Statewide Program Rule and Policy Lead (Environmental Planner 5)

Statewide Program Rule and Policy Lead (Environmental Planner 5)

Salary

$84,528.00 - $113,736.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Lacey, WA

Job Type

Agency Internal - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-WR3963-08351

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Water Resources

Opening Date

10/09/2026

Closing Date

10/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

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

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

This recruitment is open only to current Department of Ecology employees, including those on temporary or project assignments, and Ecologys Washington Conservation Corps members.

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Statewide Program Rule and Policy Lead (Environmental Planner 5) within the Water Resources 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 month are required in the office.

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

Duties

In this role, you will lead statewide rule and policy development that shapes the future of water resources across Washington. You will guide complex rulemaking efforts from planning through adoption, ensuring they are transparent, well-coordinated, and grounded in sound legal and policy analysis. You will help set direction for the Water Resources Program by developing clear rulemaking strategies, supporting consistent decisions across regions, and providing trusted guidance to staff and leadership.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the center of big, meaningful issues-helping Washington meet present and future water needs while advancing environmental justice and strengthening relationships with Tribes, communities, and partners across government. You will collaborate with dedicated teams of scientists, planners, economists, attorneys, and managers, and your work will directly influence how water is managed for generations to come.

What you will do:

• Lead statewide rule development efforts, including new and amended rules, and serve as the primary point of contact for Water Resources Program rulemaking.

• Plan, coordinate, and guide the work of multi-disciplinary teams across regions, programs, and agencies-including close collaboration with agency leaders, Tribal representatives, technical experts, and community partners.

• Prepare rule packages, draft rule language, and ensure compliance with the Administrative Procedures Act, Regulatory Fairness Act, and other statutory requirements.

• Design and manage public engagement activities, including public comment periods and hearings, and develop accessible materials that support meaningful participation, especially for underserved populations.

• Provide mentoring, training, and guidance to rulemaking leads and staff, helping build skill, consistency, and confidence across the program.

• Conduct research and analyze legal, technical, and policy issues to develop recommendations, briefing materials, and decision-support documents for leadership.

• Support statewide policy development by researching emerging issues, drafting guidance and procedural documents, and communicating policy updates to staff and management.

• Track rulemaking activities, timelines, and status updates, and coordinate with internal teams to ensure alignment, effective communication, and timely progress.

Qualifications

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

Required Qualifications:

• Eleven years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which must include the following:

• Communication - Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully to explain complex information and support shared understanding among staff, leadership, Tribes, and other partners.

• Collaboration & Relationship Building - Ability to work effectively with internal teams and external partners to build trust, coordinate efforts, and support successful rule and policy outcomes.

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Ability to assess information, analyze issues, and make sound recommendations to support rulemaking and policy decisions.

• Rulemaking Leadership - Ability to lead and coordinate rule development activities to ensure rules are well-planned, transparent, and compliant with legal requirements.

• Project & Workflow Management - Ability to organize tasks, set priorities, and manage timelines to ensure rulemaking and policy projects are completed effectively and on schedule.

• Partner & Tribal Engagement - Ability to plan and facilitate meaningful engagement to gather input, strengthen relationships, and support open and inclusive public processes.

• Regulatory Drafting & Documentation - Ability to draft clear, accurate, and understandable rule language, policies, and supporting documents to meet program needs and legal standards.

• Legal and Regulatory Interpretation - Ability to interpret laws, regulations, and procedural requirements to ensure rulemaking activities comply with the Administrative Procedures Act and other obligations.

• Research & Analysis - Ability to research scientific, legal, and policy information to produce accurate guidance, presentations, and decision-support materials.

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

Examples of how to qualify:

• 11 years of experience.

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

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

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

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

• 5 years of experience AND a Master's degree.

• 4 years of experience AND a Ph.D.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge and experience in the following areas:

• Water resources laws, rules, and policy

• Watershed planning and management

• Experience engaging in communication and consultation with Tribal governments.

• Experience working on agency rules, developing or implementing

• Training or professional experience with environmental justice law and policy, research design and analytical methods, data and mapping tools, and regulatory analysis.

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 Lola Flores at Lola.Flores@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 Water Resources Program

The mission of the Water Resources Program is to manage water resources to benefit all Washingtonians and to protect the natural environment for current and future generations.

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.

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

#LI-DNI

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

Are you a current Department of Ecology employee or Washington Conservation Corps member?

• Yes
• No

05

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
• Eight years
• Nine years
• Ten years
• Eleven or more years
• None of the above

06

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.

07

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

08

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.

09

How would you rate your ability to communicate complex rulemaking or policy information in a clear, respectful, and accessible way to diverse audiences (staff, leadership, Tribes, external partners)?

• None - No experience communicating policy or rule-related information to varied audiences.
• Foundational - Can share basic information but may struggle to tailor messages or explain complex topics.
• Intermediate - Can explain moderately complex topics with some guidance and adapts communication with some effectiveness.
• Advanced - Independently communicates complex information clearly and respectfully, tailoring messages to specific audiences.
• Expert - Recognized for exceptional clarity; leads communications strategies, mentors others, and supports shared understanding across diverse groups.

10

How would you describe your proficiency with building trust and working collaboratively with internal and external partners to support successful rule or policy outcomes?

