Engineering Consultant & Contracts Officer (Environmental Engineer 3 or 5)

Engineering Consultant & Contracts Officer (Environmental Engineer 3 or 5)

Salary

$86,688.00 - $131,868.00 Annually

Location

Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-TCP4816-04788

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Toxics Cleanup

Opening Date

07/02/2026

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 an Engineering Consultant & Contracts Officer (Environmental Engineer 3 or 5) within the Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP).

Location Options:

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

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.
• Central Region Office in Union Gap, WA.
• Eastern Region Office in Spokane, WA.
• Northwest Region Office in Shoreline, WA.
• Southwest Region Office in Lacey, 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: $7,585 - $11,538 monthly.

Schedule:

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• You may telework most of your work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by July 16, 2026.
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties

The Toxics Cleanup Program is looking for an Engineering Consultant & Contracts Officer who's excited about supporting meaningful environmental cleanup work across Eastern Washington. In this role, you'll partner with project managers to guide sites through investigations, cleanup design, and corrective action, helping move contaminated properties toward healthier, more resilient futures. You'll also lead the way on public works and architectural/engineering (A/E) contracting, shaping clear, effective contracts and providing practical engineering and construction insight every step of the way. If you enjoy collaboration, variety, and using your technical skills to make a positive impact on Washington's environment and communities, this is a great opportunity to do just that.

What you will do:

• Provide engineering technical expertise and manage Architectural and Engineer and Public Works contracts to comply with applicable law and policy.
• Provide project management to support projects and help maintain appropriate timelines.
• Facilitate the process to secure both Architectural and Engineering and Public Works contracts, including contract development, bid specifications, evaluations and protests, contract awards, construction claims, dispute resolution and contract execution through electronic workflow.
• Manage ongoing contracts, including reimbursement requests, reviewing project progress reports, preparing change orders, and maintaining contract files and records.
• Regularly evaluate contracts and processes for areas of improvement and increased efficiency.
• Perform construction inspections at the site.

Learn more about what it is like to be an Engineer at the Department of Ecology

Qualifications

This position offers an in-training plan and may be filled at the Environmental Engineer 3 or 5 level, depending on your qualifications. If you qualify at the EE3 level and are hired, you will progress through an in-training plan to become an EE5 within a specified time period.

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

Required Qualifications:

At the Environmental Engineer 3 level (In-Training)

Pay Range 68, $7,224 - $9,712 monthly

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington AND
• Three years of experience in environmental engineering which includes the following:
• Strong communication and collaboration skills - Ability to communicate complex technical or project information clearly and work effectively with internal staff, contractors, and partners to support coordinated and timely project delivery.
• Commitment to equity and inclusion - Experience applying inclusive practices and considering diverse perspectives to ensure fair, transparent, and accessible processes in project or procurement work.
• Contract oversight and vendor performance management - Skilled in overseeing professional service or project-based contracts, monitoring deliverables and schedules, and addressing performance issues to ensure high-quality and compliant outcomes.
• Leading or coordinating technical projects - Ability to guide project activities from planning through completion, monitor progress, resolve barriers, and align work with organizational goals.
• Applied environmental or engineering knowledge - Demonstrated competence interpreting and applying environmental, engineering, or technical principles to evaluate designs, plans, recommendations, or project work for effectiveness and compliance.
• Procurement and competitive selection processes - Skilled in conducting proposal evaluations, facilitating fair and transparent selection processes, and negotiating terms to secure qualified service providers and protect organizational interests.

