Senior Stormwater Project Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4)

Senior Stormwater Project Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4)

Salary

$69,348.00 - $93,288.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Lacey, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-WQ4642-04672

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Water Quality

Opening Date

06/12/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

Salary Information

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

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

The salary listed above includes the scheduled 2% general salary increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Senior Stormwater Project Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) within the Water Quality 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.
• You may telework most of your work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by June 28, 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties

Do you want to help solve real-world water quality challenges through green infrastructure? Do you have experience with planning, designing, constructing, or maintaining public infrastructure projects? Are you interested in partnering with local governments and Tribes to protect important cultural resources?

Join the Ecology Stormwater Action Team (SWAT). SWAT partners with communities statewide to fund and implement stormwater quality, green infrastructure, and low-impact development projects. With more than 250 active projects across Washington, this team helps local governments navigate funding, project design, construction, and long-term performance to ensure meaningful water quality outcomes.

As a Senior Stormwater Project Specialist, you will build strong working relationships with local stormwater and capital project managers, helping them develop high-quality proposals and avoid common project pitfalls. You will participate in evaluating new project applications, negotiate funding agreements, and provide technical assistance throughout the life of each project-ensuring compliance with state and federal funding requirements.

You will also play an important part in protecting cultural resources. You will represent SWAT on the Ecology Cultural Resources Environmental Workgroup and coordinate Cultural Resource Reviews in partnership with Tribes and the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation to ensure state-funded stormwater projects are sited and constructed responsibly.

What you will do:

• Coordinate with local government project managers to monitor project progress on Ecology-funded stormwater quality projects. This includes review of quarterly reports, payment requests, and project deliverables and performing site visits.
• Solicit and coordinate input from internal project management teams to provide oversight for funded projects. Ensure that funded projects maintain compliance with funding agreement terms, funding program guidelines, agency policy, and state and federal funding program requirements.
• Negotiate and write new funding agreements. Incorporate input from project evaluators, Ecology engineers, financial management staff, and other Ecology subject matter experts during the agreement negotiation process and throughout the life of the project.
• Evaluate new project applications for feasibility and water quality benefit.
• Coordinate with representatives of Ecology's headquarters and regions, tribal and local governments, resource and regulatory agency staff, Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation staff, clients and partners to ensure that Ecology and funding recipients comply with federal and state statutes, rules, and policies.
• Actively participate in and contribute to the internal Stormwater Action Team (SWAT) efforts to improve and streamline program processes, develop program guidance, fill knowledge gaps, and train new staff.

Qualifications

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

Required Qualifications:

Nine (9) years of experience performing environmental-based work or related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:

• Financial Management - Ability to manage project funds and financial information to ensure expenditures are accurate, allowable, and compliant with agreements and regulations.
• Project Oversight - Ability to monitor and guide projects to ensure they are implemented effectively, meet objectives, and achieve intended outcomes.
• Technical Guidance - Ability to provide clear technical and administrative guidance to support project planning, implementation, and program administration.
• Communication - Ability to convey program requirements, expectations, and results clearly to partners and the public through meetings, workshops, and trainings.
• Policy Support - Ability to apply and provide input on policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure consistent and effective program management.

Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning, or an academic discipline related to the duties of the position.

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.
• 2 years of experience AND a Ph.D.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid drivers license.

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 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 Jessica Schwing at Jessica.Schwing@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 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, 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 performing environmental-based work or related to the duties of the position, which includes the following: • Financial Management - Ability to manage project funds and financial information to ensure expenditures are accurate, allowable, and compliant with agreements and regulations. • Project Oversight - Ability to monitor and guide projects to ensure they are implemented effectively, meet objectives, and achieve intended outcomes. • Technical Guidance - Ability to provide clear technical and administrative guidance to support project planning, implementation, and program administration. • Communication - Ability to convey program requirements, expectations, and results clearly to partners and the public through meetings, workshops, and trainings. • Policy Support - Ability to apply and provide input on policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure consistent and effective program management. 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
• Eight years
• Nine or more years
• None of the above

05

Which statement best describes your current proficiency in financial management, including managing project funds and ensuring expenditures are accurate, allowable, and compliant with agreements and regulations?

• None - I have not managed project funds or financial information.
• Foundational - I have basic awareness of financial tracking and may have assisted with documenting expenditures or reviewing financial information under supervision.
• Intermediate - I can track project expenditures, follow established financial procedures, and ensure documentation is accurate, seeking guidance for complex budget or compliance issues.
• Advanced - I independently monitor project budgets, ensure expenditures are allowable and compliant, identify discrepancies, and support accurate financial reporting.
• Expert - I provide financial guidance to others, manage complex budgets, help shape financial procedures, and ensure program-wide compliance with financial requirements.

06

Which statement best describes your current proficiency in project oversight, including monitoring and guiding projects to ensure they are implemented effectively and achieve intended outcomes?

• None - I have not provided oversight or monitoring for projects.
• Foundational - I have basic understanding of project oversight and may have assisted with simple monitoring tasks.
• Intermediate - I can oversee routine project activities, track progress, identify issues, and support successful implementation with some guidance.
• Advanced - I independently monitor and guide projects, ensure objectives are met, support corrective actions, and coordinate with partners to achieve outcomes.
• Expert - I lead oversight efforts for complex projects, mentor others on monitoring practices, identify systemic risks or improvements, and ensure high-quality project performance.

07

Which statement best describes your current proficiency in providing technical guidance, including offering clear technical and administrative support for project planning, implementation, and program administration?

• None - I have not provided technical or administrative guidance to others.
• Foundational - I can share basic information and may have assisted in providing simple guidance based on established instructions.
• Intermediate - I can clearly explain procedures, requirements, and technical concepts to support project planning and implementation.
• Advanced - I provide comprehensive technical and administrative guidance, support problem-solving, and help partners and staff interpret requirements for effective implementation.
• Expert - I am recognized as a technical resource, develop guidance materials, train others, and advise leadership or partners on complex program or project issues.

08

Which statement best describes your current proficiency in communication, including conveying program requirements, expectations, and results to partners and the public through meetings, workshops, and trainings?

• None - I have not presented program requirements or results to partners or the public.
• Foundational - I have basic experience communicating program information in meetings or written materials with supervision.
• Intermediate - I can communicate program expectations, requirements, and results clearly in meetings, workshops, or written formats.
• Advanced - I independently deliver clear, well-organized presentations, trainings, and communications tailored to partners, interested parties, and the public.
• Expert - I lead communication efforts, develop outreach materials and training content, and advise others on effective communication strategies for complex or sensitive topics.

09

Which statement best describes your current proficiency in policy support, including applying and providing input on policies, procedures, and guidelines to support consistent and effective program management?

• None - I have not worked with program policies, procedures, or guidelines.
• Foundational - I have basic familiarity with policies and may have applied them under guidance.
• Intermediate - I can interpret and apply policies and procedures to routine work and identify when clarification is needed.
• Advanced - I apply policies consistently, provide input to improve procedures, and help others understand and follow program expectations.
• Expert - I contribute to developing or revising policies, advise leadership on policy impacts, and support consistent and effective implementation across programs.

10

Please provide any additional information you would like us to consider beyond the information you have provided in your work history and attached resume.

11

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
• Ph.D.
• None of the above

12

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.

13

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?

14

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

• Yes
• No

15

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

• Yes
• No

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