Program Budget Manager (WMS Band 2)

Program Budget Manager (WMS Band 2)

Salary

$96,417.00 - $123,199.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Lacey, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-SWM3394-08495

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Solid Waste Management

Opening Date

10/19/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Program Budget Manager (WMS Band 2) within the Solid Waste Management 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.

• A minimum of two days per week is required in the office.

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

Application Timeline:

• Apply by November 1, 2026

• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties

In this role, you will manage a large and complex mix of funds and accounts, each with different legal requirements, spending rules, and financial risks. You will work in an environment where small errors in forecasting or allocation can significantly affect program operations, public services, and the agency's credibility with policymakers. You will constantly monitor shifting financial conditions, legislative changes, and evolving program priorities, and you are expected to anticipate issues before they become problems.

You will also operate under a high level of accountability and visibility. You will regularly advise senior leaders, develop fiscal impacts for proposed legislation, and represent the program in agencywide budget discussions. This requires you to balance competing needs, make informed decisions with limited information, and communicate financial concepts clearly to both financial and non-financial audiences. Tight timelines and complex policy considerations add to the challenge.

You will have the opportunity to directly influence the future of the Solid Waste Management Program by aligning resources with environmental initiatives that benefit communities across the state. The variety of accounts, funding streams, and program activities creates a dynamic and intellectually stimulating workload. Each budget cycle brings new challenges, giving you frequent opportunities to apply strategic thinking and creative problem solving.

You will also work at the intersection of finance, policy, and environmental stewardship. You will collaborate with agency leadership, other state organizations, and legislative staff, and you play a key role in shaping policy by analyzing the financial impacts of proposed laws. This combination of analytical work, problem solving, and broad public impact makes the position both meaningful and engaging.

What you will do:

• Manage and monitor program budgets, accounts, revenues, expenditures, and financial trends to ensure financial stability.
• Develop long-range budget strategies, financial forecasts, and contingency plans to support program and agency goals.
• Provide financial guidance, recommendations, and analysis to program leadership, agency executives, and staff.
• Prepare and coordinate budget materials, reports, and information for agency budget processes and legislative requests.
• Review and approve or recommend changes to allotments, spending plans, contracts, grants, and personnel actions.
• Serve as fund manager for multiple program accounts and ensure compliance with requirements governing their use.
• Develop fiscal notes and evaluate the financial impacts of proposed legislation on program operations and funding.

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

Seven total years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position. Must include three years experience in public sector budget management, fiscal management, accounting, or related work.

Competencies include:

• Communication - Ability to clearly explain financial information to help others understand issues and make informed decisions.
• Collaboration - Ability to work effectively with staff, leaders, and partners to keep financial activities coordinated and aligned with organizational needs.
• Strategic Financial Planning - Ability to develop long-term financial plans to ensure resources support program and organizational goals.
• Financial Analysis and Decision-Making - Ability to evaluate financial data and make sound decisions to maintain financial stability and guide program actions.
• Policy and Regulatory Application - Ability to understand and apply financial policies, rules, and legislation to ensure consistent and compliant budgeting practices.
• Leadership - Ability to guide and support staff and financial processes to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and strong performance.
• Budget Management - Ability to create, monitor, and adjust budgets to ensure resources are used appropriately and remain aligned with priorities.
• Forecasting and Fiscal Impact Assessment - Ability to project revenues, expenditures, risks, and legislative impacts to support planning and timely organizational decisions.

Education in accounting, finance, business, public administration, economics, statistics, or a related field.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 7 years of experience.

• 6 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.

• 5 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate's degree).

• 4 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.

• 3 years of experience AND a Bachelor's degree.

• 1 years of experience AND a Master's degree or higher.

Desired Qualifications:

• Five (5) years experience in Washington State Agency budget management.

• Experience using Washington State budget and accounting systems and tools.

• Supervisory experience.

• Strong oral and written communication skills with ability to communicate complex information to diverse audiences including executive management, legislators, staff, and the public.

• Service focus: Treat our fellow employees, our clients and the public as partners and collaborators who are equally committed to a healthy, prosperous Washington. Build and maintain internal and external satisfaction with the services offered by the agency. Consistently strive to exceed expectations.

• Adaptability and flexibility: Solve problems, consider different perspectives, and find new, creative ways to accomplish our work. Adapt easily to changing needs, conditions, and work responsibilities. In dynamic situations, adapt approaches, goals, and methods to achieve successful solutions and results.

• Accountability: Accept personal responsibility and accountability for the quality and timeliness of our work and for meeting workplace expectations. Achieve excellent results with little need for oversight. Link agency mission/vision/values to everyday work.

• Trust and integrity: Remain objective at all times and ensure that professional judgment, rather than personal opinion, influences our work. Earn the trust, respect, and confidence of coworkers and customers through consistent honesty, forthrightness, and professionalism in all interactions.

• Relationships: Build and maintain cooperative relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance and cooperation.

• Knowledge and Creativity: Develop and maintain a knowledge base, including a deep understanding of Ecology programs, authorities and resources and a creativity that facilitates high level problem-solving. Demonstrate leadership to achieve consistent outcomes that address a clients needs, while achieving the Agencys mission.

