Communications Specialist (Communications Consultant 4)



Communications Specialist (Communications Consultant 4)

Salary

$55,524.00 - $74,604.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County – Lacey, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2019-EAP2706-11748

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Environmental Assessment

Opening Date

12/02/2019

Closing Date

Continuous

Description

                   

         


Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
 

Protecting Washington State's environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We are a culture that is invested in making a difference. If you want to join a team that is highly effective, collaborative, has leadership that embraces the value of people, and believes in the fun factor, Ecology is a good fit.

The Environmental Assessment Program (EAP) within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Communications Specialist (Communications Consultant 4) position. This position is located in our Headquarters Building (HQ) in Lacey, WA.

The Communications Specialist position supports Ecology's leadership, and works in close collaboration with project, program and regional teams to help address some of the toughest environmental challenges of our time. This position is a collaborative and integrated member of two teams – EAP and the Agency Communications program.

This position serves as the media relations lead and spokesperson on behalf of EAP for Ecology issues in support of proactive promotion of the program's science and research projects to the media. This position supervises three (3) communications positions in the development and implementation of strategic communications to the public, stakeholders, other governmental entities, and the regulated community, as well as public involvement strategies and activities.

We're looking for multi-dimensional (variety of communications platforms) applicants who are excited by the prospect of science and in applying science to environmental decision making. The successful applicant should possess excellent people and writing skills and be able to help summarize technical information clearly and concisely to a diverse lay audience.

As an agency, we invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability. 

To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedInTwitterFacebookInstagram or our blog.
 

Local efforts... Diverse people... Statewide impacts




 

Duties

 


 

Agency Mission:  Ecology's mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment and to promote the wise management of our air, land and water for the benefit of current and future generations.  

Program Mission:  The Environmental Assessment Program's mission is to measure, assess, and communicate environmental conditions in Washington State to reduce and prepare for climate impacts, deliver integrated water solutions, protect and restore Puget Sound, and prevent and reduce toxic threats.

 
Some of the key work activities include:

  • Using a variety of communication strategies and tools - plans, manages, organizes, and directs integrated communications strategies for the Environmental Assessment Program.
  • Advises the program management team on communications goals and objectives, policy, public involvement, citizen engagement, media relations, social media, and stakeholder involvement. Supervises the communications and publications unit which includes 3 other Communications Consultant positions.

 
The successful applicant for this position will be expected to accomplish the following:

Be responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and leading an effective communications program for the Environmental Assessment Program. This includes working with the media to promote our science to a wide range of audiences. Seeks to tell stories visually- incorporating photography, videography and graphics. Provides leadership on web content and strategy. 
 
Opportunities to solve problems:
 
The Communications Specialist develops and implements complex communications and public involvement strategies in the Environmental Assessment Program. This work often involves developing strategies to integrate program science into decision making and policy setting in the agency and working with external stakeholders to understand our science. Issues cover a wide range of topics from freshwater and marine monitoring to toxic chemical research and watershed health issues.  

Interesting aspects of the position:
 
The Environmental Assessment Program is the science arm of Ecology which is the backbone of natural resource decision making in the agency. Good communication of our findings is critical to our mission which is to protect the health of Washington's residents and the environment.
 
Challenging aspects of the position:
 
Serves on the Spills Program's after-hours, on-call communications support team. Works an average of two week-long shifts every six months.
 
The Team:

The Environmental Assessment Program is composed of Natural Resource Scientists, Environmental Engineers, Hydrogeologists, Chemists, Oceanographers and Biologists that are passionate about the work they do. We need and want someone to join our team and be an active participant to help these professionals communication their findings in an effective way to the right audiences.

This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be December 16, 2019. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before December 15, 2019. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.
 
Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.
 

 

Qualifications


Required Qualifications:
 
A Bachelor's Degree in English, communications, journalism, public relations, or related field

AND

Three (3) years of writing/editing/translation experience, which includes two (2) years of the following:

  • Developing web content strategy and writing/editing web content.
  • Working with the media.
  • Proficient use of Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and Adobe products, such as Photoshop, Acrobat Pro and InDesign.
  • Proficient use of content management systems.
 
OR

Equivalent education/experience.
 

Desired Qualifications:
 
Experience communicating environmental science to the public.
 
 
 
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
 
Possess a valid driver's license to operate a vehicle in Washington State.
 
