Puget Sound Nutrients Reduction Project Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4)

Puget Sound Nutrients Reduction Project Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4)

Salary

$69,348.00 - $93,288.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Lacey, WA

Job Type

Project (limited duration)

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-WQP1194-08339

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Water Quality

Opening Date

10/07/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

Salary Information

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

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction Project Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) within the Water Quality Program.

This is a project position that is funded until December 31, 2029. This funding is highly likely to be renewed for the next bi-annual budget cycle.

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.

• 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 October 21, 2026

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

Duties

As the Puget Sound Nutrients Project Specialist, you'll work in a multi-faceted role to engage with Puget Sound communities providing technical and financial assistance to advance nutrient removal efforts from wastewater treatment plants. You'll help manage and oversee individual funding awards for nutrient reduction, as well as general wastewater treatment projects. You'll collaborate with Ecology engineers and permit managers, monitor project performance, conduct site visits, and assist with programmatic planning related to Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction grants.

In addition to project and program management duties, you'll play an important role in advancing the Financial Management Section's environmental justice goals and initiatives, including writing and publishing environmental justice assessments related to funded projects.

What you will do:

• Develop individual grant and loan agreements and amendments, working closely with Ecology engineers, permit managers, and funding recipients. Assess project compliance with funding agreement terms, funding program guidelines, agency policy, and state and federal funding program requirements.
• Monitor performance of funded projects through review and processing of quarterly progress reports, payment requests, backup documentation, project deliverables, and performing site visits throughout the project duration, specifically at critical milestone stages.
• Work closely with other Water Quality Program grant and loan managers and wastewater treatment facility engineers in providing for the effective and efficient management of the Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction and Clean Water State Revolving Fund monies.
• Provide leadership in the adaptive management of the Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction Grants Program as a Fund Coordinator.
• Support the Financial Management Section in its environmental justice initiatives, which include conducting research, writing assessments, and providing guidance to Unit Supervisor and Section Manager on environmental justice issues related to funding programs.
• Collaborate with other Financial Management Section staff to plan and promote funding opportunities by providing technical assistance for funding applicants and recipients.

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 the position, which must include the following:

• Project Coordination - Ability to organize, monitor, and support project activities to ensure work stays on track and meets program goals.
• Technical Problem-Solving - Ability to review technical information and apply environmental knowledge to find practical solutions that support successful project outcomes.
• Regulation and Policy Application - Ability to interpret and apply rules, policies, and laws to ensure projects comply with required standards.
• Financial Oversight - Ability to review budgets, payment requests, and financial information to ensure responsible and accurate use of public funds.
• Collaboration and Communication - Ability to work effectively with partners and clearly share information to support coordinated decisions and strong working relationships.
• Equity and Community Awareness - Ability to recognize community needs and apply equity considerations to support fair and effective program outcomes.

Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning, or an academic discipline related to the duties of the position..

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.

• 2 years of experience AND a Ph.D.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid drivers license or provide alternate reliable transportation for travel within the state of Washington.
• Regular travel is required between Ecology headquarters, regional offices, partner agency locations, and assigned inspection sites/facilities.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working with city or county governments.
• Experience with developing or managing data tracking systems.
• Experience managing projects and funding, either as a recipient or agency.
• Knowledge of environmental justice principals and applicable laws relating to equitable funding.

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.

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:

• 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 Seth Elsen at Seth.Elsen@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 Water Quality Program

The Water Quality Program's Financial Management Section oversees an active portfolio of more than $1 billion in projects related to water quality and public health protection. This position is housed within the Wastewater Financial and Technical Assistance Unit, which administers wastewater funding and provides robust technical assistance for Tribes and small communities to solve wastewater needs big and small.

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 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-Hybrid

More than Just a Paycheck!

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

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

Read about our benefits:

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

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

Insurance Benefits

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

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

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

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

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

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

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

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

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

Social Security

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

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

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

Holidays

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

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

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

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

Sick Leave

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

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

Vacation (Annual Leave)

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

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

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

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

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

Military Leave

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

Bereavement Leave

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

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

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

Updated 01-07-2026

01

How did you hear about this job?

• Community Based Organization
• Community / Technical College
• Ecology Employee
• Ecology Recruiter
• Ecology Jobs Page
• Facebook
• Job Board
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Newspaper
• Other State Agency
• Other Website
• Professional Association
• University Job Board
• WorkSource
• Other

02

If you selected Community Based Organization, Community / Technical College, Job Board, Job Fair, LinkedIn Group, Newspaper, Other State Agency, Other Website, Professional Association, University Job Board, WorkSource, or Other, please share which one.

