Water Quality Activities and Municipal Wastewater Grants and Loans Specialists (ES4)(Two Positions)

Water Quality Activities and Municipal Wastewater Grants and Loans Specialists (ES4)(Two Positions)

Salary

$72,816.00 - $97,956.00 Annually

Location

King County - Shoreline, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-WQ40424877-04595

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Water Quality

Opening Date

06/26/2026

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 two positions: Water Quality Activities Grants and Loans Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) and Municipal Wastewater Grant and Loan Project Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) within the Water Quality Program.

Location:

• Northwest Region Office in Shoreline, WA.
• The salary listed includes 5% premium pay due to the position location in King County.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule:

• These positions are eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• A minimum of three days per week is required in the office for the first six months. In office time is negotiable after six months.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by July 12, 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties

In the Water Quality Activities Grants and Loans Specialist position:

On behalf of Ecology, you will manage grants and loans funding stormwater and nonpoint projects that improve water quality in the streams and lakes in the Northwest Region. You will be part of dynamic, project-specific teams that collaborate with local municipalities, Tribes, conservation districts, and nonprofit organizations during all phases of the grant/loan. You will work independently and with your teams to:

• Provide technical environmental support and administrative guidance to grant/loan recipients in the planning, design, construction, and/or implementation phases of funded projects.
• Apply your knowledge about approaches that improve water quality.
• Learn first-hand from grant applicants and recipients about implementing water quality projects.

What you will do:

• Manage grants and loans in accordance with agreement terms, state and federal statutes, rules, and Program & Ecology policies and procedures.
• Evaluate funding proposals and develop grant/loan agreements for the funded projects.
• Coordinate internally with other Water Quality Program staff to ensure successful implementation of the funded projects.
• Apply current science of stormwater and nonpoint specialty-area topics, as applicable to grants and proposals.
• Communicate both verbally and in writing with individuals, agencies, local governments, Tribes, and the public.
• Actively participate in and contribute to internal workgroup efforts to improve and streamline program processes, develop program guidance, fill knowledge gaps, and train new staff.
• Present grant/loan guideline information, both virtually and at local workshops and other outreach opportunities.

In the Municipal Wastewater Grant and Loan Project Specialist position:

You will collaborate with public works professionals, engineers and financial planners to develop and oversee grant and loan projects for wastewater facility improvements that will benefit water quality in Washington state. You will help us to provide financial assistance for:

• Wastewater system planning.
• Designing new or expanded wastewater collection and treatment facilities.
• Constructing new or expanded wastewater facilities.

What you will do:

• Reviewing and evaluating municipal wastewater facility grant and loan applications.
• Assisting grant and loan applicants and recipients prepare environmental, cultural resource, and environmental justice review documents.
• Negotiating and managing clear project scope of work, budgets, and timelines for project deliverables.
• Tracking compliance with grant and loan agreement requirements.
• Tracking project performance and ensuring that recipients achieve expected outcomes by negotiated completion dates.
• Reviewing and certifying grant and loan payment requests and Progress Reports to verify work complies with the agreement and applicable statutes, rules, policies and procedures.
• Providing technical assistance to potential applicants and recipients helping them understand our funding program, policies, procedures, and tools.

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 and/or education as described below:

• Experience performing environmental-based work, OR work related to the essential functions and key activities of the position, that includes two or more of the following:

• Grant and Loan Project Management - Experience managing funding agreements to ensure projects are completed successfully and meet program requirements.

• Regulatory Review - Experience applying regulatory requirements to ensure projects comply with state and federal laws.

• Infrastructure and Systems Understanding - Ability to assess public infrastructure projects to determine their needs, feasibility, and expected benefits.

• Communication and Partner Support - Ability to clearly convey information and work with partners to resolve issues and support informed decisions.

• Program Coordination - Ability to coordinate work across programs, units, and partners to ensure consistent decisions and smooth project delivery.

• Data, Documentation, and Analysis - Ability to review and track project information to support accurate oversight and decisions.

• 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.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience reviewing and understanding complex technical documents.
• Experience working with complex water quality-related statutes, regulations, and permits.
• Experience applying negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Experience implementing stormwater infrastructure and/or nonpoint restoration projects.
• Experience in planning, contract management, and/or grant and loan management for public works improvement projects.

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.

Supplemental Information

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

Our Commitment to DEIR

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

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

Application Process

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

How to Apply

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

• 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 these positions' location options, schedules, or duties, please contact:

• Water Quality Activities Grants and Loans Specialist position: Cleo Neculae at Cleo.Neculae@ecy.wa.gov

• Municipal Wastewater Grant and Loan Project Specialist position: Shawn McKone at Shawn.McKone@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 Quality Program

The mission of the Water Quality Program is to ensure that all aquatic life and communities in the watershed experience cool, clean water to refresh and sustain us in a changing climate.

