WCC Administrative Operations Manager (Natural Resource Specialist 5)

WCC Administrative Operations Manager (Natural Resource Specialist 5)

Salary

$71,136.00 - $95,676.00 Annually

Location

Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Non-Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-SEAP1206-06774

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Shorelands and Environmental Assistance

Opening Date

08/17/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

Salary Information

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

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a WCC Administrative Operations Manager (Natural Resource Specialist 5) within the Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) program.

Note: This is a temporary position that will end on April 30, 2027. This position has the potential to be extended.

This position can be based at any of the following duty stations:

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.

• Northwest Region Office in Shoreline, WA.

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

Note: If the selected duty station is the Northwest Region Office in Shoreline, the salary will include an additional 5% premium pay due to its location in King County. Salary range: $6224 - $8372 monthly.

Schedule:

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

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

Application Timeline:

• Apply by August 24, 2026.

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

Duties

This WCC Administrative Operations Manager position provides a unique opportunity to lead the Washington Conservation Corps' administrative and communications functions within the Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program. In this role, you will guide a team of professional staff who deliver grant compliance oversight, internal communications support, administrative coordination, and evaluation leadership for a statewide AmeriCorps program serving more than 350 members and staff. You will serve as the agency's AmeriCorps subject matter expert, ensuring continuous federal compliance, shaping internal policy direction, strengthening operational systems, and representing Ecology in high-visibility interactions with state and federal funders.

You will also oversee major federal grant activities-including competitive AmeriCorps grant submission, quarterly and semi-annual federal reporting, compliance monitoring, and program evaluation design-while developing internal procedures, tools, and communication strategies that improve accuracy, transparency, and operational consistency across the WCC Section. As a member of the WCC leadership team, you will contribute to section-wide planning, policy updates, operational improvements, and strategic initiatives that support Ecology's mission and advance the effectiveness of Washington's largest environmental service program.

What you will do:

• Lead agencywide compliance for a $2 million AmeriCorps grant, ensuring accurate interpretation of federal rules, adherence to regulatory terms and conditions, and timely completion of complex grant reports and audits.
• Prepare Ecology's highly competitive annual AmeriCorps grant application, developing strategic plans, logic models, performance measures, and multi-section narrative documents.
• Represent Ecology in interactions with Serve Washington (OFM), AmeriCorps federal staff, statewide partners, and external oversight entities, serving as the agency's recognized expert on AmeriCorps compliance requirements.
• Design, oversee, and submit program evaluation plans using technical methodologies such as Before-After Control Impact (BACI), ensuring alignment with federal evaluation standards.
• Lead development, implementation, and annual updates of section policies, procedures, and internal communications to enhance operational consistency and transparency for crews, supervisors, and administrative staff.
• Supervise a team of five professional administrative and communications staff, providing leadership, coaching, mentoring, work direction, performance evaluation, and ongoing process improvement support.
• Guide internal and external communications on behalf of WCC leadership, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with Ecology and AmeriCorps expectations.
• Conduct workshops and provide technical assistance to WCC staff statewide to improve accuracy in federal reporting, documentation practices, and compliance processes.
• Oversee administrative workflows related to member enrollment, documentation, fiscal compliance, and coordination with Ecology's finance and HR units.
• Coordinate and facilitate annual WCC all-staff meetings, internal trainings, and section manual updates, ensuring cohesive messaging and alignment with program goals.
• Serve as a key contributor to WCC leadership team planning, decision-making, and operational strategy supporting program effectiveness and statewide environmental restoration outcomes.

Qualifications

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

Required Qualifications:

Eight years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:

• Federal Regulatory Compliance - Ability to interpret federal rules, apply regulatory guidance accurately, and maintain continuous compliance through audits, monitoring activities, and required reporting, with a specific focus on AmeriCorps grant language and requirements.
• Grant Application and Management - Skill in preparing complex federal grant submissions, producing structured narratives, meeting reporting cycles, and ensuring alignment with program requirements and funding terms.
• Program Evaluation - Ability to design and carry out evaluation plans, assess output and outcome data, and apply technical methodologies to measure program performance effectively.
• Policy Development - Experience creating, updating, and implementing internal procedures to ensure consistent, accurate operations that meet state and federal expectations.
• Supervision - Ability to direct professional staff, provide coaching and mentoring, establish work standards, evaluate performance, support staff development, and guide process improvements.
• Administrative Coordination - Experience overseeing administrative workflows, ensuring accurate enrollment and documentation practices, and working effectively with finance, human resources, and other internal units to support compliance.

Education: involving a major study in natural resources or a natural resource specialty area, or closely allied field.

A Bachelor's degree substitutes for 4 years of experience.

A Master's degree substitutes for 6 years of experience.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 8 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.