 
 
Why work for Ecology?

Joining Ecology means becoming a part of a team committed to protecting and restoring Washington State's environment.

A career in public service allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping the health and financial security of you and your family a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to work/life balance.

Ecology employees may be eligible for the following:
Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s)Public Employees Retirement System (PERS),  Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan ForgivenessTuition Waiver,  Long Term DisabilityLife InsuranceDeferred Compensation ProgramsDependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP),  Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA)Employee Assistance ProgramCommute Trip Reduction IncentivesCombined Fund DriveSmartHealth 

Student debt and how working for Ecology can help
Employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.
 
*See the Benefits tab in this announcement for more information


 

Supplemental Information


Application Instructions:

Please include the following documents as an attachment to your application:

  • A cover letter describing how your experience, skills and abilities meet the required qualifications of this position.
  • A resume outlining your professional experience.
  • Two writing samples.


Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.

Please complete the applicant profile when applying for this position. Or, you may paste the text of your resume within the profile's resume text field.

Please read the supplemental questions carefully and answer completely. Incomplete responses, including "please see resume" may disqualify you from further consideration.

Department of Ecology employees, please make sure to answer the agency-wide questions regarding permanent status as a classified employee within the Washington General Service or Washington Management Service. Do not forget to select Department of Ecology as a response to question 2, and type your personnel ID number for question 3. If you are not sure of your status or do not know your personnel ID number, please contact Human Resources at (360) 407-6186.

If you are reading this announcement in print format, please visit www.careers.wa.gov to access the online recruitment system. Click on "Look for Jobs" and select Dept. of Ecology under the "Department" search list. Click "Apply Search."


Other Information:

If you need assistance applying for this job, please call Human Resources at (360) 407-6186 or e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not call this number or send an email to this address to follow-up the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile's main page.

If you have specific questions about the position, please email Annette Hoffmann at: Annette.hoffmann@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Annette to inquire about the status of your application.

The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.

This position is included in the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) union bargaining unit for the Department of Ecology.

The Washington State Department of Ecology 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, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 407-6186. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call 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 and that your priority is making sure 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. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.

Insurance Benefits
 
Employees and 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.
 
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.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
 
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.
 
Holidays
 
Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:
 
HOLIDAY
DATE
 
New Year's Day
January 1
 
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday
Third Monday in January
 
Presidents' Day
Third Monday in February
 
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
 
Independence Day
July 4
 
Labor Day
First Monday in September
 
Veterans' Day
November 11
 
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
 
Christmas Day
December 25
 
Personal Holiday
Employee's selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
 
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.
 
Sick Leave
 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
 
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.

01
How did you first learn about this job posting?
  • Community Based Organization
  • Community / Technical College
  • Ecology Employee
  • Ecology Recruiter
  • Ecology Jobs Page
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Job Board
  • Job Fair
  • Other State Agency
  • Other Website
  • Professional Association
  • Twitter
  • University Job Board
  • WorkSource
  • www.careers.wa.gov
02
If you selected Community Based Organization, Community / Technical College, Job Board, Job Fair, LinkedIn Group, Newspaper, Other State Agency, Other Website, Professional Association, Radio, University Job Board or WorkSource location then please share which one.
03
Please select the statement that best describes your level of education in: English. communications, journalism, public relations or related field.
  • I have 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter credits.
  • I have 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter credits (AA degree).
  • I have 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter credits.
  • I have a bachelor's degree.
  • I have a master's degree.
  • I have a Ph.D.
  • None of the above statements apply.
04
Please indicate your degree and major study.
05
Please select the statement that best describes your writing/editing experience.
  • I have at least one year of experience.
  • I have at least two years of experience.
  • I have at least three years of experience.
  • I have at least four years of experience.
  • I have at least five years of experience.
  • I have at least six years of experience.
  • I have at least seven years of experience.
  • None of the above statements apply.
06
Please provide additional information to support your response to question 5 above. The following information is needed: position title(s), specific duties, and periods of employment. Make sure your responses specifically address the qualifications above. An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.
07
We work with local, statewide and national media on a regular basis. What experience do you have working with the media?
08
Please tell us about your experience communicating scientific information to the public. What strategies and tactics did you use to get people's attention and make them care about the issue? Please provide a specific example.
09
What do you believe are the essential skills and experiences needed to excel in today's communication world? What are your go to tools when developing communications?

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
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