• None - No experience collaborating in rulemaking or policy contexts.
• Foundational - Performs basic teamwork tasks; limited involvement in cross program or external collaborations.
• Intermediate - Contributes to collaborative efforts with some guidance; developing relationship building skills.
• Advanced - Builds strong relationships independently, coordinates effectively, and supports shared outcomes.
• Expert - Trusted partner-builder; leads collaborative strategies, facilitates multi-party coordination, and mentors others.

11

How effectively can you assess information, analyze issues, and develop sound recommendations to support rulemaking or policy decisions?

• None - No experience analyzing policy or rulemaking issues.
• Foundational - Understands basic analytical concepts; requires significant guidance.
• Intermediate - Can assess information and make initial recommendations with some guidance.
• Advanced - Independently evaluates complex issues and consistently produces sound, well-reasoned recommendations.
• Expert - Considered a subject matter authority; leads analytical approaches and mentors others in policy evaluation.

12

How would you describe your proficiency with leading and coordinating rule development activities to ensure transparency, planning, and compliance?

• None - No exposure to rulemaking processes or leadership tasks.
• Foundational - Basic familiarity with rulemaking steps; limited leadership involvement.
• Intermediate - Can assist in coordinating rulemaking activities with some guidance.
• Advanced - Independently leads rule processes, maintains transparency, and ensures compliance.
• Expert - Recognized rulemaking leader; sets program direction, mentors others, and ensures best practice implementation.

13

How effectively can you organize tasks, prioritize work, and manage timelines for rulemaking or policy projects?

• None - No experience managing project timelines or workflows.
• Foundational - Can complete assigned tasks but relies on direction to set priorities.
• Intermediate - Manages tasks and timelines with some guidance; developing project coordination skills.
• Advanced - Independently manages complex workflows, sets priorities, and consistently meets deadlines.
• Expert - Leads project management approaches, mentors others, and optimizes processes for efficiency and quality.

14

How would you rate your proficiency with planning and facilitating meaningful engagement with Tribes and external partners to support open and inclusive processes?

• None - No experience engaging with Tribes or external partners in policy contexts.
• Foundational - Basic awareness of engagement principles; limited exposure to Tribal or partner engagement.
• Intermediate - Participates in engagement activities with some guidance; developing facilitation skills.
• Advanced - Independently plans and facilitates effective, inclusive engagement efforts and sustains relationships.
• Expert - Recognized engagement leader; mentors others, develops engagement frameworks, and models culturally respectful practice.

15

How effectively can you draft clear, accurate, and legally sound rule language, policy materials, and supporting documents?

• None - No experience drafting rules, policies, or technical documentation.
• Foundational - Basic ability to draft simple documents; requires substantial review.
• Intermediate - Drafts moderately complex materials with some guidance; improving clarity and accuracy.
• Advanced - Independently drafts complex, high-quality rule language and supporting documents.
• Expert - Serves as a drafting authority; leads documentation strategy and mentors others in regulatory writing.

16

How would you describe your proficiency with interpreting laws, regulations, and procedural requirements to ensure compliance in rulemaking?

• None - No exposure to legal or regulatory interpretation.
• Foundational - Basic understanding of regulatory concepts; requires significant guidance.
• Intermediate - Interprets standard requirements with some guidance; developing legal reasoning skills.
• Advanced - Independently interprets complex regulations and ensures process compliance.
• Expert - Serves as a regulatory interpretation authority; guides others and resolves complex compliance questions.

17

How would you describe your ability to research scientific, legal, or policy information and produce accurate, relevant guidance or decision-support materials?

• None - No experience conducting research for policy or rulemaking.
• Foundational - Basic ability to gather information; requires guidance to analyze or present findings.
• Intermediate - Conducts research and prepares materials with some guidance; developing analytical depth.
• Advanced - Independently produces high-quality research, analysis, and decision-support materials.
• Expert - Sets research approaches; mentors others and delivers highly complex analytical products.

18

If you feel you have not already demonstrated your proficiency in the required competencies elsewhere in your application, you are encouraged to use this space to provide any additional details that help illustrate your experience and capabilities in the areas listed below. While this question is optional, providing clear evidence of your competence in these fields will strengthen your application. Please share any additional information that further demonstrates your proficiency in the following required competencies: 1. Communication - Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully to explain complex information and support shared understanding among staff, leadership, Tribes, and other partners. 2. Collaboration & Relationship Building - Ability to work effectively with internal teams and external partners to build trust, coordinate efforts, and support successful rule and policy outcomes. 3. Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Ability to assess information, analyze issues, and make sound recommendations to support rulemaking and policy decisions. 4. Rulemaking Leadership - Ability to lead and coordinate rule development activities to ensure rules are well-planned, transparent, and compliant with legal requirements. 5. Project & Workflow Management - Ability to organize tasks, set priorities, and manage timelines to ensure rulemaking and policy projects are completed effectively and on schedule. 6. Partner & Tribal Engagement - Ability to plan and facilitate meaningful engagement to gather input, strengthen relationships, and support open and inclusive public processes. 7. Regulatory Drafting & Documentation - Ability to draft clear, accurate, and understandable rule language, policies, and supporting documents to meet program needs and legal standards. 8. Legal and Regulatory Interpretation - Ability to interpret laws, regulations, and procedural requirements to ensure rulemaking activities comply with the Administrative Procedures Act and other obligations. 9. Research & Analysis - Ability to research scientific, legal, and policy information to produce accurate guidance, presentations, and decision-support materials.

19

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?

20

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