Floodplains by Design Lead Planner (Environmental Planner 4)

Floodplains by Design Lead Planner (Environmental Planner 4)

Salary

$75,108.00 - $100,980.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Lacey, WA

Job Type

Project (limited duration)

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-SEAP1332-04097

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Shorelands and Environmental Assistance

Opening Date

05/28/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Floodplains by Design Lead Planner (Environmental Planner 4) within the Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) program.

Location:

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule:

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• Regular attendance at an Ecology office, including time spent at the HQ building in Lacey, for team meetings and similar activities is expected.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Please Note: This is a project position with funding through 12/31/2027, with the potential for further extension based on legislative appropriation.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by June 7, 2026
• Applications

submitted after the date above may be reviewed only if additional qualified

applicants are needed.

Duties

Ecology's statewide Floodplain Management Team is growing, and we are excited to invite candidates to apply for the new Floodplains by Design Lead Planner position. This is a unique opportunity to lead planning, policy coordination, and day-to-day administration of our award winning Floodplains by Design (FbD) grant program, a major component of the umbrella FbD initiative that is shaping the future direction of integrated floodplain management in Washington.

You will have significant internal responsibilities for FbD grant program operations and for ensuring we deliver outstanding service to our partners and customers.

You will work at the intersection of state, Tribal, federal, local, and nongovernmental partners, coordinating closely with Ecology's nongovernmental (NGO) backbone partner, Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF), to ensure the FbD grant program remains effective, responsive, and aligned with the goals of the FbD initiative.

Within Ecology, you will provide authoritative recommendations on FbD grant program operations, including developing tools and processes that support program consistency, adaptive management, and informed executive decision-making. You will help guide the work of regional staff who serve as project managers for individual FbD grants; track and report on FbD grant program spending and accomplishments; and work with senior staff and leaders to develop and advance funding strategies and major policy initiatives.

What you will do:

• Lead Ecology's engagement on FbD grant program activities with the FbD NGO backbone partner, and coordinate with Tribes, local governments, state and federal agencies, and other partners to support collaborative decision-making, program alignment, and advancement of shared FbD grant program outcomes.
• Develop and refine statewide grant program procedures, tools, and tracking systems; review and approve grant agreements; and support consistent implementation by coaching, advising, and coordinating with Ecology's grant and financial management staff.
• Represent the FbD grant program on internal and interagency work groups, facilitating information exchange; resolving policy or implementation issues; and ensuring program decisions are communicated effectively to partners and leadership.
• Provide authoritative analysis and recommendations on funding strategies, grant program policies, process improvements, and long-range planning needs to inform Ecology leadership and budget development.
• Support and advise broader FbD initiative activities-such as Steering Group and Action Group meetings-and keep internal staff and external partners informed of FbD grant program plans, schedules, and emerging issues.
• Manage grant program records and information in accordance with agency requirements, and perform additional duties as assigned to support SEA Program priorities.

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

Nine (9) years of experience and/or education as described below:

Experience: Professional experience in managing multi-partner environmental or community-based grant programs; coordinating with diverse governmental and nongovernmental partners; developing and implementing program processes; leading policy-related planning efforts; and preparing or reviewing program-related recommendations, analyses, or documentation

Experience described above must include demonstrated ability in the following skill sets:

1. Program & Policy Implementation

Ability to carry out complex environmental or planning program responsibilities, align operations with defined policy direction, and ensure consistent and effective program delivery.

2. Grant Administration & Process Management

Skill in updating, developing, and applying established grant program processes and procedures; coordinating grant program operations; reviewing agreements for accuracy and consistency; and using tracking tools to support reporting, evaluation, and adaptive program management.

3. Partnership Coordination & Partner Engagement

Ability to work collaboratively and constructively with Tribes, local governments, federal and state agencies, NGOs, and technical partners to exchange information; coordinate activities and assist with developing, implementing, and evaluating progress made towards achieving shared planning and/or policy goals.

4. Communication & Facilitation

Skill in clearly conveying technical information, facilitating discussions to gather input or guide decisions, and presenting well-reasoned recommendations verbally and in writing.