At the Environmental Engineer 5 level (Goal Class)

Pay Range 73, $8,172 - $10,989 monthly

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington AND
• Five years of experience in environmental engineering which includes the following:
• Strong communication and collaboration skills - Ability to communicate complex technical or project information clearly and work effectively with internal staff, contractors, and partners to support coordinated and timely project delivery.
• Commitment to equity and inclusion - Experience applying inclusive practices and considering diverse perspectives to ensure fair, transparent, and accessible processes in project or procurement work.
• Contract oversight and vendor performance management - Skilled in overseeing professional service or project-based contracts, monitoring deliverables and schedules, and addressing performance issues to ensure high-quality and compliant outcomes.
• Leading or coordinating technical projects - Ability to guide project activities from planning through completion, monitor progress, resolve barriers, and align work with organizational goals.
• Applied environmental or engineering knowledge - Demonstrated competence interpreting and applying environmental, engineering, or technical principles to evaluate designs, plans, recommendations, or project work for effectiveness and compliance.
• Procurement and competitive selection processes - Skilled in conducting proposal evaluations, facilitating fair and transparent selection processes, and negotiating terms to secure qualified service providers and protect organizational interests.

NOTE: Individuals who are licensed as professional engineers in another U.S. jurisdiction or foreign country and wish to apply for this position must qualify for licensure in Washington State by comity. Applicants are responsible for reviewing and ensuring they meet Washingtons comity requirements before submitting application materials. Licensing requirements can be found on the Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors website: How To Get Your Professional Engineer License When Licensed in Another Jurisdiction.

Desired Qualifications:

• Developing and managing complex technical or project-based contracts - Demonstrated experience preparing bid materials, evaluating proposals, and administering multiple concurrent contracts to ensure clear expectations, accountability, and successful project delivery.
• Environmental cleanup regulations and practices - Ability to interpret and apply laws, policies, and technical guidance related to contaminated site cleanup or similar regulatory frameworks to support sound project decisions and compliance.
• Training, advising, or mentoring staff - Skilled in explaining processes, requirements, and best practices to help staff build knowledge, improve consistency, and support organization-wide understanding.
• Working on multidisciplinary environmental or engineering projects - Ability to collaborate with technical specialists, project managers, and stakeholders to integrate scientific, engineering, and regulatory considerations into effective project strategies.
• Evaluating contractor or project performance - Demonstrated ability to assess quality, timeliness, and adherence to expectations to identify lessons learned and support continuous improvement.

If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.

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 Laurie Dahmen at Laurie.Dahmen@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 Toxics Cleanup Program

The mission of the Toxics Cleanup Program is to protect Washington's human health and the environment by preventing and cleaning up pollution and supporting sustainable communities and natural resources for the benefit of future and current generations. This position is located in TCP's Financial Services Unit (FSU). FSU provides budget and financial management services, cost recovery coordination, contracts and interagency agreement management, Voluntary Cleanup Program operations (VCP), Remedial Action Grant (RAG) Program administration, and engineering services to TCP staff statewide enabling the program to successfully execute its mission to clean up contaminated sites and protect human health and the environment.

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 Incentives, Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *Click here for more information

To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or our blog.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.

Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.

#LI-Hybrid

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

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

• Yes
• No

02

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

03

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.

04

How many years of experience do you have in environmental engineering? 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 or more years
• None of the above

05

How would you describe your experience clearly communicating technical engineering or contracting information to diverse audiences and collaborating effectively with staff, contractors, and partners?

• None - I have no experience communicating technical information or collaborating in a project setting.
• Foundational - I can share basic information and participate in discussions; I rely on others for interpretation or facilitation.
• Intermediate - I independently communicate technical concepts and collaborate effectively during routine project work.
• Advanced - I communicate complex information clearly, facilitate coordination, and support resolution of issues among multiple parties.
• Expert - I am relied upon to lead communication efforts, guide collaboration across diverse groups, and support high stakes or complex project delivery.

06

The State of Washington is working to remove barriers for Washington state small, minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses to participate in engineering, architectural, and public works contracts and subcontracts. Describe a situation where you recognized that a project, contract, or procurement process was not fully accessible or equitable for all participants. How did you identify the barrier, what steps did you take to address it, and what changed as a result? If you do not have this experience, put N/A.

07

How would you describe your experience overseeing professional services or public works contracts, including monitoring schedules, deliverables, quality, performance, and compliance?

