, solar, geothermal, landfill gas, wave or tidal action, or biomass energy) can opt-in to the EFSEC review and certification process as with certain electrical transmission lines. EFSEC's authority does not extend to hydropower plants or thermal electric plants that are less than 350 megawatts.


For facilities under its jurisdiction, EFSEC has been delegated authority by the Unites States Environmental Protection Agency to issue permits under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Federal Clean Air Act. EFSEC also ensures that effective and coordinated nuclear emergency response plans are in place and satisfactorily tested for the Columbia Generating Station nuclear power plant located on the Hanford Site in central Washington.

Duties

Some of the duties include:

• Acquire, understand, and blend multi-disciplinary information from multiple technical and sources.
• Condense complex project information into coherent descriptions of proposed actions as defined in SEPA.
• Prepare SEPA environmental review and determination recommendations to review with the EFSEC Responsible Official.
• Describe (in-writing), potential environmental impacts to both the built environment and the natural environment, and other applicable resources pursuant to SEPA rules and guidance.
• Submit project documents to the Ecology SEPA Register on behalf of EFSEC at the direction of the SEPA Responsible Official.
• Ensure the appropriate SEPA documents are submitted to the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Register in a timely manner and that all agency SEPA documents are complete and entered into the database accurately.
• Provide guidance and interpretation of the SEPA policy and environmental technical assistance to the other EFSEC staff, the EFSEC Council, applicants, certificate holders, and the public.
• Present oral and written reports on SEPA matters to EFSEC Directors and Council members. Make recommendations to EFSEC Directors and Council members on SEPA and issues for consideration and action by the EFSEC Council.
• Provide technical assistance to EFSEC Directors and the EFSEC Council by answering questions and preparing reports on SEPA issues.
• Provide technical guidance and develop tools for SEPA compliance for applicants, certificate holders, and other EFSEC staff for use in the siting review process.
• Assist EFSEC Directors and other staff in the development of interagency and independent consulting services contracts by providing input on scope of work.
• Review invoices and contractor reports for consistency with contract requirements.
• Assist other staff in the development of notification lists and noticing materials based on regulatory requirements for public distribution.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Conflict of Interest: RCW 42.52 limits EFSEC's ability to employ any person who owns stock in any company the Council regulates or is otherwise financially interested in such company.

REQUIRED :
*Experience may substitute for education


Environmental Planner 3 :

Range 59: $5,341 to $7,184 per month

• A Master's degree 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 allied field
  • Alternatively qualifying experience may substitute for education totaling seven years
• 2 years of applied experience in SEPA review, or a closely allied field or one year of experience as an Environmental Planner 2
• Experience coordinating application review and SEPA discussions with stakeholder groups consisting of technical experts, resource agencies, environmental community, tribal governments and local government entities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills using a variety of methods (for example, writing reports and memo, preparing and delivering presentations, speaking to groups of various sizes and interests).

Environmental Planner 4 :
Range 63: $5,900 to $7,932 per month

• A Master's degree 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 allied field
  • Alternatively qualifying experience may substitute for education totaling eight years
• Three years of applied experience in SEPA review, or a closely allied field or one year of experience as an Environmental Planner 3.
• Experience coordinating application review and SEPA discussions with stakeholder groups consisting of technical experts, resource agencies, environmental community, tribal governments and local government entities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills using a variety of methods (for example, writing reports and memo, preparing and delivering presentations, speaking to groups of various sizes and interests).

Demonstration of Values and Core Competencies (expected of all employees):

• Respect: We treat every person and interaction with consideration and goodwill.
• Professionalism: We are committed to excellence in our work and conduct.
• Integrity: We do the right things for the right reasons- trusting others to do the same.
• Accountability: With courage, we hold ourselves and each other accountable for exhibiting respect, professionalism, and integrity.
• Customer Focus - Responsive to both internal and external customers. Works with customer to identify needs; assumes responsibility for own role in meeting those needs. Ensures commitments to customers are met. Receptive to customer feedback.
• Results Focus - Accepts personal accountability for individual results or share of team results. Manages workload and interpersonal relationships to achieve results; prioritizes tasks appropriately, overcomes obstacles, works with others as necessary, and meets deadlines and quality standards.
• Communication Skills - Demonstrates communication skills (reading comprehension, writing, listening, speaking) appropriate to the position. Shows respect and courtesy in interpersonal communications.
• Adaptability/Flexibility - Open to new ideas. Responds constructively to change and stressful situations. In consultation with supervisor, adjusts plans to meet changing needs.
• Self-Development - Demonstrates proactive learning. Keeps knowledge and skills up-to-date. Solicits and accepts constructive feedback. Seeks developmental assignments to improve skills. Turns challenges into learning opportunities.
• Continuous Process Improvement - Uses Lean tools and principles to continuously identify improvements, solve problems, and improve work processes. Participates on process improvement projects/teams. Actively engages in section/division huddles and incorporates visual management into daily work.
• Anti-Racism Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and Anti-Racism - Possesses a working understanding of antiracism, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI); engages productively in conversations about race and in organizational efforts to promote antiracism and EDI; undertakes self-examinations and participates in trainings on antiracism and EDI. Possesses ability to and willingness to identify and actively combat racist policies to achieve equitable outcomes.

Supplemental Information

Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

• A letter of interest, (no more than 2 pages) explaining how you have prepared yourself for this position.
• A current resume or CV , detailing experience, and education
• A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)

NOTE: By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not substitute for completing the "duties summary" section of the application. Please do not refer to resume for detail, or your application may be disqualified.


Union Inclusion:
This position is included in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).


Opportunity for All:
The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council's celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.


You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.

Contact Information:
For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Angie Anderson or email Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.


Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.


Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.


Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.


Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01


Are you willing to undergo a background check as a condition of employment?

• Yes
• No

02


What is your level of education?

• Some or no college
• 1 year of college (30 semester or 45 quarter credits)
• Associate's degree OR 2 years of college (60 semester or 90 quarter credits)
• 3 years of college (90 semester or 135 quarter credits)
• Bachelor's degree 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 allied field
• Master's degree (or higher 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 allied field
• Bachelor's degree or higher in an unrelated field

03


How many months of applied experience do you have in a relevant field do you have?

• 0-11 months
• 12-23 months
• 24-35 months
• 36-47 months
• 48-59 months
• 60-71 months
• 72-83 months
• 84-95 months
• 96 or more months

04


How many months of applied experience in SEPA review or closely allied field do you have?

• 0-11 months
• 12-23 months
• 24-35 months
• 36 months or more

05


Do you have at least 1 year of experience as an Environmental Planner 2?

• Yes
• No

06


Do you have at least one year of experience as an Environmental Planner 3?

• Yes
• No

07


Check all you have experience with:

• Coordinating application review and SEPA discussions with stakeholder groups consisting of technical experts, resource agencies, environmental community, tribal governments and local government entities
• Strong verbal and written communication skills using a variety of methods (for example, writing reports and memo, preparing and delivering presentations, speaking to groups of various sizes and interests)
• None of these apply

08


How did you hear about this job posting?

• Careers.wa.gov
• Friend
• Indeed
• Job Board
• LinkedIn
• Other

09


We would like to know where you heard about this position.If you selected College Job Board, Job Fair, Job Board, or Other, please let us know the specific name of the college, job board, or place you heard about this position.If you selected a specifically named job board or webpage (listed above), please enter "n/a".


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