Geothermal Senior Planner (Environmental Planner 4)

Geothermal Senior Planner (Environmental Planner 4)

Salary

$76,608.00 - $102,996.00 Annually

Location

Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Non-Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-SEAT314-06967

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Shorelands and Environmental Assistance

Opening Date

08/27/2026

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 Geothermal Senior Planner (Environmental Planner 4) within the Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) program.

Note: This is a temporary position that will end on June 30, 2027. It may be extended based on funding availability.

Location:

This position can be based at any of the following duty stations:

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.

• Central Region Office in Union Gap, WA.

• Eastern Region Office in Spokane, WA.

• Northwest Region Office in Shoreline, WA.

Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the selected duty station.

Note: If the selected duty station is the Northwest Region Office in Shoreline, the salary will include an additional 5% premium pay due to its location in King County. Salary range: $6703- $9012 monthly.

Schedule:

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.

• One to two days per week of on-site attendance is required

• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by September 10, 2026.
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties

This Geothermal Senior Planner position provides a unique opportunity to lead Washington's emerging statewide geothermal energy planning and policy efforts within Ecology's Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program. In this role, you will guide multi-agency collaboration, facilitate complex policy discussions, and deliver high-visibility legislative and technical reports that inform Washington's transition to clean energy. You will serve as a senior planning consultant to the Clean Energy Coordination Section Manager, shaping policy direction, supporting future statewide planning and rulemaking, and ensuring consistent, transparent, and legally defensible processes related to geothermal development.

You will also support Ecology's coordination of the geothermal energy collaborative process established by the Legislature-bringing together state agencies, Tribal governments, local governments, industry, utilities, and community interests to identify risks, opportunities, and regulatory needs associated with geothermal technologies. Through this work, you will develop guidance, regulatory gap analyses, outreach materials, environmental review support, and planning documents that advance agency priorities and contribute to the long-term protection and sustainable use of Washington's natural resources.

What you will do:

• Support Ecology's statewide geothermal energy collaborative process, managing cross-program and multi-agency teams to develop legislative reports, technical analyses, environmental review support, and statewide guidance documents.
• Coordinate with experts across Ecology, other state agencies, federal partners, Tribal governments, local governments, industry, utilities, and community groups to ensure inclusive, informed, and well-aligned planning and environmental review processes.
• Research existing regulatory frameworks and conduct regulatory gap analyses to evaluate the need for future statewide planning, policy development, and rulemaking related to geothermal energy.
• Provide senior-level planning, policy interpretation, and technical consultation to Ecology leadership, program managers, and staff on geothermal topics, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) processes, regulatory implications, and interagency coordination.
• Facilitate resolution of complex, sensitive, and high-profile issues involving diverse perspectives, technical uncertainty, emerging technologies, and major environmental considerations.
• Support SEPA planning and project review activities by coordinating technical input, reviewing impact analyses, and ensuring documents are clear, consistent, and meet procedural and legal standards.
• Plan, coordinate, and conduct public meetings, hearings, workshops, and comment periods, developing accessible materials and ensuring meaningful engagement of Tribes, community members, and interested parties.
• Represent Ecology at multi-agency workgroups, public forums, advisory committees, and policy discussions related to geothermal development, clean energy planning, and statewide environmental review.
• Develop and refine tools, guidance, and communication products-working closely with internal and external communications experts-to ensure information is accurate, transparent, and accessible to diverse audiences.
• Ensure all deliverables, including legislative reports and technical documents, are efficient, effective, defensible, and aligned with agency policy, scientific information, and interested parties expectations.
• Support broader Clean Energy Coordination Section priorities by contributing to statewide planning documents, environmental reviews, interagency coordination efforts, and rulemaking activities related to clean energy development.

