Communications Coordinator (Communications Consultant 4)



Communications Coordinator (Communications Consultant 4)

Salary

$52,332.00 - $68,580.00 Annually

Location

Benton County – Richland, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2019-NWP2055-00884

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Nuclear Waste

Opening Date

01/31/2019

Closing Date

2/14/2019 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

                   

         


Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
 

We protect Washington State's environment for current and future generations. Every day. Our culture is invested in making a difference. Join us if you're looking for a team that is highly effective, collaborative, and with leadership that embraces the value individuals bring to our work.

Our Nuclear Waste Program seeks to fill a Communications Coordinator (Communications Consultant 4) position, located in our Richland, WA, field office.
 
The successful candidate will be an experienced communications and media relations professional who can help tell the story of Washington State's work to regulate the cleanup at the Hanford nuclear site. Our new communications coordinator will join the Nuclear Waste Program and our agency-wide communications team. The ideal candidate will possess excellent people skills, be able to work across a variety of communications channels, and be able to deal with the media in both routine and in highly stressful breaking news situations.

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. See some of our recent stories on TwitterFacebookInstagram or our blog.

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

Local efforts... Diverse people... Statewide impacts
 

 

Duties

 


The Nuclear Waste Program's mission is to oversee the effective and efficient cleanup of the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Site, ensure sound management of mixed hazardous wastes in Washington, and protect the state's air, water and land at and adjacent to Hanford.

The agency's communication team is considered among the best, most forward-looking in Washington State government. Our program communication team is collegial, collaborative and dedicated to doing the best job possible. Collectively, we have many years of experience in the nuances of Hanford, in outreach, in effective writing and editing, in communications, and in media relations.

The Communications Consultant keeps our web pages accurate, fresh and relevant; maintains and bolsters our social media presence; identifies and adapts to new trends in communication strategies; writes a variety of content that illuminates the program's role; works with the media to ensure that reporters receive timely, accurate and insightful responses; tracks and shares analytics; helps with program outreach.

The position determines how best to represent the program on the web, on social media, at live outreach opportunities and to the media, analyzes new trends and strategically adopts those that will improve our ability to tell our story, and deals with major and breaking news events that either represent initiatives from our program or are reactions to federal policy or events on Hanford.

This is an opportunity to work for a program that oversees the cleanup of one of the most contaminated places on Earth. It's a vitally important mission and one that will require public knowledge, understanding and support for decades in order to ensure adequate funding to complete the cleanup. It's an opportunity to work with seasoned professionals who are passionate about the Hanford cleanup, about best communications practices, about excellent writing and about supporting the growth and development of our individual communications team members. In addition, this position offers opportunities to advance.

Some of the key work activities of the Communications Coordinator position are: 
  • Maintaining the program's web pages.
  • Taking primary responsibility for NWP social media.
  • Writing a variety of content – news releases, web pages, social media, blogs and more.
  • Serving as a media liaison for the program, both with the communication manager and as the primary liaison when the Communications Manager is unavailable. 


 
 
 

Qualifications


Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor's degree in English, communications, journalism, public relations or related field AND three (3) years of writing/editing experience, of which two (2) years must include:

  • Writing/editing experience. Applicable experience can be substituted year for year for education. 
  • Developing web content strategy, writing/editing and managing web content.
  • Experience working with the media.
  • Using project management tools to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
  • Working effectively both as part of a team and independently.
  • Proficient use of Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and Adobe products, such as Photoshop, Acrobat Pro and InDesign.
  • Proficient use of content management systems.
 
 
Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience with a content management system.
  • Experience with InDesign or similar graphic production software.
  • Experience with video recording and editing.
 
Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment:
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
 

Why work for Ecology?

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

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 ForgivenessTuition Waiver,  Long Term Disability & Life InsuranceDeferred Compensation ProgramsDependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP),  Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA)Employee Assistance ProgramCommute Trip Reduction IncentivesCombined Fund DriveSmartHealth

Student debt and how working for Ecology can help
Employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.

*See the Benefits tab in this announcement for more information

 


 

Supplemental Information

Application Instructions:
 
Please include the following documents as an attachment to your application:
 

  • A cover letter describing how your experience, skills and abilities meet the required qualifications of this position.
  • A resume outlining your professional experience.
  • Two (2) writing samples.

Please complete the applicant profile when applying for this position. Or, you may paste the text of your resume within the profile's resume text field.

Please read the supplemental questions carefully and answer completely. Incomplete responses, including "please see resume," may disqualify you from further consideration.

Department of 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 at (360) 407-6186.

If you are reading this announcement in print format, please visit www.careers.wa.gov to access the online recruitment system. Click on "Look for Jobs" and select Dept. of Ecology under the "Department" search list. Click "Apply Search."



Other Information:
 
If you need assistance applying for this job, please call Human Resources at (360) 407-6186 or e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not call this number or send an email to this address to follow-up the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile's main page.

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

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.

This position is included in the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) union bargaining unit for the Department of Ecology.

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 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.

 

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 and that your priority is making sure 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. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.

Insurance Benefits
 
Employees and 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.
 
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.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
 
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.
 
Holidays
 
Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:
 
HOLIDAY
DATE
 
New Year's Day
January 1
 
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday
Third Monday in January
 
Presidents' Day
Third Monday in February
 
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
 
Independence Day
July 4
 
Labor Day
First Monday in September
 
Veterans' Day
November 11
 
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
 
Christmas Day
December 25
 
Personal Holiday
Employee's selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
 
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.
 
Sick Leave
 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
 
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.

01
How did you learn about this job posting?
  • Community Based Organization
  • Community / Technical College
  • Ecology Employee
  • Ecology Recruiter
  • Ecology Jobs Page
  • Facebook
  • Job Board
  • Job Fair
  • LinkedIn
  • Newspaper
  • Other State Agency
  • Other Website
  • Professional Association
  • Twitter
  • Radio
  • University Job Board
  • WorkSource
  • Other source (please explain below)
  • www.careers.wa.gov
02
If you selected Community Based Organization, Community / Technical College, Job Board, Job Fair, LinkedIn Group, Newspaper, Other State Agency, Other Website, Other source, Professional Association, Radio, University Job Board or WorkSource location then please share which one.
03
Please select the statement that best describes your level of education in: English, communications, journalism, humanities, public relations, or related field.
  • I have 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter credits.
  • I have 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter credits (AA degree).
  • I have 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter credits.
  • I have a bachelor's degree.
  • I have a master's degree.
  • None of the above statements apply.
04
Please indicate your degree and major.
05
Which statement best describes your professional experience writing and editing?
  • I have at least one year of experience.
  • I have at least two years of experience.
  • I have at least three years of experience.
  • I have at least four years of experience.
  • I have at least five years of experience.
  • I have at least six years of experience.
  • I have at least seven years of experience.
  • None of the above statements apply.
06
Please provide additional information to support your response to question 5. The following information is needed: position title(s), specific duties, and periods of employment. Make sure your response specifically addresses the qualification above. An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.
07
Please describe your experience explaining technical information to the public.
08
Please explain your awareness of issues related to the Hanford cleanup.
09
Please explain your experience using social media to effectively communicate with the public.
10
What project management tools have you used to prioritize your work and meet deadlines?
11
Please describe your experience developing web content strategy, writing/editing and managing web content.
12
Please describe your experience using HTML and content management systems.
13
Please describe your experience working with the media.
14
Please describe your experience using Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and Adobe products, such as Photoshop, Acrobat Pro and InDesign.
15
Are you able to meet the Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment for this position?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
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