Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Program Manager (Exempt Management Service Band 4) 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 May 08, 2025
- This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after May 08, 2025, may not be considered.
We are looking for a transformational leaderwho is ready to team with a large group of dedicated professionals to protect and preserve surface and groundwater quality in Washington. As the Water Quality Program Manager, you will plan, lead, organize, and influence the work performed by the Water Quality program. You will negotiate the scope of program’s responsibilities, resources, goals, and objectives, and manage and integrate multiple program units/sections of similar professional fields with different functional needs and deliverables.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead a team of over 340 staff who are working within five major activity areas: Preventing point source water pollution, reducing nonpoint source water pollution, controlling stormwater, providing water quality financial assistance, and cleaning polluted waters.
Responsibilities include:
- Making strategic decisions having long-term impact, and ensuring tactical decisions align or support the strategic direction of the program.
- Implementing the federally delegated Clean Water Act and the Washington State’s Water Pollution Control laws.
- Developing and implementing program plans regulating sources of water pollution through various control measures to meet the state and federal clean water objectives in a coordinated and comprehensive manner across the state, including through work with Tribes, local governments, conservation districts, and non-profits.
- Developing and implementing regulations and water quality permits to achieve clean water.
- Administration of a multi-million-dollar grants and loan program for the purposes of achieving clean water.
- Developing and implementing the state’s non-point pollution plan.
- Coordinating through Timber, Fish and Wildlife Program to implement Clean Water Assurances
- Advanced management, communication, negotiation and consensus building with high-level, influential, elected and appointed officials.
- Initiating, developing, and implementing strategic components of the state’s water management goals under state and federal law.
Who are we looking for?We are looking for an experienced leader who is ready to team with a large group of dedicated professionals. You will need to have the ability to:
- Problem solve and adjust strategies to take advantage of emerging opportunities or respond to unexpected challenges.
- Communicate effectively with diverse entities including local governments, community-based organizations, community residents, legislators, federal and Tribal partners, businesses and the regulated community.
- Have a clear understanding of broader state and federal policies that can impact the work and direction of the Water Quality Program and have the ability to incorporate those larger imperatives into appropriate actions.
- Perceive and understand the opportunities and challenges of how the work impacts people and what is needed to ensure durable outcomes to restore and protect the state's waters.
A Key Member of Ecology's Executive Leadership Team It is critical that this important position maintains the highest standards of personal, professional, and ethical conduct to support the state's commitment to efficient, effective, and accountable government.
This is a highly visible environmental management role which impacts business and local governments, fisheries, hydropower, land use, and other aquatic related programs. Success in this position requires the use of advanced management, communication, negotiation, and consensus-building skills with high-level, influential elected and appointed officials.As a key member of our Department's Executive Leadership Team, the successful candidate will:
- Represent the Director with federal, state, local, Tribal and elected officials, the general public, environmental groups, community-based organizations, and the business community.
- Develop credibility as a problem solver and a source of water quality information for decision-makers and the public.
- Make recommendations to the Executive Leadership Team on how to implement programs and develop policies including agency direction for work procedures to ensure responsive service delivery and consistency.
- Foster a diverse, equitable, inclusive and respectful workplace.
Why join the team? This is an opportunity to make an impact! The Water Quality Program is our agency's largest environmental program. You'll have the opportunity to help solve complex natural resource issues, work collaboratively, and build an extensive statewide network.
This position is an Exempt Management Service (EMS) Band IV position. The minimum and maximum salary for EMS Band IV positions is $95,832 - $165,120.
For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.
Required Qualifications:
Demonstrated expertise in environmental, physical or natural science, environmental studies, engineering, public administration, planning public policy, political science, law, or other related qualifying discipline. This expertise can be demonstrated through professional degrees and/or professional and lived experience.
Demonstrated professional level management experience which includes:
Experience engaging with Tribal governments on natural resource management issues.
Strategic planning experience, including development of annual and biannual plans with demonstrated ability to conceptualize and articulate future direction.
Experience with policy development or program implementation related to natural resources.
Experience building and maintaining relationships with high-level, influential, elected, and appointed officials with a proven track record of consensus building, collaboration and negotiations that reflect a strong understanding of legislative processes and inter-government relations.
A successful track record working with state agencies, city, county, and federal governments, and Tribal and public entities.
Community outreach.
Budget management.
Desired Qualifications:
- Desired Education: in public administration, business administration, environmental management, natural sciences, natural resources, environmental sciences, physical sciences, engineering, planning, or another related field.
- Desired Experience:
- Experience and knowledge about state and federal clean water laws, procedures and requirements.
- Experience as a second-level supervisor.
- Experience leading or managing in a large agency or organization.
- Working in or collaborating with state government.
- Experience using advanced management, communication, negotiation and consensus building skills with high-level, influential, elected and appointed officials.
- Providing leadership to a large staff of over 100 employees.
- Initiates, develops, and implements strategic components of the state’s water management goals under state and federal law. Decisions from this position are precedent setting and have significant, long lasting, statewide impact.
- Experience managing diverse fund sources.
- Member of a senior or executive leadership team.
- Environmental, natural resource, public health, or similar background.
- Experience working with or applying policy decisions from the Washington Health Disparities Map.
If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.
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 Ecology's 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 DEIRis 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 Heather BartlettatHeather.Bartlett@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 atcareers@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. Focused on strategic long-term impacts, this position manages and directs personnel, budget, and resources to accomplish the Water Quality Program mission.
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(Download PDF reader), 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.
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