SWRO Response Supervisor (WMS Band 1)

SWRO Response Supervisor (WMS Band 1)

Salary

$88,927.00 - $111,935.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Lacey, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-SPPR3253-09027

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Spill Prevention, Preparedness and Response

Opening Date

10/28/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring an SWRO Response Supervisor (WMS Band 1) within the Spill Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Program.

Location:

• Southwest Region Office (SWRO) in Lacey, WA.

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

Schedule:

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

• In-office work averages about 2 days per week. This position also requires extended periods of field work and periodic after-hour/weekend emergency response duty shifts.

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

Application Timeline:

• Apply by November 22, 2026

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

Duties

In this role, you will manage high-stakes operational, environmental, and public safety responsibilities that you must navigate under intense pressure and constant scrutiny. You will remain available 24/7 and make rapid decisions in hazardous, uncertain, and sometimes unfamiliar conditions. You balance immediate tactical needs with long-term strategic impacts, often weighing environmental tradeoffs and limited resources while protecting public health, Washington's economy, and the agency's credibility. You also ensure responder safety in dangerous environments, coordinate across a complex network of response partners, and apply extensive regulatory requirements-all while issuing consistent and defensible enforcement actions.

In this position, you step into a dynamic, mission-driven leadership role at the intersection of emergency response, environmental protection, and public communication. You serve as the State On-Scene Coordinator for major spills, lead multidisciplinary teams, and collaborate closely with federal, state, tribal, local, and private partners. You influence statewide spill response policies, guide critical decisions in real time, and play a key role in maintaining public trust by communicating openly during high-visibility events. Every day, you engage in strategic problem-solving, technical analysis, and meaningful work that protects Washington's natural resources and economic vitality.

What you will do:

• Manage and lead the regional spill response team, ensuring responders are trained, equipped, evaluated, and capable of safely operating in hazardous environments.
• Plan, organize, and direct spill response operations for oil, hazardous substances, drug labs, and disaster events, maintaining 24/7 readiness.
• Serve as the State On-Scene Coordinator during major spill incidents, representing Washington's interests and guiding Unified Command decision-making.
• Ensure resolution of spill reports and effective execution of emergency field responses, including coordinating rapid and aggressive actions to minimize environmental and economic impacts.
• Manage enforcement actions by ensuring staff follow policies, conduct investigations, issue penalties and corrective actions, and maintain defensible documentation.
• Monitor and manage the Response Unit budget, prioritize expenditures, and ensure compliance with fiscal policies while planning for variable and unpredictable response costs.
• Develop working partnerships with federal, state, local, tribal, and private sector response partners to ensure well-coordinated and efficient multi-agency response operations.

Qualifications

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

Nine (9) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:

Note: Candidates must have documented ICS/NIMS training (100, 200, 700, and 800). A strong working knowledge of federal and Washington State hazardous materials and pollution response regulations.

• Leadership & People Management - Proven ability to lead, support, and develop staff to ensure a safe, effective, and high performing response team.
• Communication - Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with staff, partners, and the public to ensure shared understanding and coordinated action.
• Decision Making & Problem Solving - Ability to assess complex and urgent situations and make sound decisions to protect people, the environment, and agency interests.
• Emergency Response - Proven ability to direct and coordinate field response activities during hazardous incidents to ensure timely, safe, and effective operations.
• Policy & Regulatory Application - Ability to interpret and apply laws, policies, and procedures to guide spill response actions, ensure compliance, and support enforcement.
• Collaboration & Relationship Building - Ability to build strong working relationships with internal teams and external partners.
• Training & Workforce Development - Ability to evaluate training needs and ensure staff receive appropriate safety and professional development to maintain required competencies.
• Technical Environmental Knowledge - Ability to understand hazardous materials behavior, sampling methods, and response technologies to make informed operational decisions.
• Professional Integrity & Accountability - Ability to model ethical behavior, uphold agency standards, and ensure actions and decisions maintain public trust and support equitable outcomes.

Education with a major study in a natural, physical science, engineering or related field.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 9 years of experience.

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

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

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

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

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

• 1 year of experience AND a Ph.D.

Must have ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800 certifications. Free on-line ICS training and certification is available at:

ICS 100: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c

ICS 200: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c

ICS 700: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-700.b

ICS 800: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-800.c

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must comply with internal policies and procedures governing conduct and ethics in the workplace.

• Drivers License: Must possess and maintain a valid drivers license throughout the duration of employment.

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Card.

• Critical Position: This position is identified as an Essential Agency Employee and is expected to work during facility closures and natural disasters.

• Medical Surveillance: This position is required to maintain a personal level of fitness necessary to pass a periodic medical surveillance exam, which may include a stress test.

• Passport: A valid Passport and the ability to travel to Canada is required and must be maintained throughout the duration of employment.

• License and Certificate Maintenance: Must notify supervisor immediately if the employee is unable to obtain any of the above required licenses or certifications, or if any of the above are revoked, expired or suspended for any reason.

• Residence: Must live within a 60-minute commute distance of the Southwest Region Office (SWRO) in Lacey, WA.

• Candidates must have the ability to remain on call and reachable by phone/pager 24/7 and be able to travel on short notice. Candidates must be prepared to respond for a minimum of three days with 1-hour notice during work hours and 4-hours notice during evenings and weekends.

Desired Qualifications:

• Unit Operations & Resource Management - Ability to plan, organize, and oversee unit activities, staffing, and budget resources to maintain 24/7 readiness and meet program goals.

• Experience working in Unified Command with federal, local, and tribal response partners in command or general staff positions.

