Padilla Bay Operations Manager (Natural Resource Specialist 4) (Internal Only)
Salary
$66,072.00 - $88,788.00 Annually
Location
Skagit County - Mt. Vernon, WA
Job Type
Agency Internal - Permanent
Job Number
2026-SEA5414-04901
Department
Dept. of Ecology
Division
Shorelands and Environmental Assistance
Opening Date
06/16/2026
Closing Date
6/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information
The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
The salary listed above includes the scheduled 2% general salary increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.
Please Note: This recruitment is open to current Department of Ecology employees and Ecologys Washington Conservation Corps members only. This includes employees working on temporary and project assignments at the Department of Ecology.
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Padilla Bay Operations Manager (Natural Resource Specialist 4) (Internal Only) within the Shorelands & Environmental Assistance Program.
Location:
Schedule:
Application Timeline:
Duties
This Padilla Bay Operations Manager position provides a unique opportunity to lead the operational, facilities, and natural resource management functions that support the mission of the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (PBNERR). In this role, you will oversee day-to-day and long-term stewardship of the Reserve's natural resource areas, including its main campus, restoration sites, and supporting acreage. You will guide and support staff, WCC members and crews, contractors, and volunteers who carry out natural resource projects, habitat restoration work, and campus maintenance activities that enable research, education, and community programs to thrive.
You will also serve as the Reserve's lead for fleet, facilities, and operational systems-ensuring that vehicles, vessels, equipment, mechanical systems, buildings, and grounds are safe, functional, and maintained to a high professional standard. As a core member of Padilla Bay's operational leadership, you will coordinate public works needs, manage small works contracts, oversee operational budgets, support safe field practices, and lead development of maintenance plans, inventories, and safety procedures. In this highly visible operational role, you will represent Padilla Bay in coordination with the Administrative Services Division, DES, the Safety Office, and other intra- and inter-agency partners to advance stewardship, safe operations, and effective campus management.
What you will do:
Qualifications
For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.
Required Qualifications:
Seven (7) years of experience and/or education described as below
Experience: coordinating or performing operational, facility, mechanical, and fleet support for natural resource management or other similar programs; maintaining safe and functional vehicles, equipment, and facilities; supporting natural resource field projects; and overseeing infrastructure, tools, and resources necessary for environmental or educational program activities
Experience mentioned above must include demonstrated competencies in the following skill sets -
Ability to perform and support natural resource field work and ensure operational readiness of tools, equipment, facilities, and infrastructure used for environmental, conservation, and educational programs.
Ability to perform hands-on maintenance and repair of fleet vehicles, small-motor equipment, and specialty equipment such as tractors, trailers, vessels, and field tools. Includes troubleshooting mechanical issues, conducting preventive maintenance, completing minor repairs, and ensuring safe and functional operation of all equipment and vehicles.
Ability to perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on building systems, grounds, and campus infrastructure. Includes basic building trades knowledge and experience at the journey level or above, estimating labor/materials for minor building alterations, and maintaining safe and functional facilities across a multi-building campus.
Ability to implement and maintain safety procedures, conduct inspections, resolve hazards, update safety documentation, and train staff and volunteers in safe equipment use, field practices, and facility operations.
Ability to lead and coordinate natural resource, maintenance, and minor construction projects, including scoping, estimating, scheduling, contractor oversight, and ensuring quality, performance, and safety standards are met.
Ability to make sound operational decisions, prioritize competing demands, and independently manage a wide range of field, facility, and mechanical responsibilities.
Ability to build effective working relationships and provide high-quality operational support to staff, WCC crews, partners, and contractors. Demonstrates strong customer service and effective communication with technical and non-technical audiences.
Education: Involving major study in forestry, agriculture, aquaculture, geology, biological science, environmental science, real estate, land use or environmental planning, public policy, recreation, or related natural science field.
Examples of how to qualify:
Desired Qualifications:
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:
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 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.
Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency.
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.
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Have you ever worked for the Department of Ecology in any capacity including: Permanent, Non-permanent, Project, Intern, or Volunteer?
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How many years of experience do you have related to the duties of this position? 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
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What is your level of education?
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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.
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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?
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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