Watershed Management Section Administrative Assistant (Administrative Assistant 3)

Watershed Management Section Administrative Assistant (Administrative Assistant 3)

Salary

$48,048.00 - $64,512.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Lacey, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-WQ2761-04752

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Water Quality

Opening Date

06/12/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

Salary Information

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

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

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

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Watershed Management Section Administrative Assistant (Administrative Assistant 3) within the Water Quality Program.

Location:

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule:

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• A minimum of three days per week is required in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by June 21, 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties

Be a part of protecting Washington's waters in this exciting administrative position! In this role, you will provide essential support to the Watershed Management Section Manager and a diverse team of unit supervisors, planners, and scientists within. You will assist with formatting and editing key documents such as TMDLs (water cleanup plans), nonpoint reporting documents, planning and guidance documents, rule-making documents and a variety of correspondence. You will help organize and schedule meetings and public hearings relating to new rules, rule changes, and plan and guidance updates.

You will also serve as the section expert in purchasing, timekeeping, and equipment tracking. In collaboration with section leadership, you will organize and facilitate office environment teambuilding activities, shared-space usage, document accessibility, and you will help new employees learn internal administrative procedures and tools.

This is a great opportunity to use and grow your problem-solving, organizational, communication, and teamwork skills while building or advancing a career in environmental protection. You will be joining a supportive team invested in your growth and success. Strong organizational skills, and attention to detail will be crucial as you manage multiple tasks.

What you will do:

• Provide confidential administrative support to the Section Manager and staff. Maintain confidentiality of information and records with personally identifiable information and/or legal issues.
• Performs complex word processing tasks such as proofreading, formatting and editing letters, memos, technical reports, program publications, position descriptions, evaluations, program policies and procedures. Ensure final letters and memos meet Accessibility minimum standards and comply with ADA requirements as applicable.
• Support the Section Manager with their schedule and electronic calendar. Tracks time-sensitive projects, keeping the section manager informed of significant issues and status of projects.
• Support the section as the subject matter expert on timekeeping and leave in the Agency's electronic system, including training new employees and troubleshooting challenges, running reports, and sending reminders.
• Coordinates purchases with headquarters purchasing coordinator and manages office space for the section.
• Assist the section with scheduling and organizing meetings, trainings, and public events. Assist subject matter experts with meeting packets, brochures, and signage, and assists with sign-in/attendee lists.
• Cultivate excellent professional relationships with program administrative staff and leadership.

Qualifications

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

Required Qualifications:

Four (4) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:

• Administrative Coordination - Experience organizing schedules, meetings, and tasks to ensure managers and staff can operate efficiently, meet deadlines, and stay focused on core program work.
• Communication - Experience writing, editing, and reviewing correspondence, documents, and reports following document accessibility and plain language requirements to provide clear, correct communication.
• Records and Information Management - Experience maintaining, organizing, and tracking records and files to meet requirements and support easy access to information.
• Technology Use - Experience using Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and standard office tools to complete daily work accurately and efficiently.
• Prioritization and Independent Judgment - Experience evaluating requests and setting priorities to ensure important work is completed on schedule.

Education: High School diploma or GED or above is required. Credits towards a degree in business administration, public administration, or closely aligned field may substitute year for year for experience.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 4 years of experience.
• 3 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 2 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate's degree).
• 1 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• No experience AND a Bachelor's degree or above.

Supplemental Information

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

Our Commitment to DEIR

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

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

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

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

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

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

Application Process

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

How to Apply

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

• Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
• Resume

Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see resume" may be considered incomplete.

For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.

Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.

Need an Accommodation?

If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:

• Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or careers@ecy.wa.gov
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.

Questions?

• For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Ben Rau at Ben.Rau@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 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.

The Watershed Management Section is housed in Ecology's headquarters office. Our section is composed of three units, including 28 staff that work on protecting water quality in the following areas:

• Surface and groundwater quality standards
• Statewide water quality assessment & the list of impaired waters
• Nonpoint pollution: agriculture and forestry
• Water cleanup plans
• Hydropower facility compliance with water quality standards
• Underground injection control program
• Water quality data management

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-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
• Twitter
• University Job Board
• WorkSource
• Other

02

If you selected Community Based Organization, Community / Technical College, Job Board, Job Fair, LinkedIn Group, Newspaper, Other State Agency, Other Website, Professional Association, University Job Board, WorkSource, or Other, please share which one.

03

Have you ever worked for the Department of Ecology in any capacity including: Permanent, Non-permanent, Project, Intern, or Volunteer?

