Principal Planner (Environmental Planner 5)
Salary
$82,872.00 - $111,504.00 Annually
Location
Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type
Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment
Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number
2026-OCB5318-03090
Department
Dept. of Ecology
Division
The Office of Chehalis Basin (OCB)
Opening Date
04/15/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Salary Information
The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Principal Planner (Environmental Planner 5) within the Office of Chehalis Basin.
Location:
Schedule:
Application Timeline:
Duties
As the Office of Chehalis Basin Principal Planner, you will work with Tribes, local cities and counties, and community partners to design and guide effective floodplain management programs. As a key advisor to the Office Director and the appointed Chehalis Basin Board, you will draw on your knowledge of aquatic habitat restoration and flood policy to help develop innovative policies, funding programs, and strategic initiatives that address flooding, fish recovery, and land-use challenges across the Basin for decades to come.
You will supervise a team of planners and project managers, ensuring strong coordination across interdisciplinary initiatives while supporting staff growth and development. The Office of Chehalis Basin is piloting new approaches to building consensus around flooding, fish, and farms, and in this role you will contribute to statewide and national conversations on improving floodplain management.
This position offers meaningful opportunities for professional development in program design, collaborative problem-solving, Tribal coordination, and interagency partnership - allowing you to make a lasting impact on the Basin's communities and natural resources. Your work in this role will help shape the future of floodplain management and aquatic habitat restoration in one of Washington's most dynamic watersheds.
What you will do:
Qualifications
For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.
Required Qualifications:
Eleven (11) years of experience and/or education as described below:
Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:
Policy & Guidance - Ability to create, update, and apply policies, guidance, and program standards to ensure consistent and effective program delivery.
Project & Grant Management - Ability to organize, oversee, and manage multiple projects, grants, and contracts to achieve desired results on time and within resources.
Staff Leadership & Development - Ability to supervise, coach, and support staff, including hiring, training, and performance management, to build a capable and high-performing team.
Collaboration & Partnership - Ability to work effectively with agencies, Tribes, local governments, and external partners to achieve shared objectives.
Communication Skills - Ability to clearly convey information and recommendations in writing and presentations to diverse audiences including leadership, boards, and staff.
Technical & Regulatory Knowledge - Ability to understand and apply environmental laws, policies, and scientific input to guide program and policy decisions.
Education involving a major study in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related field.
Examples of how to qualify:
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Desired Qualifications:
Working knowledge of state, federal, and local permitting requirements associated with riparian and in-water restoration work.
Working knowledge of the National Flood Insurance Program and associated state and federal floodplain management regulations.
Experience providing technical assistance to local governments, community organizations, and/or private landowners regarding aquatic species habitat restoration work.
Certified AICP Planner.
Certified Flood Plain Manager (CFM).
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.
Supplemental Information
Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Our Commitment to DEIR
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecologys work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.
Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.
Equity: We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.
Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology's work.
Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.
We believe that DEIR is both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.
Application Process
Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Click "Apply" at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:
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:
Questions?
About the Office of Chehalis Basin
The Office of Chehalis Basin works with the independent Chehalis Basin Board to create and implement the Chehalis Basin Strategy, a roadmap for reducing flood damages and restoring aquatic species throughout the land that drains to Grays Harbor. The Chehalis Basin stretches from Aberdeen and Hoquiam in the northwest through Centralia and Chehalis and up to Pe Ell in the south, encompassing land from the Olympics, the Cascades, and the Willapa Hills. The Basin contains timber lands, farms, rural communities and small cities, transportation links of state and Federal significance, and is uniquely the largest watershed in Washington State with no salmonid species listed under the Endangered Species Act.
About the Department of Ecology
As the State of Washington's environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington's environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work balance. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.
Ecology employees may be eligible for the following: Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave, 11 Paid Holidays per year, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives, Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *Click here for more information
To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or our blog.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
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?
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?
04
How many years of experience do you have in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development? 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.
05
Please provide additional details to support your response above. The following information is needed: position title(s), specific duties, and periods of employment. Make sure your response specifically addresses the qualification above. An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.
06
What is your level of education?
07
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.
08
In 200 words or fewer, please describe your knowledge of, and personal or professional experience in, the Chehalis Basin or in similar watershed, floodplain, or ecosystem-restoration contexts.
09
In 200 words or fewer, please describe your professional or lived experience with Tribes, Tribal governments, or Indigenous communities.
10
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?
11
Are you able to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license?
12
I understand that Ecology does not use the E-Verify system and is unable to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).
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