Confidential Secretary
Salary
$86,712.00 - $96,347.00 Annually
Location
Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type
Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment
Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number
2026-EXEC5407-04411
Department
Dept. of Ecology
Division
Executive
Opening Date
05/29/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Description
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Confidential Secretary within the Executive Leadership Team.
Location:
Schedule:
Application Timeline:
Duties
As the Confidential Secretary to the Deputy Director of Policy and Operations, you will manage the daily operations, coordinate strategic and administrative activities across the Executive Leadership Team, and serve as a primary liaison for internal and external business partners. You will ensure the Deputy Director is well-prepared, well-briefed, and supported in achieving the agency's policy and operational priorities.
You will also provide back-up support to the Director, Deputy Director for Environmental Programs, and other managers whose work intersects with this office. This role is central to ensuring the smooth functioning of high-level decision-making and agency operations.
Why You'll Love This Role
This is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to Ecology's mission by supporting some of the agency's highest-impact work. In this role, you will:
If you enjoy helping others succeed, bringing calm and clarity to complex situations, and being the person everyone trusts to get things done, this position offers a rewarding and purpose-driven career path.
Who We Are Looking For
The ideal candidate is a proactive relationship-builder, an exceptional communicator, and an expert at managing complex and dynamic work in a fast-paced environment. This position requires exceptional judgment, attention to detail, professionalism, tact, and the ability to maintain confidentiality at all times. If that sounds like you, apply to join the team today!
Key Responsibilities:
Executive Support
Coordination and Communication
Administrative Processes
Legislative and Rules Support
Administrative Leadership Support
SharePoint Management
Qualifications
For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.
Required Qualifications:
Seven years of experience and/or educationrelated to the duties of the position, which includes the following:
Confidentiality and Informed Decision-Making- Proven track record safeguarding sensitive and confidential information using sound judgment to support timely and appropriate management decisions.
Relationship Building and Collaboration - Demonstrated ability to develop strong relationships and work collaboratively across teams to support the Deputy Director's priorities.
Clear and Respectful Communication - Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and respectfully to ensure effective interactions with internal and external business partners.
Executive Support, Time, and Priority Management - Demonstrated experience managing complex schedules, coordinating information flow, and serving as a key liaison on behalf of the Deputy Director. Effectively and proactively organizes, prioritizes, and responds to multiple requests in a fast-paced environment to ensure timely decision-making and support of executive operations.
Executive Calendar and Schedule Management - Demonstrated track record managing and optimizing the Deputy Director's calendar using Microsoft Outlook and Teams to ensure efficient scheduling, effective meeting management, working to foresee and minimize conflicts with time sensitive, complex, and competing priorities.
Advanced Outlook Optimization - Ability to use Outlook features beyond basic scheduling-such as rule creation, delegated mailbox management, or schedule analytics-to support executive workload forecasting.
Document and Correspondence Management - Demonstrated experience creating, reviewing, and editing management-level correspondence (including presentation development) for Deputy Director approval.
Procurement, Contract, Travel, and HR Process Coordination - Proven track record navigating procurement, contracting, travel authorization, and HR workflows to ensure documents move through required approvals accurately and efficiently.
Information Gathering and Synthesis - Demonstrated ability to collect, evaluate, and summarize key information to support Deputy Director briefings and responses, while ensuring completeness and accuracy.
SharePoint Site Management- Demonstrated experience designing, updating, and managing SharePoint pages to support effective content management and secure information sharing.
Education involving a major study in business administration, public administration or closely allied field.
Examples of how to qualify:
Desired Qualifications:
If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.
Supplemental Information
Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Our Commitment to DEIR
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecologys 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.
Application Process
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 job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Click "Apply" at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:
Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see resume" may be considered incomplete.
For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.
Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.
Need an Accommodation?
If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:
Questions?
About the Department of Ecology
As the State of Washington's environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington's environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology 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. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.
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, Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *Click here for more information
To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or our blog.
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.
Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency.
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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. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats 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 (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their 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. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
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.
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.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
How did you hear about this job?
02
If you selected Community Based Organization, Community / Technical College, Job Board, Job Fair, LinkedIn Group, Newspaper, Other State Agency, Other Website, Professional Association, University Job Board, WorkSource, or Other, please share which one.