03

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

• Yes
• No

04

How many years of experience do you have related to the duties of this position? Please include any experience gained through employment, internships, and/or volunteer positions. Note that experience gained from academic coursework, class projects, or other degree requirements is assessed in later questions.

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

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?

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

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

Which statement best describes your proficiency in organizing, monitoring, and supporting project activities to ensure work stays on track and meets program goals?

• None - I have not organized, monitored, or supported project activities.
• Foundational - I have basic awareness and have participated in project tasks under close guidance.
• Intermediate - I can coordinate and monitor project activities with some guidance to support routine goals.
• Advanced - I independently organize, monitor, and support project activities to ensure work stays on track and meets program goals.
• Expert - I lead project coordination efforts, mentor others, and help establish project management practices.

09

In 250 words or less, please describe an example of how you coordinated or supported project activities to keep work on track. If you do not have this experience, put N/A.

10

Which statement best describes your proficiency in reviewing technical information and applying environmental knowledge to find practical solutions that support successful project outcomes?

• None - I have not reviewed technical information or used environmental knowledge to solve problems.
• Foundational - I have basic awareness and have assisted with technical problem-solving under supervision.
• Intermediate - I can review technical information and propose practical solutions with some guidance.
• Advanced - I independently review technical information and apply environmental knowledge to develop practical, effective solutions.
• Expert - I lead complex technical problem-solving efforts, mentor others, and help shape solution-development practices.

11

In 250 words or less, please describe a technical issue you resolved by applying environmental knowledge or reviewing technical information. If you do not have this experience, put N/A.

12

Which statement best describes your proficiency in interpreting and applying rules, policies, and laws to ensure projects comply with required standards?

• None - I have not interpreted or applied rules, policies, or laws in project work.
• Foundational - I have basic awareness and have supported compliance tasks with close guidance.
• Intermediate - I can interpret and apply rules or policies with some guidance for routine compliance needs.
• Advanced - I independently interpret and apply rules, policies, and laws to ensure projects comply with required standards.
• Expert - I mentor others and help refine regulatory or policy application practices.

13

In 250 words or less, please describe an example of how you applied rules, policies, or laws to ensure a project met required standards. If you do not have this experience, put N/A.

14

Which statement best describes your proficiency in reviewing budgets, payment requests, and financial information to ensure responsible and accurate use of public funds?

• None - I have not reviewed budgets, payment requests, or financial information.
• Foundational - I have basic awareness and have supported financial review tasks under supervision.
• Intermediate - I can review financial information with some guidance to support responsible use of funds.
• Advanced - I independently review budgets, payment requests, and financial information to ensure accuracy and responsible use of public funds.
• Expert - I mentor others, lead financial oversight efforts, and help establish financial review practices.

15

In 250 words or less, please describe a time when you reviewed financial information or payment requests and how you ensured accuracy and responsible spending. If you do not have this experience, put N/A.

16

Which statement best describes your proficiency in working effectively with partners and clearly sharing information to support coordinated decisions and strong working relationships?

• None - I have not collaborated with partners or communicated project information.
• Foundational - I have basic awareness and participate in communication or partnership activities with guidance.
• Intermediate - I collaborate and communicate effectively with some guidance to support coordinated decisions.
• Advanced - I independently collaborate with partners and communicate clearly to support strong relationships and coordinated decision-making
• Expert - I lead collaborative efforts, mentor others, and help build communication practices that support strong partnerships.

17

In 250 words or less, please describe a situation where you communicated or collaborated with partners to support coordinated decisions or strong working relationships. If you do not have this experience, put N/A.

18

Which statement best describes your proficiency in recognizing community needs and applying equity considerations to support fair and effective program outcomes?

• None - I have not considered community needs or equity principles in my work.
• Foundational - I have basic awareness of equity concepts and have applied them minimally or with guidance.
• Intermediate - I can recognize community needs and incorporate equity considerations with some guidance.
• Advanced - I independently apply equity considerations and community awareness to support fair and effective program outcomes.
• Expert - I mentor others, help shape equity-focused practices, and support programs in integrating community needs into decision-making.

19

In 250 words or less, please describe an example of how you incorporated community needs or equity considerations into your work. If you do not have this experience, put N/A.

20

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?

21

Are you able to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license or provide alternate reliable transportation for travel within the state of Washington?

• Yes
• No

22

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