Title- Energy, Water, and Major Projects Division Manager
Classification- WMS Band 3
Job Status- Full-Time-Permanent
WDFW Program- Habitat Program 
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
Hybrid/Telework- Up to two days of telework may be available at the discretion of the supervisor.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Make a Lasting Impact
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.

Lead Strategic Conservation Efforts
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.

Champion the Department’s Mission
Be at the forefront of preserving the agency’s credibility, stewardship, and financial accountability. Coordinate habitat improvements, operational resource protections, and research initiatives, all while advancing the Department’s mandate to protect and perpetuate natural resources.

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Energy, Water, and Major Projects Division Manager will:

Provide leadership and direction for the division, ensuring resources are used effectively and staff are supported to perform at their best. Promote a culture of communication, collaboration, and professional growth through ongoing feedback and development opportunities. Model the highest standards of integrity and professionalism while supporting the state’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Tasks include: 

• 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); other state agencies and their programs (e.g., Office of Chehalis Basin, Office of Columbia River); local and tribal governments; and other interested stakeholders.

Tasks include: 

• 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.  

Tasks include:

• 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.

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards: Office setting.

Schedule: This position works Monday through Friday, with core hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Opportunities for alternative work schedules may be available.

Travel Requirements: Some travel, including occasional overnight stays, may be required.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

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. 

  And

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,

  Plus

Two (2) of which must include supervisory/management experience.

Required Knowledge and Competencies: 

• 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.
• Understanding of fish and wildlife biology, habitat science, and ecology to anticipate conservation needs and potential impacts.
• Principles of staff supervision and organizational management.
• Experience building and maintaining collaborative working relationships.
• Effective leadership: results-oriented, decisive, accountable, and able to empower and inspire staff.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and programs involving up to 10 employees.
• Skilled in negotiating agreements while maintaining scientific credibility and agency policy.
• Resourcefulness in problem solving and innovative thinking.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Ability to organize and oversee multi-disciplinary teams addressing major policy issues, developing legislation, and implementing new programs and laws.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Valid Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

• 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.
• Experience applying knowledge of fish and wildlife biology, habitat science, and ecology to anticipate fish, wildlife, and habitat needs, potential impacts, and likely remedies.
• Ability to interpret and apply department and state policies in order to lead major program activities and staff to expected results.
• 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.
• Experience and demonstrated ability to build consensus and negotiate agreements as a representative of an organization.
• 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.
• An up-to-date resume. 
• 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 Valerie.Rogers@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: 2025-1234 – 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 Valerie.Rogers@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-07586.

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