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

Which statement best describes your current proficiency in grant and financial program administration?

• None - I haven't worked with grants or financial assistance and am not familiar with the funding process or program requirements.
• Foundational - I understand the basics of how financial assistance programs work and have supported simple tasks with oversight.
• Intermediate - I can carry out key parts of the funding process, such as reviewing information, tracking expenditures, or preparing documentation with guidance when situations become complex.
• Advanced - I manage most aspects of funding awards, monitoring, and closeout independently and reliably support compliance and program requirements.
• Expert - I lead complex financial assistance efforts, guide others, and help shape or improve program procedures, standards, or approaches.

05

Which statement best describes your current proficiency in regulatory review?

• None - I haven't worked with regulatory requirements and am not familiar with how they apply to projects.
• Foundational - I understand basic regulatory concepts and have supported simple review tasks with oversight.
• Intermediate - I can review and apply regulatory requirements to projects with guidance when situations become complex.
• Advanced - I independently review projects for compliance, interpret regulatory requirements, and reliably support consistent decisions.
• Expert - I guide others in regulatory interpretation, lead complex compliance evaluations, and help shape or improve regulatory review practices.

06

Which statement best describes your current proficiency in infrastructure and systems understanding?

• None - I have no experience reviewing or assessing infrastructure projects.
• Foundational - I understand the basic purpose and components of infrastructure projects and have assisted with simple assessments.
• Intermediate - I can evaluate project needs, feasibility, or benefits with guidance when situations become complex.
• Advanced - I independently assess infrastructure projects, identify key needs or risks, and support well-informed decisions.
• Expert - I lead or guide others in complex infrastructure evaluations and help improve standards, methods, or approaches.

07

Which statement best describes your current proficiency in communication and partner support?

• None - I have limited experience communicating project information or working with partners.
• Foundational - I can share basic information and assist with simple partner interactions when guided.
• Intermediate - I communicate clearly, help resolve routine issues, and support partners with some guidance in complex situations.
• Advanced - I independently convey complex information, facilitate productive discussions, and consistently support partners in resolving issues.
• Expert - I lead communication efforts, mentor others, and shape effective strategies for partner engagement and issue resolution.

08

Which statement best describes your current proficiency in program coordination?

• None - I have not coordinated work across programs, units, or partners.
• Foundational - I understand basic coordination processes and have supported simple tasks with direction.
• Intermediate - I can coordinate activities or information across programs or partners with guidance when situations are complex.
• Advanced - I independently coordinate work across multiple groups, support consistent decisions, and help ensure smooth project delivery.
• Expert - I lead complex coordination efforts, mentor others, and help improve processes, standards, or cross-program practices.

09

Which statement best describes your current proficiency in data, documentation, and analysis?

• None - I have limited experience reviewing, organizing, or tracking project information.
• Foundational - I understand basic data and documentation needs and have supported simple tracking or review tasks.
• Intermediate - I can review project information, maintain documentation, and conduct basic analysis with guidance in complex situations.
• Advanced - I independently manage project data, documentation, and analyses and reliably support accurate oversight and decisions.
• Expert - I lead complex data and analysis efforts, guide others, and help improve documentation standards, tools, or analytical approaches.

10

How many years of experience performing environmental-based work, OR work related to the essential functions and key activities of the position, that includes two or more of the following: o Grant and Loan Project Management - Experience managing funding agreements to ensure projects are completed successfully and meet program requirements. o Regulatory Review - Experience applying regulatory requirements to ensure projects comply with state and federal laws. o Infrastructure and Systems Understanding - Ability to assess public infrastructure projects to determine their needs, feasibility, and expected benefits. o Communication and Partner Support - Ability to clearly convey information and work with partners to resolve issues and support informed decisions. o Program Coordination - Ability to coordinate work across programs, units, and partners to ensure consistent decisions and smooth project delivery. o Data, Documentation, and Analysis - Ability to review and track project information to support accurate oversight and decisions. 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.

• Two years
• Three years
• Four years
• Five years
• Six years
• Seven years
• Eight years
• Nine or more years
• None of the above

11

Please provide additional details to support your responses to questions 4-10 above. Make sure your response specifically addresses the qualifications above. An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.

12

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

13

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.

14

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?

15

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

• Yes
• No

16

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

• Yes
• No

17

This job announcement is for two Grants and Loans Specialists (Environmental Specialist 4) positions within the Water Quality Program at the Department of Ecology. Please indicate which position(s) you would like to be considered for.

• Water Quality Activities Grants and Loans Specialist
• Municipal Wastewater Grants and Loans Specialist
• Both

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