Natural Resources Policy Lead Advisor

Natural Resources And Parks Policy Advisor

King County is launching an ambitious effort to ensure that government delivers high-quality, efficient and equitable services to every resident. To support this work, we are seeking a collaborative, strategic, and deeply knowledgeable Natural Resources and Parks Policy Advisor.

The Natural Resources and Parks Policy Advisor will be a member of the newly created Policy and Innovation team. This role will serve with a team of policy leads, each representing a specific priority of Executive Zahilay. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Policy and Innovation, the Natural Resources and Parks Policy Advisor will help guide policy direction for their portfolio and work closely with County departments to integrate and align policy priorities across the enterprise.

The ideal candidate brings not only policy subject matter expertise, but also a strong understanding of how to translate policy to implementation. Success in this role requires subject matter expertise, familiarity with community and government relations, and the ability to lead policy solutions that advance the Executive's goals.

• Work in partnership with the Climate Policy Advisor to develop and implement the Executive's environmental policy priorities.
• Closely monitor and track environmental and natural resource policy related to King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (including work of the Water and Land, Solid Waste, Wastewater, and Parks Divisions).
• Monitor, track, and help advance priority issues, including emerging policy, political, and operational developments related to natural resources, utilities, and parks at the local, state and national level.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with tribal governments, stakeholders and key partners. Coordinate with legislative, regulatory, and intergovernmental partners, including government-to-government coordination with federally recognized Tribes on natural resource and utility policy issues.
• Represent the Executive in meetings and working groups related to natural resources and utility policy.
• Support cross-departmental collaboration to advance equitable environmental policy.
• Work with the Director of Policy and Innovation, Deputy Director of Policy and Innovation, other policy leads and members of the Executive's Office on strategies to integrate policy priorities into broader organizational strategy and cross-functional initiatives.
• Work with the Tribal Relations Manager to engage with federally recognized tribes as co-managers of natural and cultural resources.

Expectations

• A focus on being out in the county to connect and build relationships with those we serve and those with whom we partner.
• In the office a minimum of 3 days a week. There may be additional in-person days required. Meetings may not have a call-in option for required in-person days, and the expectation is to be in the office.
• Be on time, respectful of others' time, and responsive when needed.
• Bring an urgency to the work. We will start fast. The work will be intense, challenging, and incredibly rewarding.
• Meetings will have written expectations, including an agenda with the goals and outcomes. Owners and next steps will be clear.
• Processes and work will continuously improve.

Our Values

• Accountable
• Collaborative
• Timely
• Impactful
• Value Employees
• Accessible
• Trusted
• Equitable

We are looking for a Natural Resources and Parks Policy Advisor who can collaborate across diverse organizations and communicate King County's values and priorities effectively. The ideal candidate will have:

• Significant experience (8+ years) working in natural resources or environmental policy, public policy, or related roles. Preference for experience in tribal, federal, state, or local government.
• An understanding of federal and state policy and regulatory requirements for clean water, environmental health, and salmon recovery, as well as county roles related to wastewater treatment facilities, waste reduction and prevention; regional planning of the solid waste system, land conservation and recreation.
• Experience working with tribal governments and a working knowledge of tribal sovereignty, tribal treaty rights and how they shape natural resource management and cultural resource protection.
• A proven record of leading and facilitating efforts to translate policy into measurable results.
• A deep commitment to transparency, equity, and service excellence in government.
• Experience engaging a wide range of stakeholders, including local governments, environmental regulatory bodies, and environmental advocacy organizations.
• Strong relationship-building skills with experience engaging elected officials, senior leaders, and strategic partners.
• Excellent analytical and written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with a demonstrated record of follow-through, attention to detail, and accountability in managing deadlines and deliverables.

Key Attributes

• Strategic and…