Qualifications

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

Required Qualifications:

Nine years of experience and/or education related to the essential functions and key activities of the position, which includes the following:

• Environmental Review: Ability to support complex SEPA environmental review processes, coordinate technical input across programs, interpret impact analyses, and ensure documents meet legal and procedural requirements.
• Regulatory Analysis: Ability to analyze and implement federal, state, and local regulations and synthesize technical and regulatory information.
• Policy and Planning Analysis: Ability to analyze environmental data, evaluate planning and regulatory implications, and develop recommendations grounded in scientific information and agency policy.
• Multi-Agency Coordination: Skill in organizing and facilitating collaboration among state, federal, Tribal, and local government partners to align environmental review timelines, expectations, and shared work products.
• Public Process Administration: Experience planning and managing public meetings, hearings, and comment periods, including preparing clear, accessible materials for diverse audiences.
• Cross-Program Facilitation: Skilled at navigating complex, sensitive issues involving multiple parties; able to synthesize technical and regulatory information and support resolution of divergent viewpoints.
• Technical Communication: Ability to convey complex environmental, regulatory, or policy information clearly and professionally in written and verbal formats for varied audiences.

Education: involving a major study in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related field.

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 in above mentioned field.
• 3 years of experience AND a Master's degree in above mentioned field.

Special Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid drivers license

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with advanced, enhanced, or conventional geothermal technologies or geothermal development.

• Experience with oil and gas subsurface development, impacts, and mitigation.

• Experience with power plant development to support the electrical grid.

• Experience developing SEPA or National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) EISs for complex or high-profile proposals, including programmatic reviews or multi-disciplinary impact analyses.

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
• A writing sample you created.

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 or careers@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 Diane Butorac at Diane.Butorac@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 experience do you have related to the duties of this position?

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

05

Please provide additional details to support your response above. The following information is needed: position title(s), specific duties, and periods of employment. Make sure your response specifically addresses the qualification above. An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.

06

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

07

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.

08

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?

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

Can you obtain and maintain a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

11

Which level best describes your experience supporting complex SEPA environmental review processes, including coordinating technical input, interpreting impact analyses, and ensuring documents meet legal and procedural requirements?

• None - I have no experience supporting SEPA or similar environmental review processes.
• Foundational - I have basic exposure to SEPA environmental review activities and can assist with straightforward tasks such as gathering information or reviewing documents with guidance.
• Intermediate - I have experience supporting SEPA or comparable review processes, coordinating routine technical input, reviewing environmental analyses, and ensuring documents meet basic procedural standards.
• Advanced - I independently coordinate SEPA reviews, interpret impact analyses, work with technical staff to ensure accuracy, and help ensure documents meet legal and procedural requirements.
• Expert - I lead complex or multi-agency SEPA review processes, provide expert guidance on interpretations and compliance, and ensure high-profile documents are defensible, complete, and aligned with regulatory requirements.

12

Which level best describes your experience analyzing and applying federal, state, and local environmental regulations and synthesizing technical and regulatory information?

• None - I have no experience reviewing or applying environmental regulations.
• Foundational - I have limited exposure to environmental regulations and can identify basic regulatory requirements with direction.
• Intermediate - I routinely review and apply environmental regulations, interpret requirements for projects or analyses, and synthesize regulatory information with moderate guidance.
• Advanced - I independently analyze complex regulations, assess implications for projects or policies, and synthesize technical and regulatory information to support decision-making.
• Expert - I lead regulatory analyses involving complex or emerging policy areas, interpret regulatory frameworks for diverse audiences, and develop recommendations that integrate technical, legal, and policy considerations.

13

Which level best describes your experience analyzing environmental data and evaluating planning or regulatory implications to develop science-based policy recommendations?

• None - I have no experience in environmental policy or planning analysis.
• Foundational - I can review environmental data or planning documents and identify general issues with guidance.
• Intermediate - I analyze environmental data, evaluate planning or regulatory implications, and develop preliminary recommendations that incorporate agency policy and scientific information.
• Advanced - I independently conduct complex planning or policy analyses, interpret environmental data, and develop well-supported recommendations grounded in science and agency direction.
• Expert - I lead major planning or policy analyses, integrate multidisciplinary data, and develop high-visibility recommendations that inform statewide policy, rulemaking, or legislative actions.

