Aquatic Training Specialist - Program Specialist 4 - 2 Positions - Permanent

Photo Caption: Swiftwater rescue training Photo Credit: WDFW

Embrace this role to work with a team of program training professionals collaborating to provide specialized training and support for job tasks that are required to meet the mission of the agency on or around water (operating motorized and nonmotorized vessels snorkeling diving electrofishing) and in remote land areas.

This is an opportunity to plan and deliver a variety of courses across the agency either by instructing or managing instruction contracts and ensuring course completions are documented in the learning management system.

With your experience you will provide training to enhance and protect the safety of employees volunteers student interns and contractors who perform essential agency functions operating a variety of watercraft on or around all bodies of water and fly in aircraft.

We are seeking candidates to be our leads for motorized boating operations swiftwater streamwalking electrofishing and commercial fisheries observer training.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role this position will:

Subject matter expert and primary Trainer responsible to organize instruct facilitate and contract training for job tasks involving the safe operation of motorized and nonmotorized vessels fishery observer streamwalking and electrofishing. Training courses also include snorkeling diving and coldwater survival.

• Maintain agency designated instructor certifications to provide consultation training and evaluation of courses.
• Instruct and/or cofacilitate agency courses to include Motorboat Operator Training Course Washington State Boater Education CPR/First Aid policies and standard operating procedures.
• Coordinate in the development and management of contracted training.
• Track and compile data and submit monthly reports to demonstrate training progress noncompliance safety incidents budget and organizationwide improvements.
• Utilize and monitor course evaluations to maintain fidelity to the training models by collecting evaluating and integrating feedback into courses for continuous improvement.
• Evaluate employee MOTC instructors to maintain fidelity to training models and utilization of adult learning principles.

Responsible to manage training and equipment logistics and maintenance.

• Coordinate the training facilities and locations for classroom pools and marinas for open water activities.
• Coordinate and transport as necessary all watercraft safety training vehicles vessels personal protective equipment (PPE) and equipment for training use and maintenance.
• Maintain storage drying and inventory of watercraft training PPEs.
• Schedule agency trainings confirm location time room and trainers.
• Accurately track expenditures and forecast operating budget in close coordination with the Training Coordinator and Training Manager.

Assist in development of agency policies and standard operating procedures that includes operations personal protective equipment working remote and/or alone and emergency procedures.

• Provide expert recommendations and feedback for Safety Professionals as they develop the accident prevention program.
• Establish protocol for continuous evaluation and program/training improvements.
• Contribute subject matter expertise to program Safety Committees and the agency Safety Council as required.
• Develop and provide training on requirements based on policies standard operating procedures equipment and emergency procedures.

Other duties as assigned.

• Under the direction of the Training Manager evaluate incidents/near misses and provide training recommendations to management avoid future incidents.
• Under the direction of the Training Manager respond as directed to concerns requests and reports received by employees management agency partners and the public by conducting a thorough review providing training recommendations.
• Under the direction of the Training Manager provide consultation to supervisors programs and HR Consultants on training issues.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Remote areas (Forests Canyons with limited cell phone service or VHF radio signal during hot and cold conditions) office operating watercraft in open water and river environments including up to class 3 rapids swimming in open water and up to class 2 rapids driving a stateowned vehicle and trailering watercraft. This position may involve working in or near water including tasks that require navigating negotiating and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Typically Monday Friday 8:00 AM 5:00 PM. Workload demands may require work outside the assigned work hours and adjustment of work schedules. Telework schedules will be evaluated by the Training Manager on a casebycase basis.

Travel requirements: Frequent travel to provide statewide training.

Customer Interactions: Executive Management Team Supervisors/Manager and employees volunteers student interns contractors external partners and public interaction.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

A Bachelors Degree in Education Organizational Development Training Occupational Health and Safety Natural Resources Recreation Resource Management Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Risk Management or closely allied field.

And

Two 2 years of professional full time paid experience in a specialized professional program in a government or private agency that included responsibility for training/education safety logistics coordination and consultation with a variety of stakeholders.

Please note: Additional qualifying experience will substitute yearforyear for education.

License: Valid drivers license.

Experience in/with:

• Adult learning principles.
• Developing and modifying curriculum.
• Applying and teaching comprehensive policies and procedures.
• Organizational change management and systems development.
• Watercraft operations and best practices for safety.
• Operating multiple forms of watercraft.
• Evaluating and providing feedback for competency and continuous learning.
• Solving problems with professional judgement and safety best practices.
• Working independently with administrative direction.
• Facilitating group meetings.
• Written and verbal communication.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• This position must maintain Instructor Certification for identified agency safety trainings including MOTC/MOCC CPR/First Aid Blood Borne Pathogens and AED. (Must be obtained withing one year of hire.
• This position must have a Washington State Boater Education Card. (Must be obtained withing one year of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• A Bachelors Degree in Education Organizational Development Training Occupational Health and Safety Natural Resources Recreation Resource Management Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Risk Management or closely allied field and two 2 years of professional full time paid experience instructing watercraft safety training.
• Current Instructor Certification with the Scientific Boating Associations Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC) and/or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC).
• Current HSI CPR/First Aid.
• Washington State Boater Education Card.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An uptodate resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position your relevant skills and experience and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three 3 professional references with current contact information.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFWs 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.