Title- Project and Process Improvement Manager 
Classification- Management Analyst 5 (MA5)
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Directors Office – LEAN
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
Hybrid/Telework- This position is expected to work at least one (1) day per week in the office and has the flexibility to telework on other days.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

In this role, play a fundamental part in driving the agency's mission by providing expert-level process improvement and project management. 

Envision yourself addressing complex, multidimensional challenges while guiding leaders, staff, and stakeholders in making strategic decisions that enhance products, services, processes, or systems. 

Your expertise will be key in not only identifying necessary changes, but also in ensuring their seamless implementation across the agency.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Project and Process Improvement Manager will, 

Facilitate 2-3 agency-designated improvement projects simultaneously, as assigned by Department executives. Provide expert-level support to leaders, staff, and both internal and external stakeholders on each project, addressing highly complex and multidimensional issues that impact agency-wide programs and policies:

• Apply emotional intelligence – Take interest in and understand other perspectives, easily recognize when others have important information, perspectives or ideas, demonstrate appropriate assertiveness and commit to the service of the public, mission, and team.
• Diagnose issues to determine the proper change strategies – understand relevant workflows, identify barriers to organizational success, and implement practical change processes.
• Work with senior management to pinpoint key areas for improvement – Help them uncover symptoms, objectives, the product, the system, key players, and potential obstacles. 
• Organize project teams – select the appropriate members, provide orientation, offer necessary training, and oversee the team's progress and collaboration throughout the project.
• Lead effective meetings – Clarify the purpose, set the agenda, and manage the meeting to achieve the purpose.
• Manage group dynamics and maximize team participation – Understand people and their motivations, adjust approaches to accommodate their needs, and make it easy for them to participate.  
• Create a compelling case for change – Engage the appropriate decision-makers with relevant data that resonates with their priorities.
• Collect actionable data – Clarify the required information before conducting research, determine how the data will be used in advance, and ensure its validity and timeliness.
• Analyze data for improvement opportunities – Help the team identify the most important opportunities and take the time to find the root cause(s).
• Facilitate innovative solutions – Help the team generate creative ideas, evaluate them, and choose which ideas to recommend.
• Get leader support for proposed change – Guide the team in preparing a recommendation presentation, ensure the right stakeholders are invited, deliver the presentation, and follow up to secure a decision

Assist Lean Transformation Office teammates and Department staff with their projects:

• Use process improvement and project management expertise to advise and/or assist others to successfully complete their projects.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is generally performed indoors in an office setting, using a computer, and facilitating meetings. Work may include visits to see field operations approximately twice per year.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. May occasionally work weekends and evenings, depending on work requirements. This position is expected to work at least one (1) day per week in the office and has the flexibility to telework on other days.

Travel Requirements: Travel can include two (2) – four (4) days of statewide travel with overnight stays, approximately twice per year.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Six (6) years of experience managing and facilitating projects.

OR

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, law, public health, health administration, or a related field

AND

Five years of demonstrated experience in two (2) or more of the following areas (which can be gained concurrently): 

• Conducting research
• Analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations
• Conducting business analysis and developing requirements
• Managing business operations
• Business policy development
• Supervising

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• Experience facilitating and managing projects in state government organizations.
• Lean/process improvement training and/or certification.
• Project management training and/or certification.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

Supplemental information:

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov. 
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.  Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife 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, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2024-11517

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