14

Which level best describes your experience coordinating work across state, federal, Tribal, or local government partners to align timelines, expectations, and shared work products?

• None - I have no experience working with multiple government agencies or partners.
• Foundational - I have limited experience collaborating with external agencies and can participate in coordination activities when guided.
• Intermediate - I regularly coordinate with multiple agencies, help align expectations, and support development of shared products or timelines.
• Advanced - I independently organize and facilitate multi-agency coordination, align timelines and expectations, and ensure work products meet shared objectives.
• Expert - I lead complex, high-profile multi-agency collaborations, resolve coordination challenges, and deliver shared products for diverse partners with differing priorities.

15

Which level best describes your experience planning and managing public meetings, hearings, or comment periods and preparing accessible materials for diverse audiences?

• None - I have no experience supporting public meetings or comment processes.
• Foundational - I have assisted with simple public-facing activities such as preparing materials or helping set up meetings under direction.
• Intermediate - I plan and manage routine public meetings or comment processes, prepare accessible materials, and ensure participants understand the purpose and process.
• Advanced - I independently plan and manage complex public meetings, hearings, and comment periods, develop clear and accessible materials, and coordinate engagement with diverse audiences.
• Expert - I lead high-profile public processes, design strategies to support meaningful participation, manage sensitive or complex issues, and ensure materials and engagement methods meet legal, procedural, and accessibility requirements.

16

Which level best describes your experience facilitating cross-program discussions involving complex or sensitive issues and synthesizing technical or regulatory information to support resolution of divergent viewpoints?

• None - I have no experience facilitating cross-program discussions or working with divergent viewpoints.
• Foundational - I can participate in cross-program discussions and share basic information with direction.
• Intermediate - I facilitate routine cross-program discussions, help synthesize technical or regulatory information, and support collaborative problem-solving.
• Advanced - I independently facilitate complex or sensitive discussions among multiple parties, synthesize technical and regulatory information, and support timely resolution of differing viewpoints.
• Expert - I lead high-stakes cross-program facilitation, navigate sensitive or controversial issues, synthesize multidisciplinary information, and consistently support effective, durable resolution among diverse partners.

17

Which level best describes your experience conveying complex environmental, regulatory, or policy information clearly and professionally in written and verbal formats for varied audiences?

• None - I have no experience communicating technical or regulatory information.
• Foundational - I can communicate basic information clearly when provided with instructions or templates.
• Intermediate - I regularly communicate environmental, regulatory, or policy information in both written and verbal formats, adjusting messaging for different audiences.
• Advanced - I independently prepare complex written documents, present technical or regulatory information clearly, and tailor communication to varied audiences such as managers, partners, and community groups.
• Expert - I serve as a key communicator for complex or high-visibility topics, consistently deliver clear, accurate, and accessible information, and support others in improving the clarity and quality of their communication.

18

Which level best describes your experience working with advanced, enhanced, or conventional geothermal technologies; geothermal development, oil and gas subsurface development; or power plant development?

• None - I have no experience working with advanced, enhanced, or conventional geothermal technologies; geothermal development, oil and gas subsurface development; or power plant development.
• Foundational - I have limited exposure working with advanced, enhanced, or conventional geothermal technologies; geothermal development, oil and gas subsurface development; or power plant development.
• Intermediate - I routinely work with advanced, enhanced, or conventional geothermal technologies; geothermal development, oil and gas subsurface development; or power plant development.
• Advanced - I frequently work with advanced, enhanced, or conventional geothermal technologies; geothermal development, oil and gas subsurface development; or power plant development.
• Expert - I lead work on advanced, enhanced, or conventional geothermal technologies; geothermal development, oil and gas subsurface development; or power plant development.

19

For all six competency ratings you selected in Questions 11-18, please describe the reasoning behind each of your choices. For every competency, explain the experiences, responsibilities, or accomplishments that support the level you selected. For example, if you selected "Advanced" or "Expert," describe what makes you confident in that assessment. Your responses will help us better understand the context for your self-evaluation. Please do not copy and paste your resume information as a response.

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