This is a unique opportunity to join the leadership team of the Water and Land Resources Division as the Interim Deputy Director for one year and to gain experience managing a natural resources management organization with more than 400 employees and a biannual budget of more than $300 million. Your work will help our organization implement vital programs that support and enhance public health and safety, improve water quality, assist in salmon recovery, and grow the region’s land conservation, forestry, and agriculture programs.

You will thrive in this role if… 

• You are a creative problem solver who enjoys working across many different programs to achieve the best outcomes for clean water, healthy habitat, and the communities we serve, 
• You are skilled at communicating science, policy, and fiscal considerations to decision-makers,
• You are passionate about applying equity and social justice principles to environmental work,
• You are customer-focused and committed to a career in public service,
• You are comfortable charting a path forward in the face of uncertainty, and 
• You are inspired by the WLRD’s mission to protect, restore, and manage King County's water and land using the best available science and innovation in collaboration with our partners and the community.

• Leading Division-government relations, including guiding staff review of state legislation, serving as liaison with the King County Flood Control District, briefing Councilmembers, and guiding development of county legislation and reports. 
• Collaborating with division leaders and project teams to improve salmon habitat, deliver capital projects to enhance stormwater management and flood protection, strengthen local agriculture and forestry, and accelerate land conservation.
• Partnering with our Division Equity Team to deliver on commitments to our employees and communities for an equitable, inclusive workplace and clean water and healthy land for all.
• Helping develop and apply visual performance management tools to improve transparency and accountability for environment, equity, and social justice outcomes.
•   Serving on Department cross-teams related to Equity and Social Justice, remote work, safety, and emerging policy issues.

The Successful Candidate will have the Following Competencies:

• Manages Complexity:  Making sense of complex, high-quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Strategic Mindset:  Seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies.
• Decision Quality:  Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward. 
• Racially Just:  Acting in a manner that advances racial equity in everyday interactions and in work outcomes.
• Instills Trust:  Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Courage:  Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or closely related field and 5 years of increasingly responsible experience in environmental policy OR a combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work.
• Demonstrated experience in navigating local and state legislative processes as well as knowledge of federal and state environmental policies and funding programs related WLRD’s mission.
• Extensive demonstrated experience developing and analyzing public policy and regulations and framing policy choices for decision-makers. 
• Skill in handling multiple competing priorities and politically sensitive issues in a tactful and diplomatic manner.
• Demonstrated success working with all levels of government, and in partnership with community organizations and private sector businesses to develop and implement projects and strategies.
• Knowledge and experience with applying equity and social justice principles in hiring, employee engagement, and development of programs and policies. 
• Skills and experience as a people leader, including managing, coaching, and supporting professional development of employees.
• Skills and experience in convening and facilitating cross-disciplinary teams with frontline staff and managers to develop and implement strategic plans.
• Strong writing, presentation, and facilitation skills and experience. 
• Demonstrated proficiency with business applications, such as Microsoft Office suite, on-line meeting platforms, and willingness to learn new platforms for on-line routing of documents for review and approval.

• King County application
• Resume
• Cover Letter detailing your background and what you can bring to this position

WHY WORK FOR KING COUNTY? 
King County was named "Best-in-State Employer" in the Forbes magazine 2019, ranking 16 on the list of best employers in Washington State, visit Awards given to King County to see more! King County's Investing in YOU initiative to build a workplace where ALL employees can thrive and become the nation's Best Run Government. Enjoy a balanced life with benefits that support you!
 
WHY IT'S WORTH TAKING A SECOND LOOK AT WORKING FOR KING COUNTY: 
  http://kingcounty.gov/audience/employees/careers/why-work-here.aspx
  
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE:
As the only jurisdiction in the world named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.
 
We have a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from vulnerable communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts. To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity.
 
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
 
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
 
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.

As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:

• submit proof of vaccination, or
• have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.