*TO APPLY, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.CITYOFTACOMA.ORG/JOBS. PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ONLINE ONLY AT OUR CITY WEBSITE. THIS ROLE IS BASED IN TACOMA, WA.*

Check out what the team is up to, and what they have to offer!

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/cd418c7ce7d846618cf14d09da16ad50

The City of Tacoma is committed to fostering a workplace that is innovative and flexible, and which attracts, supports, and retains a diverse and talented workforce.  This position is telework eligible. The successful candidate may apply for and request approval for a Telework Arrangement.  

Are you committed to leading a team of applied scientists to make a difference in our industry and community? Tacoma Power is currently looking for a skilled and enthusiastic Science and Research Manager to join our Natural Resources team! Natural Resources is positioned in the Tacoma Power Generation Section which is responsible for creating clean, reliable energy for delivery to Tacoma Power customers.  

In this Science and Research Manager role, you will be responsible for overseeing the Science and Research group – providing leadership, supervision, overseeing the monitoring and evaluation, upland and aquatic habitat science and research, hatchery monitoring, fish passage and fish management plans, aquatic permits for Cushman, Cowlitz, Wynoochee and Nisqually hydroelectric plant under the auspices of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Licenses.

As a Science and Research Manager, you will participate in developing processes to oversee a team that is the point of contact for regulators for FERC required Monitoring and Evaluation, monitoring and evaluation focused on Tacoma owned lands, hatcheries, fish passage, and fish management plans. In this leadership role, you’ll provide supervision and mentorship of four professionals dedicated to serving Natural Resources, Generation, and our stakeholders in these fields.
 
 Responsibilities will include: 

• Participate and contribute to the development of a positive and productive culture in the Natural Resources team by exercising outward mindset principles and being committed to understanding and contributing to the overall organizational goals.
• Direct and oversee employees performing the following tasks:
  • Supervise and Mentor Staff– Supervision of 4 employees including 2 Natural Resources Analyst, Principal's, and 2 Natural Resource Analyst's provided guidance to front line supervisor and Project Managers, mentorship, and corrective guidance as necessary.
  • Natural Resources Leadership – Participate and contribute to the development of a positive and productive culture in the Natural Resources team by exercising outward mindset principles, making informed and balanced decisions and being committed to understanding and contributing to the overall organizational goals.
  • Development and Oversight of Programs – Develop and oversee programs that are dedicated to industry leading applied science and research in order to inform cost effective decision making for our organization and the communities we serve. Oversee programs that meet FERC fish passage, monitoring and evaluation and fish management plans, while maintaining organizational flexibility to produce clean, affordable, reliable hydropower. 
  • Oversee Fisheries Science Programs – Develop and oversee programs that are dedicated to advancing FERC license objectives and align with overall organization strategies and account for re-licensing needs. Mentor staff and ensure collaboration across the organization. 
  • Lead Subcommittees – Lead or oversee leadership or contribute to fisheries committees dedicated to or benefiting from fisheries science as assigned by the Natural Resources Manager. Work with FERC regulatory partners to develop mutually agreeable solutions to accomplish organizational goals.
  • Negotiate – As directed and within the constructs provided by the Natural Resources Manager, negotiate fish passage, monitoring and evaluation and fish management plans in partnership with other managers in the Natural Resources team. Conduct necessary pre-work to ensure effective and positive relationship and effective outcomes
  • Work in cooperation with Resources Agencies per the guidance of the Natural Resources Manager to build long lasting partnerships and through mutual coordination efforts.

Knowledge & Skills

Desired Skills & Knowledge: 
The successful candidate will require strong collaboration, facilitation and leadership skills. Masters level or advanced Degree preferred. Team Leadership - Proficiency in leading both physical and virtual teams

• Knowledge and experience working in a utility environment in Natural Resources.
• Experience and proficiency in negotiating on behalf of a major organization. 
• Knowledge and understanding of aquatic habitat and experience designing and implementing habitat projects
• Knowledge and understanding of Pacific Northwest Salmon ecology and recovery practices 
• Extensive experience with Washington State in water state and federal permitting 
• Experience building systems and programs and executing change management within an organization
• Experience authoring and gaining buy-in for regional habitat plans
• Experience in People / Change Management
• Effective Communication - Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Culture Development – Experience as mentor and/or guide 
• Ability to manage and prioritize tasks efficiently

***Studies have shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all listed qualifications. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. If you have transferable skills and experience, please tell us about them.***

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Kye Meritt if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn!

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 170,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town.
https://www.mytpu.org/ 
http://www.traveltacoma.com/ 
 


Benefits

In addition to important and meaningful work, this position offers a comprehensive total rewards package. Here are a few highlights:

• Competitive wages. 
• Paid time off. This position includes a generous Personal Time Off (PTO) leave program, as well as paid holidays.
• Excellent health benefits. We have a highly competitive and generous benefits package for our employees and family with very low monthly premiums.
• Investment in our employee’s health. We have invested in a robust employee wellness program that offers incentives and discounts on our already low health insurance premiums.
• Outstanding retirement plan. This position is included in the Tacoma Employee’s Retirement System, a defined benefits plan.
• Flexible hybrid work schedule options (some mandatory onsite attendance required as needed to meet the business objectives of the TPU Power Office)

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
Typically require:

• remaining in a stationary position for 90% of the time with occasional movement to access office files, machinery and similar productivity tools (standing, sitting, walking).
• constant operation of a computer, as well as use of a calculator, printer and similar office tools (fingering, grasping, feeling, repetitive motions.
• communication and the exchange of information with others (hearing, seeing, talking.
• occasionally exerting up to 10 pounds of force to move, transport or position objects (sedentary work.

Occasionally require:

• movement around the work place to pick up objects (stooping, walking, reaching).
• traversing, ascending or descending stairs, sloped terrain, or similar environments (climbing, balancing, walking).
• exerting up to 20 pounds of force to move, transport or position objects (light work).

Apply 
Interested individuals should apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received for interview consideration.
 
Reference checks will be conducted on final candidates.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.
 
If you have any additional questions regarding this position, please contact the Human Resources Department at 253.591.5400.  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, forestry, resource management, archeology or other scientific field related to assignment*
• 5 years of professional level experience in environmental programs including 1 year prior at senior, lead and/or supervisory level

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education 

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
First Aid and CPR certification within the first 6 months of employment
Washington State Driver's License