Salary: $68,076.00 – $91,524.00 Annually
Location: Thurston County – Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Department: Dept. of Ecology
Job Number: 2023-WQ2388-02136
Closing: Continuous

Learn more about this position and apply today at Department of Ecology’s Government Jobs page.

Job Description:

The Water Quality Program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Water Quality Policy Lead-Nonpoint Source Pollution/TMDL (Environmental Planner 4) position.

This position is located in our Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

 Are you interested in working on water quality policy issues? Washington State is at the forefront of addressing nonpoint sources of pollution and finding creative ways to clean-up watersheds. In this position, you will be our policy lead on nonpoint source pollution and watershed clean-up (TMDLs) issues. You will be responsible for the overall management of the federal Clean Water Act Section 319 Nonpoint Program and provide policy support of our Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program.  You will work with an innovative group of technical and policy experts to develop strategies to better implement our program and use our authorities under the federal Clean Water Act, as well as Washington’s Water Pollution Control Act to clean up our waters.

Given the challenges of nonpoint pollution we need somebody that can problem solve, look for opportunities to improve our approaches, builds relationships, and is a great communicator.

If you enjoy working on challenging projects, distilling key science, policy and technical information to help make decisions, and want to work with others to solve issues, this is your job!

The mission of the Water Quality Program is to protect and restore Washington’s waters to sustain healthy watersheds and communities. Our work ensures that state waters support beneficial uses including recreational and business activities, supplies for clean drinking water, and the protection of fish, shellfish, wildlife, and public health.

Tele-work options for this position: This position will be eligible for up to a 90% tele-work schedule. Applicants with questions about position location options, tele-work, and flexible or compressed schedules are encouraged to reach out to the contact person listed below in “other information.” Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change. 

Application Timeline: This position will remain open until filled, with the first review date of February 23, 2023. In order to be considered for initial screening, please submit an application on or before February 22, 2023. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

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 Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver,  Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP),  Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *Click here for more information 

About the Department of Ecology:

Protecting Washington State’s environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We are a culture that is invested in making a difference. Join a team that is highly effective and collaborative, with leadership that embraces the value of people.

Ecology cares deeply about employee wellness; we go beyond traditional benefits, proudly offering:

  • A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
  • An Infants at Work Program that is based on the long-term health values of infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.
  • Continuous growth and development opportunities. 
  • A wellness program that offers education, fitness classes, and an agency-wide fondness for outdoor meetings.
  • Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work.

Our Commitment to DEIR:

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology’s work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.

  • Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.
  • Equity: We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.
  • Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology’s work.
  • Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement. 

We believe that DEIR is both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued. 

Duties:

What Makes This Role Unique? Nonpoint source pollution is the state’s largest water quality problem. The Watershed Planning Unit works on statewide policy issues related to implementation of the state’s nonpoint source and TMDL programs under the Federal Clean Water Act and Washington State’s Water Pollution Control Act. Our team works with staff around the state to lead Ecology’s efforts to clean up Washington waters. This position serves as the lead planner responsible for management of the federal Clean Water Act Section 319 Nonpoint Program and provides policy support for the TMDL program.  

We work on large, technical, and politically complex projects. We are looking for somebody with the skills to research, dissect, and understand water quality issues, and the drive to implement innovative solutions to address pollution sources. You will conduct research on complex issues, help our program develop sustainable policies, and provide advice and guidance to staff around the state.

This is a great opportunity to lead crafting the state’s strategy to address nonpoint pollution and clean up watersheds. If you are a senior level staff person that is interested in projects that bridge the connection between water quality science and policy, this is the role for you. We are a collaborative group of water quality professionals that work together in a team atmosphere.

What You Will Do:

  • Develop and roll out major policy initiatives to help implement Washington’s 319 Nonpoint and TMDL Programs
  • Advise program managers on policy issues related to the 319 Nonpoint Program.
  • Update the state Nonpoint Plan every five years.
  • Lead reporting to EPA on the state’s progress in implementing our nonpoint program and serve as the liaison with EPA staff to ensure Clean Water Act requirements are met.
  • Review nonpoint source compliance and enforcement actions. 
  • Complete policy reviews of TMDLs
  • Assist in developing the Columbia River Temperature TMDL Implementation Plan.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Experience for both required and desired qualifications can be gained through various combinations of formal professional employment, educational and volunteer experience. See below for how you may qualify.

Option One: A bachelor’s degree with major emphasis in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related field  

AND 

Five years of professional experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development. Experience may include: Developing policies such as land use or implementation processes or procedures.

Option Two: A master’s degree or above with major emphasis in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related field  

AND 

Three years of professional experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development. Experience may include, developing policies such as land use or implementation processes or procedures.

Option Three: One year of experience as an Environmental Planner 3 at the Department of Ecology.

Supplemental Information:

Ecology Seeks Diverse Applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Need an Accommodation in the application and/or screening process or this job announcement in an alternative format?

  • Please call: (360) 407-6186 or email: careers@ecy.wa.gov and we will be happy to assist.
  • If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can reach the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
  • If you need assistance applying for this job, please e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not send an email to this address to follow-up on the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile’s main page.
  • If you are reading this announcement in print format, please enter the following URL to your search engine to apply: https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/Jobs-at-Ecology.   

Application Instructions:

It’s in the applicant’s best interest to submit all of the documents listed below. Applications without these documents may be declined.

  • A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position.
  • A resume outlining your experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to the minimum qualifications of this position.
  • Three professional references.

Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.  

For Your Privacy:

When attaching documents to your application (such as Resume, Cover Letter, Transcripts, DD-214, etc.):

  • Please be sure to remove private information such as your social security number, date of birth, etc. 
  • Do not attach documents that are password-protected, as these documents may not be reviewed and may cause errors within your application when downloaded. 

Per Governor Inslee’s Directive 22-13.1, state employees must be fully vaccinated effective November 4, 2022. Providing proof of being fully vaccinated is a condition of employment and your vaccine status will be verified prior to starting work. Being fully vaccinated means two weeks after you have received the second dose in a two-dose series of a COVID-19 vaccine or a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use, licensed or otherwise authorized or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or listed for emergency use or otherwise approved by the World Health Organization. If you have questions, please contact Careers@ecy.wa.gov with “COVID-19 vaccination” in the subject line.  

Additional Application Instructions for Current 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.

Application Attestation: 

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. 

Other Information:

If you have specific questions about the position, please email Ben Rau at: Ben.Rau@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Ben to inquire about the status of your application.
 
To request the full position description: email careers@ecy.wa.gov

Why Work for Ecology?

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.

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

To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.

Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.   

Equal Opportunity Employer: 

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, military spouses 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.

Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.