If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.

Supplemental Information

Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Our Commitment to DEIR

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecologys work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.

Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.

Equity: We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.

Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology's work.

Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.

We believe that DEIR is both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.

Application Process

Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Click "Apply" at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:

• 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 and select #2 for Recruitment or email 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 Peter Lyon at Peter.Lyon@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 Solid Waste Management Program

The mission of the Solid Waste Management Program is to reduce wastes through prevention and reuse, keep toxics out of the environment, and safely manage what remains.

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 Incentive, 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.

#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
• 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? Please include any experience gained through employment, internships, and/or volunteer positions. Note that experience gained from academic coursework, class projects, or other degree requirements is assessed in later questions.

• One year
• Two years
• Three years
• Four years
• Five years
• Six years
• Seven years or more
• 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 (Associates degree)
• 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree
• Ph.D.
• 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

Do you have at least three years experience in public sector budget management, fiscal management, accounting, or related work?

• No
• Yes

09

The State of Washington and the Department of Ecology, play a vital role in fostering a Diverse, Equitable, Inclusive, and Respectful (DEIR) workplace and contributing to equitable outcomes for the communities we serve. We view DEIR through a broad lens including: race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. We believe it is everyones job to contribute to a DEIR workplace. Please tell us, what does it mean for you to have a commitment to DEIR in the workplace? What steps or actions have you taken to demonstrate your commitment previously?

10

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

• Yes
• No

11

How would you rate your ability to explain financial information in a clear, accessible way to help others understand issues and make decisions?

• None: No experience explaining financial information.
• Foundational: Can share basic financial details with support but may struggle to simplify complex topics.
• Intermediate: Can explain most financial information with some guidance and can adjust explanations for different audiences.
• Advanced: Clearly and independently explains financial information, including complex topics, in ways others easily understand.
• Expert: Sought out for guidance on translating complex financial concepts and helping others interpret implications.

12

How would you rate your ability to work cooperatively with others to ensure financial activities are well coordinated?

• None: No experience working with others on financial tasks.
• Foundational: Basic awareness of how financial activities connect to others' work; limited involvement in joint efforts.
• Intermediate: Works with others on financial tasks with some guidance and participates in coordinated activities.
• Advanced: Independently works with others to ensure financial activities stay aligned and well organized.
• Expert: Leads or mentors others in coordinating financial activities and improving shared processes.

13

How would you rate your ability to create or contribute to long-term financial plans?

• None: No experience with long-term financial planning.
• Foundational: Basic understanding of long-term planning concepts; limited exposure to planning activities.
• Intermediate: Contributes to planning efforts with guidance and applies planning concepts in practical ways.
• Advanced: Independently develops long-term plans that support goals and reflect resource needs.
• Expert: Shapes long-term financial direction and mentors others on planning methods and analysis.

14

How would you rate your ability to review financial information and use it to make informed decisions?

• None: No experience analyzing financial information for decisions.
• Foundational: Can review basic financial data with support; limited experience making decisions from it.
• Intermediate: Analyzes financial information with some guidance and supports routine decision-making.
• Advanced: Independently evaluates financial information and consistently makes sound decisions.
• Expert: Leads or advises others on financial analysis techniques and high-impact decisions.

15

How would you rate your ability to understand and apply financial rules and requirements?

• None: No experience applying financial rules or requirements.
• Foundational: Basic awareness of financial rules; limited experience applying them.
• Intermediate: Applies rules with some guidance and can identify when clarification is needed.
• Advanced: Independently applies rules and ensures consistent, accurate financial practices.
• Expert: Advises others on interpreting and applying rules and helps shape compliant practices.

16

How would you rate your ability to guide others or financial processes to achieve strong results?

• None: No experience guiding financial processes or supporting others' work.
• Foundational: Basic understanding of how financial tasks are organized; limited exposure to guiding others.
• Intermediate: Provides support or direction with some guidance and helps maintain consistent workflows.
• Advanced: Independently guides others or financial processes to ensure accuracy and effective outcomes.
• Expert: Mentors others, sets direction for financial processes, and improves overall performance.

17

How would you rate your ability to develop, track, and adjust budgets?

• None: No experience developing or managing budgets.
• Foundational: Basic familiarity with budget components; limited involvement in budget tasks.
• Intermediate: Participates in creating or monitoring budgets with guidance and can identify basic adjustments.
• Advanced: Independently creates, monitors, and adjusts budgets to maintain alignment with needs and constraints.
• Expert: Advises others on budget management and improves tools, methods, or practices.

18

How would you rate your ability to forecast financial trends and assess impacts on programs or operations?

• None: No experience forecasting or assessing fiscal impacts.
• Foundational: Basic awareness of forecasting concepts; limited exposure to impact assessment.
• Intermediate: Supports forecasting and impact reviews with guidance and uses available tools.
• Advanced: Independently produces forecasts and assesses impacts to support effective decisions.
• Expert: Leads forecasting efforts, mentors others, and develops approaches for evaluating impacts.

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