Salary: $5,479.00 – $7,368.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County – Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2023-EFSEC-006
Department: Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council
Opening Date: 09/08/2023
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
This posting has been extended beyond original closing date and may be used to fill multiple positions.
This posting is Open Continuous; however, the hiring manager may make a decision at any time. Application review will begin immediately, so it will be in your best interest to apply as soon as possible.
Schedule: This position is currently hybrid with remote and in-office options. There may be occasional required in-office time as needed. (This may move to more in-office time in the future)
The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) provides environmental and safety oversight of approved facilities. EFSEC provides one- stop permitting for large energy projects in Washington, including nuclear facilities, thermal energy generation, fossil fuel, wind, and solar power plants, green hydrogen, biofuel refineries, oil refineries, natural gas storage fields, clean energy product manufacturing facilities, storage facilities, and qualifying pipelines and transmission lines.
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.
What you will be doing:EFSEC siting and monitoring activities help build and sustain livable, vibrant communities that meet the economic, environmental and social needs of their citizens. You will be processing any applications received and you will be performing professional review and compliance monitoring of alternative energy facilities under the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council’s (EFSEC) jurisdiction. To learn more about us, please visit: http://www.efsec.wa.gov/
Who we are looking for:
You need to be comfortable and good at task management. This position requires prioritizing and re-prioritizing duties, as there are different and multiple steps in the process that require your attention at each stage.
Why you would want this position:In many like-positions, people will site or oversee compliance, but in this role, you get to do BOTH! This is a unique position that allows you to work with many more stakeholders than what’s traditionally “normal” in similar positions. You will get to work with different projects in different areas in the state. This is a different, dynamic role that will keep you interested and motivated. The issues may be similar, the facilities might be a little different from each other, but each may have different concerns that you get to assist with.
Duties
Working Conditions:
Work is performed both in the primary office, but also in the field at various locations throughout the state in all weather conditions. This position may spend time traveling during and outside normal work hours throughout the state, including overnight stays. Field duties may require incumbent to wear protective/safety clothing and equipment (which may include hearing protection, eye protection, protective coveralls, hard hat and safety shoes).
Some of what you’ll enjoy doing includes:
- Develops information through analysis regarding the siting of alternative energy facilities under review.
- Reports to the EFSEC siting and compliance manager, before being presented to the EFSEC Council for their consideration in making recommendations to the Governor.
- Coordinates exchange of information between applicant and consultants to ensure a thorough application review.
- Directs the work of others working under contract to EFSEC in conducting State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) environmental review to support lead agency decision; and the development of air emission, water discharge, wetland, and other specific permits associated with energy facility siting and compliance monitoring.
- Works with private consultants and state and local agencies to make recommendations for developing the scope of work necessary for implementing compliance monitoring activities at EFSEC facilities.
- Provides evaluations and makes recommendations related to the review of contractor reports used for the development of permits for energy facilities under EFSEC jurisdiction.
- Presents oral and written reports on siting and compliance matters to EFSEC Managers and Council Members.
- Makes recommendations to EFSEC Managers and Council Members on siting and compliance issues for consideration and action by the EFSEC Council.
- Provides technical assistance to EFSEC Managers and the EFSEC Council by answering questions and preparing reports on compliance monitoring and application review issues.
- Conducts EFSEC facility quarterly audits through the review of facility records and by performing site inspections in coordination with Washington State agencies.
- Prepares written contractor evaluation reports and facility audit reports for review by the EFSEC manager.
- Assists EFSEC manager and other staff in the development of interagency and independent consulting services contracts.
- Assists in the drafting of contracts by evaluating facility compliance technical requirements and by reviewing scopes of work provided by contractors.
- Reviews invoices and contractor reports for consistency with contract requirements.
Qualifications
**Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for education for both levels
REQUIRED:
Environmental Planner 2:
Range 52: $4,497 – $6,046 per month
A Master’s degree in engineering, natural or physical science, environmental planning or a closely allied field
AND
1 year of professional experience in environmental review, environmental permit regulation, or a closely allied field.
OR
A Bachelors degree in engineering, natural or physical science, environmental planning or a closely allied field
AND
Two (2) years of professional experience in environmental review, environmental permit regulation, or a closely allied field.
**Equivalent experience may substitute for education totaling six (6) years.
Energy Facility Site Specialist:
Range 60: $5,479 to $7,368 per month
A Master’s degree in engineering, natural or physical science, environmental planning or a closely allied field
AND
Three years of professional experience in environmental review, environmental permit regulation, or a closely allied field.
OR
A Bachelors degree in engineering, natural or physical science, environmental planning or a closely allied field
AND
Four (4) years of professional experience in environmental review, environmental permit regulation, or a closely allied field.
**Equivalent experience may substitute for education totaling eight (8) years.
Position Specific Competencies:
- Decision Making Judgment – Recognizes problems and responds, systematically gathers information, sorts through complex issues, seeks input from others, addresses root causes of issues, makes timely decisions, can make difficult decisions, uses consensus when possible, communicates decisions to others. Recognizes limits of responsibility and the need to communicate effectively with EFSEC staff and Managers.
- Analytical Skills – Able to use data and information in a clear and rational manner to assess and understand issues regarding applications or potential applications and to verify completeness of applications and compliance with rules and regulations. Able to use good judgment to determine what records, rules, policies or procedures are responsive to an inquiry or analysis. Use judgment and critical thinking to infer appropriate meaning and form conclusions necessary to resolve the problem or issue. Knowledge of current economic, social. political, and environmental issues, laws, trends, policies and programs affecting the siting of energy facilities.
Core Competencies:
- 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.
PREFERRED:
- Knowledge of current economic, social, political and environmental issues, laws, trends, policies and programs affecting the siting of energy facilities.
- Experience working with complex environmental issues.
- Negotiation Skills – Conducts positive negotiations, ability to compromise, handles conflicts, seeks common ground, articulates own and other goals, stays focused on positive outcome.
- Project Management – Establishes project goals, milestones and procedures, defines roles and responsibilities, acquires project resources, coordinates projects throughout the organization, monitors project progress, manages multiple projects.
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, describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting;
- A current resume, 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.
NOTE:
This position is included in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
Conditions of Employment:
- Conflict of Interest: RCW 80.01.020 limits the commission’s ability to employ any person who owns stock in any company the commission regulates or is otherwise financially interested in such company.
- Background Check Notice:
Prior to any new appointment into the EFSEC, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
Opportunity for All:
The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council 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 at (360) 407-8446 or email jobs@des.wa.gov.
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 in engineering, natural or physical science, environmental planning or a closely allied field
- Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field
- Master’s degree in engineering, natural or physical science, environmental planning or a closely allied field
- Master’s degree in an unrelated field
03
How many months of professional experience 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
- 96-107 months
- 108 months or more
04
How did you hear about this job posting?
- Careers.wa.gov
- Friend
- Indeed
- Job Board
- Other
05
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”.
Required Question