• Yes
• No

04

How many years of experience do you have performing clerical, secretarial, bookkeeping, accounting, or general administrative office work experience, which must include all of the following: • Administrative Coordination - Experience organizing schedules, meetings, and tasks to ensure managers and staff can operate efficiently, meet deadlines, and stay focused on core program work. • Communication - Experience writing, editing, and reviewing correspondence, documents, and reports following document accessibility and plain language requirements to provide clear, correct communication. • Records and Information Management - Experience maintaining, organizing, and tracking records and files to meet requirements and support easy access to information. • Technology Use - Experience using Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and standard office tools to complete daily work accurately and efficiently. • Prioritization and Independent Judgment - Experience evaluating requests and setting priorities to ensure important work is completed on schedule 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 or more years
• None of the above

05

Which statement best describes your current proficiency in administrative coordination?

• None - I have not coordinated schedules, meetings, or tasks and have no familiarity with administrative workflow support.
• Foundational - I have basic awareness of scheduling and coordination processes and may have assisted with administrative tasks in a limited, supervised capacity.
• Intermediate - I can coordinate schedules, track tasks, organize meetings, and follow administrative procedures, seeking direction on complex or sensitive items.
• Advanced - I independently manage scheduling, meeting logistics, task tracking, and workflow coordination to support managers and staff with minimal oversight.
• Expert - I develop or improve administrative systems, train others in coordination best practices, and advise leadership on optimizing workflows and operational efficiency.

06

Which statement best describes your current proficiency in communication?

• None - I have not created or edited professional correspondence or documents and have no familiarity with plain language or accessibility requirements.
• Foundational - I have drafted or edited simple documents under close supervision and have basic awareness of communication standards.
• Intermediate - I can write, edit, and review documents using plain language and accessibility principles, seeking guidance for complex or technical materials.
• Advanced - I independently create clear, accurate, accessible communications and ensure documents meet organizational standards with minimal oversight.
• Expert - I set or advise on communication standards, coach others in plain language and accessibility best practices, and review high-impact communications for leaders.

07

Which statement best describes your current proficiency in records and information management?

• None - I have not maintained or organized records or files and have no familiarity with records management systems or requirements.
• Foundational - I have basic awareness of records management practices and may have assisted with filing, organizing, or retrieving documents in a limited capacity.
• Intermediate - I can maintain records, organize files, and follow retention and retrieval procedures, asking for guidance on specialized or sensitive records.
• Advanced - I independently maintain accurate records and filing systems, ensure compliance with retention requirements, and support efficient access to information with minimal oversight.
• Expert - I design or improve records systems, train others on compliance and best practices, and advise leadership on information governance.

08

Which statement best describes your current proficiency in technology use?

• Which statement best describes your current proficiency in technology use?
• Foundational - I have basic awareness of common office software and may have used Word, Excel, Outlook, or SharePoint in a limited or supervised capacity.
• Intermediate - I can use Microsoft Office applications, SharePoint, and other standard tools to complete daily tasks, occasionally seeking help for advanced features.
• Advanced - I use Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and other office technologies efficiently, troubleshoot common issues, and produce accurate, high-quality work with minimal oversight.
• Expert - I serve as a resource for others, train staff on advanced features, help improve digital workflows, and advise on technology solutions for business needs.

09

Which statement best describes your current proficiency in prioritization and independent judgment?

• None - I have not been responsible for evaluating requests or setting priorities in a work environment.
• Foundational - I have basic awareness of prioritization concepts and may have assisted with task sequencing under close supervision.
• Intermediate - I can evaluate requests, manage multiple tasks, and prioritize work with some guidance, especially when dealing with competing deadlines.
• Advanced - I independently assess requests, set priorities, manage competing deadlines, and make sound judgments with minimal oversight.
• Expert - I advise others on prioritization strategies, establish team workflows, make high-impact judgment decisions, and support leaders in planning and resource allocation.

10

Please provide additional details to support your responses to questions 4-9 above. The following information is needed: position title(s), specific duties, and periods of employment. Make sure your response specifically addresses the qualifications above. An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.

11

What is your level of education?

• High School Diploma or GED
• 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits
• 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (AA degree)
• 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree
• Ph.D.
• None of the above

12

If you have college credits or a degree, please list your major(s) or field(s) of study and any degree(s) earned. If you dont have this education, put N/A.

13

The State of Washington and the Department of Ecology, play a vital role in fostering a Diverse, Equitable, Inclusive, and Respectful (DEIR) workplace and contributing to equitable outcomes for the communities we serve. We view DEIR through a broad lens including: race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. We believe it is everyones job to contribute to a DEIR workplace. What experiences have you had working with people whose backgrounds are very different from your own? What impact did those experiences have on how you worked?

14

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