03
Have you ever worked for the Department of Ecology in any capacity including: Permanent, Non-permanent, Project, Intern, or Volunteer?
04
How many years of experience do you have related to the duties of this position? Please include any experience gained through employment, internships, and/or volunteer positions. Note that experience gained from academic coursework, class projects, or other degree requirements is assessed in later questions.
05
What is your level of education?
06
If you have college credits or a degree, please list your major(s) or field(s) of study and any degree(s) earned. If you dont have this education, put N/A.
07
How would you assess your ability to safeguard sensitive information and apply sound judgment to support timely and appropriate management decisions?
08
How would you evaluate your ability to build strong working relationships and collaborate across teams to advance executive priorities?
09
How would you rate your ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with internal and external business partners?
10
How would you assess your ability to manage complex schedules, coordinate information flow, and proactively prioritize requests in a fast-paced executive environment?
11
How would you evaluate your skill in managing and optimizing an executive level calendar using Outlook and Teams?
12
How would you rate your ability to use advanced Outlook features (rules, delegated mailboxes, analytics, workload forecasting) to support executive needs?
13
How would you assess your ability to create, review, and edit management level correspondence and presentations for executive approval?
14
How would you evaluate your ability to navigate procurement, contracting, travel, and HR workflows to ensure accurate and timely approvals?
15
How would you rate your ability to collect, analyze, and summarize information to support executive briefings and responses?
16
How would you assess your ability to design, update, and manage SharePoint pages to support content management and secure information sharing?
17
Please provide additional details to support your responses to questions 7 - 16 above. The following information is needed: specific duties or activities where skills were developed, and the capacity in which they were developed (education, employment, volunteer or lived experience). Make sure your response specifically addresses the qualification below: 1. Confidentiality and Informed Decision-Making- Proven track record safeguarding sensitive and confidential information using sound judgment to support timely and appropriate management decisions. 2. Relationship Building and Collaboration - Demonstrated ability to develop strong relationships and work collaboratively across teams to support the Deputy Director's priorities. 3. Clear and Respectful Communication - Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and respectfully to ensure effective interactions with internal and external business partners. 4. Executive Support, Time, and Priority Management - Demonstrated experience managing complex schedules, coordinating information flow, and serving as a key liaison on behalf of the Deputy Director. Effectively and proactively organizes, prioritizes, and responds to multiple requests in a fast-paced environment to ensure timely decision-making and support of executive operations. 5. Executive Calendar and Schedule Management - Demonstrated track record managing and optimizing the Deputy Director's calendar using Microsoft Outlook and Teams to ensure efficient scheduling, effective meeting management, working to foresee and minimize conflicts with time sensitive, complex, and competing priorities. 6. Advanced Outlook Optimization - Ability to use Outlook features beyond basic scheduling-such as rule creation, delegated mailbox management, or schedule analytics-to support executive workload forecasting. 7. Document and Correspondence Management - Demonstrated experience creating, reviewing, and editing management-level correspondence (including presentation development) for Deputy Director approval. 8. Procurement, Contract, Travel, and HR Process Coordination - Proven track record navigating procurement, contracting, travel authorization, and HR workflows to ensure documents move through required approvals accurately and efficiently. 9. Information Gathering and Synthesis - Demonstrated ability to collect, evaluate, and summarize key information to support Deputy Director briefings and responses, while ensuring completeness and accuracy. 10. SharePoint Site Management- Demonstrated experience designing, updating, and managing SharePoint pages to support effective content management and secure information sharing. An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.
18
I understand that this position is required to work in the office four days per week with eligibility to telework only one day per week.
19
The State of Washington and the Department of Ecology, play a vital role in fostering a Diverse, Equitable, Inclusive, and Respectful (DEIR) workplace and contributing to equitable outcomes for the communities we serve. We view DEIR 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. We believe it is everyones job to contribute to a DEIR workplace. Please tell us, what does it mean for you to have a commitment to DEIR in the workplace? What steps or actions have you taken to demonstrate your commitment previously?
20
I understand that Ecology does not use the E-Verify system and is unable to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Required Question
Employer State of Washington
Address View Job Posting for Agency Information
View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Website http://www.careers.wa.gov