Special Requirements & Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid drivers license
• Must successfully complete a background check, including Washington State criminal history, state motor vehicle records, Federal Sex Offender Registry, and FBI fingerprinting. Criminal history checks cover Washington State; if the candidate previously lived out of state, an additional check will be completed in that state. Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate but will be evaluated to determine their suitability for the position.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ability to respond to difficult or sensitive interpersonal situations in a manner that prevents/minimizes conflict and maintains good working relationships among internal and external customers.
• Knowledge of governmental planning and operational processes.
• Experience interpreting and applying State and Federal regulations

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 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 Josiah Downey at Josiah.Downey@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 Shorelands and Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program

The mission of the SEA Program is to create community conservation partnerships to protect and restore our shorelands, wetlands, and floodplains.

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
• 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 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.

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

05

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 or above
• None of the above

06

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.

07

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?

08

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

• Yes
• No

09

Which level best describes your experience interpreting federal rules and ensuring regulatory compliance, particularly related to grant requirements such as AmeriCorps terms and conditions?

• None - I have no experience interpreting federal regulations or ensuring compliance.
• Foundational - I have basic exposure to federal rules and can follow clear instructions to meet compliance requirements.
• Intermediate - I routinely interpret federal guidance, assist with compliance tasks, and help maintain accurate documentation, though I may need support for more complex regulatory issues.
• Advanced - I independently interpret federal rules, maintain compliance through monitoring and reporting, and provide guidance to others on regulatory requirements.
• Expert - I serve as a subject matter expert on federal compliance, lead audits or monitoring activities, resolve complex compliance issues, and ensure alignment with federal regulations across a program or unit.

10

Which level best describes your experience preparing and managing federal or state grant applications and required reporting?

• None - I have no experience with grant applications or grant reporting.
• Foundational - I have assisted with basic grant tasks such as gathering information, formatting documents, or editing narratives.
• Intermediate - I have prepared portions of grant applications, drafted narrative content, and completed routine reporting with some oversight.
• Advanced - I have independently prepared full grant submissions, written structured narratives, and ensured accurate and timely grant reporting.
• Expert - I lead major or competitive grant development, coordinate cross-program contributions, ensure alignment with funding terms, and manage complex multi-cycle reporting requirements.

11

Which level best describes your experience designing or implementing program evaluation methods, analyzing data, and assessing program performance?

• None - I have no experience performing program evaluation or analyzing outcome data.
• Foundational - I have supported basic data collection or simple evaluation tasks when provided clear instructions.
• Intermediate - I have conducted routine evaluation activities, analyzed output or outcome data, and contributed to evaluation summaries.
• Advanced - I independently design evaluation approaches, analyze complex data sets, interpret results, and apply evaluation findings to improve program performance.
• Expert - I lead development of formal evaluation plans, apply technical methodologies, guide staff in evaluation best practices, and ensure alignment with state or federal evaluation requirements.

12

Which level best describes your experience developing or revising internal policies, procedures, or operational guidance?

• None - I have no experience creating or updating policies or procedures.
• Foundational - I have reviewed policies or provided input on procedural updates.
• Intermediate - I have drafted or updated procedures and ensured staff understand and follow them.
• Advanced - I independently develop, implement, or revise policies and procedures to ensure consistent operations and regulatory alignment.
• Expert - I lead program-level policy development, coordinate input across units, ensure compliance with state and federal rules, and maintain comprehensive policy systems.

13

Which level best describes your experience supervising professional staff, including providing coaching, setting expectations, and evaluating performance?

• None - I have no experience supervising staff.
• Foundational - I have led or guided the work of others informally but without formal supervisory authority.
• Intermediate - I have supervised staff, conducted check-ins, provided feedback, and supported development with some oversight.
• Advanced - I independently supervise professional staff, set work standards, provide coaching, evaluate performance, and guide improvement efforts.
• Expert - I lead a team of professional staff, manage complex personnel issues, implement performance strategies, and mentor staff at all levels to support organizational goals.

14

Which level best describes your experience coordinating administrative operations, documentation processes, and collaboration with units such as finance or human resources?

• None - I have no experience with administrative coordination or documentation management.
• Foundational - I have performed basic administrative tasks and followed established procedures.
• Intermediate - I regularly coordinate administrative workflows, maintain documentation, and collaborate with internal units as part of my position.
• Advanced - I independently oversee administrative processes, ensure accurate compliance-related documentation, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate with units like finance or HR to meet operational needs.
• Expert - I manage complex administrative systems, lead workflow improvements, ensure documentation accuracy across a program, and collaborate strategically with internal units to support compliance and operational success.

15

For all six competency ratings you selected in Questions 9-14, please describe the reasoning behind each of your choices. For every competency, explain the experiences, responsibilities, or accomplishments that support the level you selected. For example, if you selected "Advanced" or "Expert," describe what makes you confident in that assessment. Your responses will help us better understand the context for your self-evaluation.

16

I have read and understand the special requirements and conditions of employment for this position.

• 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