CZMA Federal Consistency Lead (Environmental Specialist 4)(Internal Only)

CZMA Federal Consistency Lead (Environmental Specialist 4)(Internal Only)

Salary

$69,348.00 - $93,288.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Lacey, WA

Job Type

Agency Internal - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-SEA4902-08762

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Shorelands and Environmental Assistance

Opening Date

10/27/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

Salary Information

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

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

This recruitment is open only to current Department of Ecology employees, including those on temporary or project assignments, and Ecologys Washington Conservation Corps members.

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a CZMA Federal Consistency Lead (Environmental Specialist 4)(Internal Only)within the Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) 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 two days per month is required in the office.

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

Application Timeline:

• Apply by November 5, 2026,
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties

This CZMA Federal Consistency Lead position offers an opportunity to serve as Ecology's primary expert responsible for implementing Washington's Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) federal consistency provisions. In this role, you will independently evaluate complex, high-profile federal permit actions and federal activities that may affect Washington's coastal and marine resources, ensuring they align with Washington's enforceable policies and environmental standards. You will guide interdisciplinary review efforts, coordinate closely with internal technical specialists and multiple levels of government, and provide recommendations that influence state decisions on significant coastal infrastructure, restoration, energy, and transportation projects.

You will also shape the operation and advancement of Ecology's federal consistency program-maintaining key program documents, conducting policy analysis, supporting alignment with federal requirements, and representing Ecology in discussions with federal agencies and regional partners. Through this work, you will strengthen Ecology's role in coastal resource protection, contribute to statewide policy consistency, and support continuous improvements in how complex federal actions are reviewed and evaluated.

What you will do:

• Serve as Ecology's lead reviewer for federal permits and federal activities requiring CZMA federal consistency, independently evaluating complex projects for alignment with Washington's enforceable policies and environmental standards.
• Lead interdisciplinary review teams, coordinating with internal technical experts and other government entities to assess potential impacts on Washington's coastal and marine resources.
• Prepare clear, legally defensible draft and final federal consistency decisions, including technical analyses, findings, and recommendations for agency leadership.
• Conduct site visits before, during, or after construction to evaluate project conditions and verify adherence to approved federal consistency determinations.
• Represent Ecology in appeal proceedings before the Pollution Control Hearings Board, providing expert testimony and supporting the defensibility of state-issued decisions.
• Serve as Ecology's primary liaison with NOAA's Office for Coastal Management, maintaining program documents, reviewing changes to enforceable policies, and preparing federally required reports.
• Coordinate with federal consistency counterparts in other coastal states, advancing consistent interpretation of federal requirements and sharing best practices.
• Provide technical and policy guidance to federal permit managers, regional Ecology offices, and internal programs on the application of CZMA requirements and Washington's enforceable policies.
• Support program operations by developing and updating guidance, procedures, and informational materials for federal consistency applicants and internal staff.
• Assist the section manager in evaluating and improving business processes, identifying opportunities to streamline workload distribution, review timelines, and program efficiency.
• Build and maintain productive working relationships with federal, state, local, and Tribal governments to improve early coordination and enhance project outcomes in Washington's coastal zone.
• Contribute to agencywide efforts through meetings, presentations, and collaboration that support transparency, consistent policy application, and effective environmental review.
• Ensure accurate, well-organized records and documentation that meet agency retention requirements and enable responsive public disclosure.

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 related to the duties of this position, which includes the following:

1. Coastal Project Review: Ability to independently evaluate projects for consistency with environmental policies, interpret technical materials, and assess potential effects on coastal and marine resources.

2. Environmental Policy Application: Ability to apply state and federal environmental laws, regulations, and program standards to complex permit actions and federal activities.

3. Interagency Coordination: Skill in working effectively with federal, state, local government representatives and internal programs to gather input, resolve issues, and advance review processes.

4. Technical Writing: Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and defensible decision documents, reports, and correspondence that reflect scientific and regulatory analysis.

5. Formal Communication: Ability to communicate technical or policy information verbally in settings such as meetings, hearings, or project briefings.

6. Field Evaluation: Ability to conduct site visits in varied environmental conditions and interpret on-site conditions relevant to coastal resource impacts and compliance with consistency determinations.

Education: involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other closely allied field

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.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Must be obtain and maintain a valid drivers license.

Desired Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of the Coastal Zone Management Act, Ecology's Coastal Zone Management Program and Enforceable Policies.
• Working knowledge of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permits program, Section 404 and Section 10 Permitting.
• Demonstrated understanding of project management for complex projects that require multi agency and program coordination.
• Demonstrated ability to understand environmental legislation and regulations at the federal, state, and local level.
• Demonstrated ability to apply negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

Supplemental Information

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

Application Process

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

How to Apply

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

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

• Resume

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

For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.

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

Need an Accommodation?