• None - I have no experience monitoring or overseeing contract performance.
• Foundational - I assist with contract monitoring tasks and follow established procedures with guidance.
• Intermediate - I independently oversee routine contracts and ensure delivery of defined work products.
• Advanced - I manage complex contract oversight activities, identify and resolve performance issues, negotiate necessary adjustments, and ensure alignment with project and agency requirements.
• Expert - I oversee high-risk or multi-disciplinary contracts, lead resolution of complex performance challenges, ensure accountability, and advise others on contract strategy, performance management, and risk mitigation.

08

Describe a situation where you encountered a contractor performance issue or a scope of work concern. What actions did you take, and what was the outcome? If you do not have this experience, put N/A.

09

How would you describe your experience leading or coordinating technical projects that faced complex challenges?

• None - I have not led or coordinated technical projects with significant challenges.
• Foundational - I have assisted on technical projects and supported problem-solving led by others.
• Intermediate - I have independently led technical projects of moderate complexity and resolved routine challenges.
• Advanced - I have managed complex technical projects, addressed significant issues, and ensured successful project delivery.
• Expert - I have led highly complex or high-impact technical projects, navigated major challenges, and guided others in best practices.

10

How would you describe your experience applying environmental or engineering principles to evaluate plans, designs, recommendations, or project work for compliance, technical sufficiency, and effectiveness?

• None - I have not applied environmental or engineering principles in project or design evaluations.
• Foundational - I apply fundamental principles with guidance and review routine technical documents.
• Intermediate - I independently apply engineering or environmental principles to evaluate standard plans, designs, and technical recommendations.
• Advanced - I perform detailed evaluations of complex technical documents, identify deficiencies or risks, and recommend technically sound solutions.
• Expert - I serve as a technical authority, evaluate complex or novel technical approaches, provide expert consultation to others, and support the development or refinement of technical standards or guidance.

11

How would you describe your experience conducting competitive procurement processes, such as evaluating proposals, facilitating fair and transparent selections, and negotiating contract terms to mitigate agency risk?

• None - I have no experience participating in procurement or competitive selection processes.
• Foundational - I assist in basic evaluation steps and follow established procedures with guidance.
• Intermediate - I independently review proposals, apply evaluation criteria, and contribute to selection decisions for routine procurements.
• Advanced - I lead procurement processes, ensure transparency, conduct detailed evaluations, and negotiate terms that support technical, legal, and financial project needs.
• Expert - I manage complex or high-risk procurements, design or refine evaluation methods, lead negotiations that protect public resources, and advise others on procurement strategy.

12

Please provide additional details to support your responses to questions 5 to 11 above. The following information is needed: specific duties or activities where skills were developed, and the capacity in which they were developed (education, employment, volunteer or lived experience). Make sure your response specifically addresses the following qualifications:

• Strong communication and collaboration skills - Ability to communicate complex technical or project information clearly and work effectively with internal staff, contractors, and partners to support coordinated and timely project delivery.
• Commitment to equity and inclusion - Experience applying inclusive practices and considering diverse perspectives to ensure fair, transparent, and accessible processes in project or procurement work.
• Contract oversight and vendor performance management - Skilled in overseeing professional service or project based contracts, monitoring deliverables and schedules, and addressing performance issues to ensure high quality and compliant outcomes.
• Leading or coordinating technical projects - Ability to guide project activities from planning through completion, monitor progress, resolve barriers, and align work with organizational goals.
• Applied environmental or engineering knowledge - Demonstrated competence interpreting and applying environmental, engineering, or technical principles to evaluate designs, plans, recommendations, or project work for effectiveness and compliance.
• Procurement and competitive selection processes - Skilled in conducting proposal evaluations, facilitating fair and transparent selection processes, and negotiating terms to secure qualified service providers and protect organizational interests.

An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.

13

Are you registered as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington, or another state with registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington?

• Yes
• No

14

If yes, please list your Professional Engineer license(s) and the state(s) it is from. If none, put N/A.

15

Do you have an active National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) record? If yes, please provide your NCEES ID Number. If no, please indicate "No Record".

16

What is your level of education?

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

17

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.

18

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?

19

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