Communications Manager (Communications Consultant 5)

The salary listed above includes the 3% pay increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2024.

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Spill Prevention, Preparedness, and Response (SPPR) program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Communications Manager (Communications Consultant 5) position. This position is located in our Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

As the Communications Manager for the Spill Prevention, Preparedness and Response Program, you will be responsible for both internal and external communications. You will be expected to be a good writer, producing press releases, communications plans, speeches, presentations, talking points, and other documents. You will need to feel comfortable in front of, and behind the camera.

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to work with the best oil spill teams in the country, and step into a leadership role. When not dealing with spills, you will spend time preparing for them, and handling other duties. You will also work alongside the agency communications team to represent the Spills Program and serve other agency communications needs.

Agency Mission: Ecology's mission is to protect, preserve and enhance the environment for current and future generations.  

Program Mission: The Spills Program's mission is to protect, preserve, and restore Washington's environment. Our vision is to create a zero spills world.  

Telework options for this position: This position will be eligible for up to an 80% telework schedule. Applicants with questions about position location options, telework, and flexible or compressed schedules are encouraged to reach out to the contact person listed below in "other information." Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline: This position will remain open until filled, with a next screening date of June 28, 2024. In order to be considered for initial screening, please submit an application on or before June 27, 2024. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

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 Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver,  Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP),  Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives(Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *Click here for more information

About the Department of Ecology

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. Join a team that is highly effective and collaborative, with leadership that embraces the value of people. To learn more, check out our Strategic Plan.

Ecology cares deeply about employee wellness; we go beyond traditional benefits, proudly offering:

• A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.

• An Infants at Work Program that is based on the long-term health values of infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.

• Continuous growth and development opportunities. 

• A wellness program that offers education, fitness classes, and an agency-wide fondness for outdoor meetings.

• Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work.

Our commitment to DEIR

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology's work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.

Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.

Equity: We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.

Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology's work.

Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.

We believe that DEIR is both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.

Why join this team?

Ecology's Spills Program responds to over 4,000 spills a year. Spills can happen every day at any time. As the Communications Manager, you will fill a vital role on a qualified team of response personnel. This mean you will be the tip of the spear for communication during emergency events, acting as lead Public Information Officer. You will be the voice for an emergency incident, handling media calls, coordinating with other agencies, and overseeing a Joint Information Center. Every day is different, and you never know what is going to happen. This is Ecology's only emergency response communications role, requiring knowledge of the media, and quick action when the need arises.

What you will do:

• Develop messaging such as press releases, social media posts, videos, and blog posts related to spill incidents and other projects.

• Participate in internal and external task forces and committees related to spills and other environmental issues.

• Work as part of the agency communications team on other projects and initiatives.

• Lead and supervise the Publications and Web Coordinator and other staff as necessary.

• Develop, implement, review, and coordinate communication strategies

• Be the point of contact for media during spill events. This might include participating in/setting up interviews, providing updated information, and working with other PIO's or subject matter experts across multiple agencies.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Ecology staff, media, other state/federal agencies, and related stakeholders.

This role qualifies for assignment pay during emergency incidents. While working a spill response outside of normal work hours, the employee will be eligible for Responder Pay.

You will be reimbursement for travel, training, and any required equipment. You will be provided required clothing and PPE by the Program/Agency. You will be joining a team that is rapid, aggressive, and well-coordinated in their response.

Required Qualifications:

Experience for both required and desired qualifications can be gained through various combinations of formal professional employment, educational and volunteer experience. See below for how you may qualify.

Total of eight (8) years of experience and/or education

Experience may include, but is not limited to: Journalism, public relations/information, news media, digital/social media, marketing, digital accessibility or writing/editing.

Education involving major study in: Journalism, communications, public relations, news media, digital/social media, English, marketing, humanities, or closely allied field.

Possible Combinations.College credit hours or degree - as listed above.Years of professional level experience - as listed above.Combination 1No college credit hours or degree.8 years of experience.Combination 2I have 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter credits.7 years of experience.Combination 3I have 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter credits (AA degree).6 years of experience.Combination 4I have 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter credits.5 years of experience.Combination 5 A Bachelor's Degree.4 years of experience.Combination 6A Master's Degree or higher.2 year of experience.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• This position is part of the Spills Program Incident Management Team (IMT) and Crisis Management Team (CMT) and is required to complete Incident Command System (ICS) training at the level 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800.

• Maintain HAZWOPER certification annually and continual training as required by the Program, as opportunities come available, to maintain IMT position qualifications.

• Be able to obtain the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC card), which entails a detailed background check.

• Hold and maintain eligibility and certification to permit travel to and from Canada, including passport or Enhanced Driver's License.

• Hold and maintain a valid driver's license and be able to operate a motor vehicle.

Desired Qualifications:

We highly encourage you to apply even if you do not have some (or all) of the desired experience below.

• Experience in emergency response "crisis" communication, incident command system, and functioning of joint information centers involving multiple jurisdictions and entities. Demonstrated public speaking acumen.

• Strategic communications experience in a government setting.

• Strategic issues management and communications planning.

• Experience in developing outreach and education plans/campaigns for community engagement.

Note: Having some (or all) of this desired experience may make your application more competitive in a highly competitive applicant pool.

Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Need an Accommodation in the application and/or screening process or this job announcement in an alternative format?

• Please call: (360) 407-6186 or email: careers@ecy.wa.gov and we will be happy to assist.

• If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can reach the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

• If you need assistance applying for this job, please e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not send an email to this address to follow-up on the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile's main page.

• If you are reading this announcement in print format, please enter the following URL to your search engine to apply: https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/Jobs-at-Ecology.  

Application Instructions:

It's in the applicant's best interest to submit all of the documents listed below. Applications without these documents may be declined.

• A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position.

• A resume outlining your experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to the minimum qualifications of this position.

• Three professional references.

• A writing sample you created.

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

For Your Privacy:

When attaching documents to your application (such as Resume, Cover Letter, Transcripts, DD-214, etc.):

• Please be sure to remove private information such as your social security number, date of birth, etc.

• Do not attach documents that are password-protected, as these documents may not be reviewed and may cause errors within your application when downloaded.

Additional Application Instructions for Current 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.

Application Attestation:

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.

Other Information:

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

To request the full position description: email careers@ecy.wa.gov

Why work for Ecology?

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.

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 your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work balance.

To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.

Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.  

Equal Opportunity Employer: 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, military spouses 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.

Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.