5. Analytical & Strategic Thinking

Ability to identify trends, interpret data or policy information, evaluate options, and recommend approaches for program improvements, statewide consistency, or long-range planning.

6. Coaching & Technical Guidance

Skill in providing direction, mentoring, or process guidance to project managers or planning staff to support consistent implementation of program procedures and improve overall program effectiveness.

Education: Involving a major study in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, hazard mitigation, or closely related field

A Bachelor's degree in the above fields counts for 4 years and a Master's degree in the above fields counts for 6 years.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 9 years of experience.
• 8 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 7 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate's degree).
• 6 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 5 years of experience AND a Bachelor's degree.
• 3 years of experience AND a Master's degree or higher.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Must possess and maintain a valid driver license.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working on integrated floodplain management, watershed restoration, and/or flood hazard mitigation programs or projects.
• Experience administering an entire grant program (as distinguished from managing individual grants).
• Experience leading or supporting process improvement initiatives or similar efforts.
• Ability to think strategically, maintain strong attention to detail, and work collaboratively.
• Ability to navigate comfortably between routine administrative tasks and creative, visioning-oriented work.

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. 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:

• Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
• Resume

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:

• Please contact us at 360-407-6186 orcareers@ecy.wa.gov
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.

Questions?

• For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Mary Huff at Mary.Huff@ecy.wa.gov
• If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at careers@ecy.wa.gov

About the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program

The mission of the SEA Program is to create community conservation partnerships to protect and restore our shorelands, wetlands, and floodplains.

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(Download PDF reader), 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.

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

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.

#LI-Hybrid

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?

• Community Based Organization
• Community / Technical College
• Ecology Employee
• Ecology Recruiter
• Ecology Jobs Page
• Facebook
• Job Board
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Newspaper
• Other State Agency
• Other Website
• Professional Association
• Twitter
• University Job Board
• WorkSource
• Other

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?

• Yes
• No

04

How many years of professional level experience do you have in managing multi partner environmental or community based grant programs; coordinating with diverse governmental and nongovernmental partners; developing and implementing program processes; leading policy related planning efforts; and preparing or reviewing program related recommendations, analyses, or documentation? Note: Required experience is based on full-time work. Part-time experience is prorated by dividing the weekly hours by 40 and multiplying by the number of months worked. Example: • 30 hrs/week for 20 months ? (30/40) × 20 = 15 months full-time

• Three years
• Four years
• Five years
• Six years
• Seven years
• Eight years
• Nine or more years
• None of the above

05

What is your level of education?

• 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits
• 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (AA degree)
• 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree or higher
• None of the above

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

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. What experiences have you had working with people whose backgrounds are very different from your own? What impact did those experiences have on how you worked?

08

Are you able to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

09

I understand that Ecology does not use the E-Verify system and is unable to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).

• Yes
• No

10

Which level best describes your experience carrying out complex environmental or planning program responsibilities, aligning operations with policy direction, and ensuring consistent and effective program delivery?

• None - I have no experience performing program or policy implementation work.
• Foundational - I have limited exposure through coursework or supporting roles and can perform basic tasks with direction.
• Intermediate - I have practical experience implementing program or policy activities with some guidance and can manage routine responsibilities.
• Advanced - I independently implement program or policy direction, ensure operational consistency, and make well reasoned recommendations in a professional setting.
• Expert - I am recognized as a subject matter resource who leads or advises on complex program or policy implementation and guides others in best practices.

11

Which level best describes your experience administering grant programs, reviewing agreements for accuracy and consistency, applying established procedures, and using tracking tools to support reporting and evaluation?

• None - I have no experience with grant administration or related processes.
• Foundational - I have limited exposure to grant processes and can complete basic tasks with guidance.
• Intermediate - I perform grant administration tasks with some supervision and have experience reviewing agreements or using grant tracking tools.
• Advanced - I independently manage grant program processes, review and ensure agreement accuracy, and routinely use tracking systems to support reporting and adaptive management.
• Expert - I am recognized for expertise in grant administration, process development, and mentoring others on consistent statewide or agency level grant procedures.

12

Which level best describes your experience coordinating with Tribes, local governments, state or federal agencies, NGOs, or technical partners to exchange information, coordinate activities, or support shared goals?