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

• Please contact us at 360-407-6186 and select #2 for Recruitment or email careers@ecy.wa.gov

• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.

Questions?

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

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 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.

• Three years
• Four years
• Five years
• Six years
• Seven years
• Eight years
• Nine or more 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

This recruitment is open only to current Department of Ecology employees (including those in temporary or project assignments) and Ecology's Washington Conservation Corps members. Applications from individuals who do not meet this requirement will not be considered. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes, I am a current Department of Ecology employee (including temporary or project)
• Yes, I am a current Washington Conservation Corps member
• No, I am not a current Department of Ecology employee or WCC member (not eligible for this recruitment)

10

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

• Yes
• No

11

Which level best describes your experience independently evaluating coastal or marine projects for consistency with environmental policies and assessing potential effects on coastal resources?

• None - I have no experience reviewing coastal or marine projects for environmental consistency.
• Foundational - I have assisted with basic reviews or read technical materials related to coastal or marine projects but have not independently evaluated them.
• Intermediate - I have independently reviewed routine projects, interpreted technical materials, and assessed likely impacts on coastal or marine resources with some guidance for complex situations.
• Advanced - I have independently evaluated a range of complex coastal or marine projects, integrated technical and regulatory information, and provided recommendations regarding environmental consistency.
• Expert - I am a primary reviewer or subject matter expert for coastal or marine project evaluations, consistently producing comprehensive assessments and advising others on complex project impacts and policy alignment.

12

Which level best describes your experience applying state and federal environmental laws, regulations, and program standards to permit actions or federal activities?

• None - I have no experience applying environmental laws or regulations.
• Foundational - I have basic familiarity with environmental laws and can reference requirements when reviewing or discussing projects.
• Intermediate - I apply environmental laws and program standards to routine projects and can interpret regulatory requirements with some supervisory guidance.
• Advanced - I independently apply a wide range of state and federal environmental laws to complex permit actions or federal activities and provide well-supported regulatory interpretations.
• Expert - I lead or advise others on the application of environmental laws to highly complex cases, consistently interpreting requirements, resolving conflicts, and shaping agency recommendations.

13

Which level best describes your experience coordinating with federal, state, local government representatives or internal programs to advance project reviews or resolve issues?

• None - I have no experience coordinating with governmental partners on project reviews.
• Foundational - I have participated in coordination efforts when invited or as part of a team but have not led coordination activities.
• Intermediate - I regularly coordinate with internal and external government representatives to gather information, discuss project needs, and support review processes.
• Advanced - I independently manage coordination for complex project reviews, facilitate discussions, and help resolve issues across multiple agencies or programs.
• Expert - I lead high-level coordination efforts involving complex or sensitive issues, regularly facilitating alignment across agencies and guiding others in effective interagency collaboration.

14

Which level best describes your experience preparing technical or regulatory documents such as decision documents, reports, or correspondence that require scientific or policy analysis?

• None - I have no experience preparing technical or regulatory documents.
• Foundational - I have drafted basic documents or summaries and can convey technical information when provided with clear instructions or examples.
• Intermediate - I independently prepare routine technical or regulatory documents that require analysis and can explain scientific or policy concepts clearly.
• Advanced - I develop complex, defensible documents involving significant scientific, legal, or regulatory analysis, and my work is relied upon in formal decision-making.
• Expert - I produce high-stakes decision documents and technical analyses that withstand external scrutiny, guide others in technical writing, and contribute to policy interpretation.

15

Which level best describes your experience verbally communicating technical or policy information in formal settings such as meetings, briefings, or hearings?

• None - I have no experience presenting technical or policy information in formal settings.
• Foundational - I have shared information in small or informal meetings but have limited experience presenting complex content.
• Intermediate - I regularly present technical or policy information in meetings or briefings and can respond to questions with confidence.
• Advanced - I present complex information in formal settings, including cross-agency briefings or technical discussions, and effectively explain regulatory or scientific issues.
• Expert - I provide briefings, testimony, or high-level presentations on complex issues, am recognized for clear and authoritative communication, and guide others preparing for formal discussions.

16

Which level best describes your experience conducting site visits and evaluating on-site conditions relevant to environmental impacts or compliance with project requirements?

• None - I have no experience conducting field visits or evaluating on-site conditions.
• Foundational - I have participated in site visits but rely on others to lead evaluations and interpret on-site conditions.
• Intermediate - I independently conduct site visits for routine projects and assess observable conditions relevant to environmental impacts or compliance.
• Advanced - I lead site evaluations for complex projects, interpret on-site conditions in relation to environmental policies or permit requirements, and incorporate findings into formal analyses.
• Expert - I conduct and lead comprehensive site evaluations in varied conditions, provide expert interpretation of environmental impacts, train others in field assessment, and integrate findings into major regulatory decisions.

17

For all six competency ratings you selected in Questions 11-16, 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.

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