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SEA Program Grant & Loan Financial Specialist (Environmental Specialist 3) (In-Training)

Washington State Department of Ecology
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Description

Protecting Washington State's environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We have 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, Ecology is a good fit.
The Shorelands and Environmental Assistance (SEA) program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a SEA Program Grant & Loan Financial Specialist (Environmental Specialist 3) (In-Training) position. This position will be located in our Headquarters Building in Lacey, WA.
 
The SEA Program Grant & Loan Financial Specialist serves as a Grant and Loan Financial Specialist providing technical assistance in the administration and management of shoreline grant and loan projects and interagency agreements and contracts. Financial assistance programs include, but are not limited to grants for updating or implementing Shoreline Master Programs; Floodplain by Design grants that address flood hazards while also improving environmental outcomes; Flood Control Assistance Account Program grants to address risks associated with flooding; funding for the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative; and Terry Husseman Account grant/loan programs to improve shoreline habitat.
 
We are looking for applicants who possess analytical skills and have demonstrated capacity to follow through with careful attention to detail on complex tasks, especially involving fiscal management of environmental projects. This position provides "behind-the-scenes" support for Ecology's environmental mission, and primarily involves working internally with grant project managers and budget staff. The position will provide technical assistance in the administration and management of shoreline grant and loan projects and interagency agreements and contracts.

As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment for current and future generations. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism and accountability. Maybe you've seen some of our recent stories on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.

To learn more about our agency, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov. 







Duties

Ecology's mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment, and promote the wise management of our air, land and water for the benefit of current and future generations. Our goals are to prevent pollution, clean up pollution, and support sustainable communities and natural resources.
The mission of the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program is to support community conservation efforts for our shorelands, wetlands, and floodplains.

The main focus of this position involves the financial management of state and federal grants and loans awarded to public entities, including local governments, special purpose districts, and others for shoreline, floodplain, and wetland projects.
 
Some of the key work activities of the SEA Program Grant & Loan Financial Specialist at the Environmental Specialist 3 level are:
 
Grants, Contracts, and Loans – Financial Management:
·        Working independently under the direction of the SEA Policy & Operations Manager, this position serves as a financial manager on shoreline grant and loan projects and interagency agreements and contracts. Financial assistance programs include, but are not limited to, Shoreline Master Programs, Floodplain by Design, Flood Control Assistance Account Program, the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative, and Terry Husseman Account grant/loan programs.
·        The position provides technical assistance and administrative guidance to grant/contract/loan recipients on grant and loan eligibility, administration, and record keeping requirements for diverse environmental projects. Assists grant and loan recipients with resolving audit questions and recommends course of action to resolve issues or meet contract requirements.
·        Provides technical and administrative support to regional office project managers, and the funding recipient, during the development of individual grant agreements and amendments. Provides quality assurance review of the negotiated project scope of work, budget, and special conditions to ensure grant and loan integrity, eligibility of costs, and statewide consistency in accordance with state and federal statutes and rules, SEA Program Funding Program policies and procedures, and grant and loan guidelines. Facilitates necessary grant and loan agreement approval/review and agreement signatures. Evaluates financial tracking data to determine technical compliance with regulatory requirements.
·        Plans, facilitates, or represents the program in public meetings and workshops such as recipient training classes, and supports other program presentations as appropriate.
·        Coordinates with Ecology's Public Information Office to develop legislative and congressional letters and public information announcements regarding grant awards.
 
Financial Project Administration:
·        Reviews and certifies grant and loan payment requests for eligible costs in accordance with the grant or loan agreement state and federal statutes and rules, SEA Program Funding Program and Agency policies and procedures, and grant and loan guidelines. Participates with Ecology's fiscal office staff to document eligible project costs for reimbursement.
·        Provides financial management assistance to grant and loan recipients on requirements contained in Administrative Requirements for Ecology Grants and Loans, Ecology Publication No. 91-18.
 
 This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be July 27, 2018. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before July 26, 2018. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

To broaden the candidate pool, we will consider candidates that qualify at the Environmental Specialist 1, 2 or 3 levels. Please read the qualifications section below to learn more about this exciting career growth and in-training opportunity.







Qualifications

The goal class for this position is an Environmental Specialist 3 (ES3). We will consider applicants who meet the requirements for the Environmental Specialist 1, 2 or 3 levels. If the finalist meets the requirements for the ES1 or ES2 levels, they will be placed into a training program to become an ES3 within a specified period of time.
Required Qualifications:
At the Environmental Specialist 1 level Pay Range 38 ($2772 - $3592 – monthly) (In-Training)
A Bachelor's degree involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field.
Experience at or above the Environmental Technician level or equivalent will substitute, year for year, for education.
The experience as an Environmental Technician can include assisting in any of the following areas: 1) Processes various types of environmental regulatory permit applications, reviews them for accuracy, completeness and compliance with code standards; researches existing permits to preclude possible conflict; plots legal descriptions and geographic locations on a map; prepares public notice as required and checks actual publication for accuracy and sufficiency; prepares field examination package; 2) Assists professional staff in field work such as sampling, testing, calibration, etc.; 3) Tracks environmental documents with computer system and evaluates, interprets and analyzes data; 4) Analyzes data within the tracking system to determine completeness, correctness and compiles reports for use by professional staff or outside agencies; 5)Collects data from field or office sources to be translated into computer for tracking; 6) Responds to general inquiries from public and other interested parties; 7) Compiles and maintains environmental informational library; 8) Assists in inspections of industrial and municipal discharges for compliance with their respective permits by collecting samples, reviewing operating procedures and standard practices being administered and verifying accuracy of measuring devices and recorders; assists in sampling design and data evaluation; 9) Leads and supervises staff in collecting data necessary to support an environmental project or reporting requirements; 10) Receives and responds to requests from the public regarding status of permit applications; explains permit application procedures; assists applicants in filling out forms; 11) Compiles data and prepares recurring reports regarding number, type and location of permit applications; sends these reports to interested agencies; 12) Collects field samples or data for environmental studies; 13) Prepares public notice to meet statutory publication requirements; prepares a field examination package including such items as maps, legal description, information or existing water rights and/or unusual problems within the area; 14) Provides advice, guidance and assistance to the public in the preparation of applications; answers questions concerning existing water rights and flood control zone permits; assigns application numbers and records them in appropriate log books; spots location of point of withdrawal or diversion on maps;  

 
At the Environmental Specialist 2 level Pay Range 45 ($3267 - $4275 – monthly) (In-Training)
A Bachelor's degree involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field and one (1) year of professional level experience in environmental analysis or control, or environmental planning.
Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education.
OR
One (1) year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 1.
OR
A Master's degree in one of the above fields.
At the Environmental Specialist 3 level: Pay Range 49 ($3592 - $4715 – monthly)(Goal Class)
A Bachelor's degree involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field and two (2) years of professional-level experience in environmental analysis or control, or environmental planning.
Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education.
A Master's degree or above in one of the above fields will substitute for one (1) year of required experience.
OR
A Ph.D. in one of the above fields.
OR
One year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 2.
 
 
Desired Qualifications:
·        Skills with Microsoft Sharepoint®, Excel®, and Word®.
·        Grant/loan and/or other related financial management experience.
 
Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment:
Must possess a valid driver's license.          







Application Instructions