• None - I have no experience coordinating or engaging with external partners.
• Foundational - I have limited exposure to partner interactions and can participate in basic stakeholder communication with direction.
• Intermediate - I regularly coordinate with partners as part of my work and can manage routine engagement activities.
• Advanced - I independently coordinate complex, multi partner interactions, facilitate collaboration, and represent program interests effectively.
• Expert - I am a recognized collaborator who leads or advises on high level partnership strategies and navigates complex stakeholder environments with ease.

13

Which level best describes your experience clearly conveying technical or program information, facilitating discussions, and presenting well reasoned recommendations verbally and in writing?

• None - I have no experience communicating or facilitating in a professional or technical context.
• Foundational - I communicate basic information and participate in group discussions with guidance.
• Intermediate - I independently communicate program or technical information and facilitate routine discussions or meetings.
• Advanced - I lead complex discussions, present well reasoned recommendations, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Expert - I am recognized for exceptional communication and facilitation skills, frequently leading high stakes discussions and mentoring others in effective communication practices.

14

Which level best describes your experience identifying trends, interpreting data or policy information, evaluating options, and recommending approaches for program improvements or long range planning?

• None - I have no experience performing analytical or strategic evaluation tasks.
• Foundational - I can perform basic analysis with direction and interpret straightforward information.
• Intermediate - I regularly analyze data or policy information and provide informed recommendations with some guidance.
• Advanced - I independently evaluate complex information, identify trends, and recommend improvements or long range strategies.
• Expert - I serve as a strategic thinker and analytical resource, advising others and shaping organizational or program level planning approaches.

15

Which level best describes your experience providing direction, mentoring, or technical guidance to project managers or planning staff to support consistent program implementation?

• None - I have no experience coaching or providing technical guidance to others.
• Foundational - I occasionally assist peers or provide informal guidance with supervision.
• Intermediate - I regularly provide guidance or mentoring on routine tasks or processes within my work unit.
• Advanced - I independently coach staff, provide technical guidance on complex processes, and support consistent program implementation across teams.
• Expert - I am recognized for my ability to teach, mentor, and guide others, and I routinely lead training or serve as a primary resource for improving program practices.

16

Please provide additional details to support your responses to questions 10-15 above. The following information is needed: specific duties, activities, examples and/or key accomplishments 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. Program & Policy Implementation Ability to carry out complex environmental or planning program responsibilities, align operations with defined policy direction, and ensure consistent and effective program delivery. 2. Grant Administration & Process Management Skill in updating, developing, and applying established grant program processes and procedures; coordinating grant program operations;, reviewing agreements for accuracy and consistency; and using tracking tools to support reporting, evaluation, and adaptive program management. 3. Partnership Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement Ability to work collaboratively and constructively with Tribes, local governments, federal and state agencies, NGOs, and technical partners to exchange information; coordinate activities and assist with developing, implementing, and evaluating progress made towards achieving shared planning and/or policy goals. 4. Communication & Facilitation Skill in clearly conveying technical information, facilitating discussions to gather input or guide decisions, and presenting well-reasoned recommendations verbally and in writing. 5. Analytical & Strategic Thinking Ability to identify trends, interpret data or policy information, evaluate options, and recommend approaches for program improvements, statewide consistency, or long-range planning. 6. Coaching & Technical Guidance Skill in providing direction, mentoring, or process guidance to project managers or planning staff to support consistent implementation of program procedures and improve overall program effectiveness. An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.

17

Which level best describes your knowledge and experience with floodplain management, stream/river/coastal restoration, and/or flood hazard mitigation practices?

• None - I have no knowledge or experience in these areas.
• Foundational - I have basic awareness or limited exposure through coursework, reading, or introductory training.
• Intermediate - I have practical experience applying these concepts with some guidance, either through coursework, projects, or professional work.
• Advanced - I independently apply floodplain management or restoration/mitigation practices in a professional or research setting and can carry out related tasks with confidence.
• Expert - I am recognized as a subject matter resource in one or more of these areas, independently leading or advising on complex restoration, floodplain, or hazard mitigation projects.

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