• Experience under large multi-agency responses operating under area or regional contingency plans.

• Previous staff supervisory experience and experience investigation and enforcement action experience.

• Candidates familiar with Washington state spill response policies and regulations.

• A formal college degree in a natural, physical science, or engineering is preferred

• Working knowledge of Washington state hazardous materials safety regulations

• Experience with spill investigations and enforcement actions

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.

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 David Byers at David.Byers@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 Spill Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Program

The Spills Programs mission is to protect, preserve, and restore Washingtons environment. Our vision is to create a zero spills world. The Spill's Program's Response Section responds 24 hours a day to spills oil and hazardous materials that pose an immediate threat to public health and the environment. We also work to restore publicly owned resources injured as a result of spills. By joining the Response Section, you are joining a team of high performing professionals to protect and restore Washington's human health and environment.

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.

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.

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

05

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

06

What is your level of education involving a major study in a natural, physical science, engineering or related field?

• 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

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?

09

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

• Yes
• No

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 lead, support, and develop a team to ensure safe, effective, and high-quality response operations?

• None - You have no experience leading or supporting others in operational or emergency-response settings.
• Foundational - You have basic exposure, such as assisting with team tasks or observing supervision but without direct responsibility.
• Intermediate - You lead or guide others at times and can support team performance with some direction.
• Advanced - You regularly supervise or lead a team independently and consistently support strong, safe performance.
• Expert - You are relied on to guide leaders, mentor others, and shape approaches for building effective, high-performing teams.

12

How would you rate your ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with staff, response partners, and the public to support shared understanding and coordinated work during an emergency response?

• None - You have no experience communicating in operational or emergency response environments.
• Foundational - You have basic awareness of communication expectations and can share simple information with guidance.
• Intermediate - You communicate effectively in most situations and can exchange information with some independence.
• Advanced - You communicate clearly in complex or urgent situations and adapt your approach to ensure others understand and act accordingly.
• Expert - You lead communication efforts in high-pressure situations and guide others on effective messaging during complex incidents.

13

How would you rate your ability to assess complex or urgent hazardous material spill situations and make sound operational decisions?

• None - You have no exposure to decision-making in time-sensitive or technical environments.
• Foundational - You can recognize issues and contribute input but rely on others to make final decisions.
• Intermediate - You evaluate situations with some guidance and make decisions that support safe and effective outcomes.
• Advanced - You independently make informed decisions in complex or rapidly evolving situations.
• Expert - You are recognized for guiding others through complex decisions, solving challenging problems, and setting decision-making approaches for emergency operations.

14

How would you rate your ability to direct or coordinate field activities during hazardous materials incidents?

• None - You have no experience with emergency or hazardous materials response activities.
• Foundational - You understand basic response concepts and may observe or assist during low-risk activities.
• Intermediate - You can support or help coordinate response actions with some guidance.
• Advanced - You independently direct response operations and ensure safe, timely actions during incidents.
• Expert - You lead large or complex responses, mentor others, and shape response strategies in high-risk or multi-agency events.

15

How would you rate your ability to interpret and apply laws, policies, and procedures related to spill response and compliance?

• None - You have no experience working with regulations related to spill response or hazardous materials.
• Foundational - You have basic awareness of relevant laws or policies and can follow established instructions.
• Intermediate - You apply policies and regulations to routine situations with some guidance.
• Advanced - You independently interpret and apply regulatory requirements in a wide range of situations.
• Expert - You advise others on regulatory interpretation, support policy development, and guide complex compliance decisions.

16

How would you rate your ability to build effective working relationships with internal teams and external response partners?

• None - You have no experience working with others on coordinated response or operational tasks.
• Foundational - You participate in group efforts with basic awareness of how coordinated work occurs.
• Intermediate - You build working relationships that support shared tasks with some independence.
• Advanced - You maintain strong, reliable working relationships that support coordinated operations across groups.
• Expert - You lead efforts that bring groups together, resolve challenges, and strengthen cooperation during complex responses.

17

How would you rate your ability to identify training needs and ensure staff receive the safety and development support necessary for the job?

• None - You have no experience assessing training needs or supporting staff development.
• Foundational - You recognize the importance of training and may help coordinate training activities with direction.
• Intermediate - You can identify basic training needs and support staff development with guidance.
• Advanced - You independently assess training needs, support required certifications, and ensure responders maintain critical skills.
• Expert - You design or shape training systems, mentor others, and guide long-term workforce development strategies.

18

How would you rate your understanding of hazardous materials behavior, sampling methods, and response technologies?

• None - You have no experience with hazardous materials concepts or environmental sampling.
• Foundational - You have basic awareness of hazards, sampling, or response tools through training or observation.
• Intermediate - You apply technical concepts with some guidance and can support sampling or operational decisions.
• Advanced - You independently use technical knowledge to inform safe and effective response actions.
• Expert - You are recognized for advanced technical expertise and guide others on hazardous materials behavior and response methods.

19

How would you rate your ability to model ethical behavior, uphold agency expectations, and ensure decisions support fair and consistent outcomes?

• None - You have no exposure to roles requiring independent judgment or accountability for actions.
• Foundational - You understand basic expectations for conduct and follow established rules with direction.
• Intermediate - You make decisions with awareness of fairness and consistency and seek guidance when needed.
• Advanced - You consistently model ethical decision-making, uphold expectations, and ensure actions align with agency standards.
• Expert - You guide others on ethical conduct, ensure consistent decision-making, and help shape expectations for fair and accountable practices.

20

Have you completed ICS/NIMS training 100, 200, 700, and 800?

• 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