Energy Specialist (Program Specialist 5)
Salary
$69,744.00 - $93,804.00 Annually
Location
Thurston County Lacey, WA
Job Type
Project (limited duration)
Remote Employment
Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number
2026-03785
Department
Parks and Recreation Commission
Opening Date
05/14/2026
Closing Date
5/28/2026 11:55 PM Pacific
Salary Information
The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
Job Title: Energy Specialist (PS5)
Location: Parks HQ in Lacey, WA.
Closes: May 28th, 2026, at 11:55 pm PDT
Travel: This position will require extensive travel between parks including overnight, throughout the State Park system.
Position Status: This is a project position expected to last until 06/30/2027, with the potential for further extension.
Washington State Parks is seeking an experienced and motivated Statewide Energy Specialist (PS5) to serve as the agencys lead for advancing statewide building and facility energy conservation strategies and related greenhouse gas emission reduction measures. This position serves as the principal consultant to field and program staff in the documentation, planning and evaluation of building and facility energy systems. You will provide statewide technical direction, ensure regulatory compliance, and help safeguard public health while supporting Washington State Parks mission to provide exceptional recreational and conservation experiences.
This position offers hybrid telework flexibility, though frequent on-site attendance is required to meet business needs. The default assigned work location of all Parks positions both on-site and telework eligible positions is within the State of Washington. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs.
This role offers a unique opportunity to apply advanced technical expertise in support of environmental stewardship, and outdoor recreation statewide. Youll work across diverse landscapes and systems, collaborate with dedicated professionals, and play critical role in advancing sustainable operation of Washingtons state parks and the visitors who enjoy them now and for generations to come.
Duties
This position coordinates statewide building energy efficiency activities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and optimize operational costs over time.
Some of the job duties include:
Schedule: Monday through Friday with core work hours typically 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Incumbent may be expected to adjust the work scheduled to meet business needs. A hybrid/flexible work schedule will be considered at the incumbents request, subject to supervisory approval.
Work Setting: This position works both within indoor settings requiring stationary use of a workstation and outdoors conducting site visits within park environments requiring access to utility spaces and can be exposed to full sun, rain, wind and varied temperatures. Field work is performed in all types of terrain and may require sitting, standing, and walking for long periods of time.
Travel: This position will require frequent (50+%) travel between parks, throughout the State Park system including overnight travel. Travel will be necessary in all types of weather conditions and climates.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Professional experience in energy systems management, resource conservation, sustainable design or project management.
Demonstrated ability to analyze complex technical information and synthesize findings for decision making.
Demonstrated knowledge of clean energy and climate mitigation strategies and best practices.
AND
Core Occupational Competencies:
Technical Energy Systems Expertise - demonstrates advanced knowledge of energy system operation and design
Project Management- demonstrates knowledge of project management best practices and related project scope, budget and schedule accountability.
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management - ensures full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations (CCA, EPA, and local energy jurisdictions). Proactively identifies compliance risks, prepares for inspections, manages corrective actions, and maintains accurate documentation of sustainability efforts and minimize regulatory and operational risk.
Training, Communication & Workforce Development - develops and delivers training on system operations, maintenance, and compliance. Communicates clearly with field staff, leadership, regulators, and contractors.
Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving- applies logical and innovative approaches to design challenges and construction issues; conducts field investigations and adjusts designs or approaches as needed.
Take action to learn and grow- considering and incorporating new information and different perspectives.
Ability to take action to meet the needs of others- collaborating with others to overcome challenges and find solutions.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelors degree in resource conservation management, building science, sustainability, engineering, environmental science, project management or related field.
Four (4) OR MORE years of experience related to resource conservation management, project management, energy systems management, sustainability, climate mitigation or related fields.
How to apply:
Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach:
To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:
Supplemental Information
About Parks:
Want to join a great organization? State parks connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences that enhance their lives, this is a mission like no other state agency. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages one of the largest, most diverse, and beautiful state parks systems in the country. The state park system is comprised of 124 state parks and properties covering over 138,000 acres throughout the state. The park system includes marine parks, heritage sites, historic parks, interpretive centers, retreat centers, ocean beaches and hundreds of miles of trails. The agency is also responsible for the states winter recreation program, boating safety and vessel pump out program and numerous contracted concession operations. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission cares for Washingtons most treasured lands, waters, and historic places. For more information on Washington State Parks, click here.
This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Once the listed positions are filled, this recruitment announcement may also be used to fill additional positions for up to sixty (60) days. For more information: https://wfse.org/
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.
Diversity Policy Statement:
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build a workplace culture that is welcoming and inclusive in which all employees feel respected and empowered to bring their unique ideas to the agency. At State Parks, we believe that embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences is essential to growing a strong workforce. We encourage applicants underrepresented in natural resources and outdoor recreation fields to apply, including but not limited to women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, persons over 40 years of age, and individuals who identify as a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at (360) 902-8565. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
For information about this position, please contact Ryan Karlson at Ryan.Karlson@parks.wa.gov or (360) 584-4859.
For information about the recruitment process and qualifications, please contact Wendy Vandel at Wendy.Vandel@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8688.
All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.
Job Alerts to receive a list of new job postings at Parks.
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
Please select the answer that best describes how you meet the required qualifications for this position.
02
Please describe how you meet the occupational competencies of this position.
03
Do you have a valid drivers license?
04
Which best describes your experience administering public works procurement?
05
Which best describes your experience organizing and conducting statewide inventory and condition assessment of building energy systems, including energy distributions networks (energy systems), end-use equipment (HVAC units, furnaces, boilers, lighting systems and appliances) and related control and automation systems?
06
Which best describes your experience analyzing existing building energy systems and developing uniform performance guidelines?
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Please describe your experience evaluating building energy systems. Describe your range of experience and training. Please provide examples of this experience. if this does not apply, enter N/A.
08
Are there any personal, logistical, or other factors that might prevent you from independently traveling across Washington state to attend site meetings or other work-related duties?
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