Environmental Assessment Program Manager (EMS Band 4)

Demonstrated understanding of scientific principles and methods as applied to environmental assessment and applied science, including the ability to evaluate the quality, defensibility, and appropriate use of scientific data, research, monitoring, modeling, and laboratory results to inform regulatory, policy, and resource management decisions.

Demonstrated professional level management experience which includes:

• Strategic planning experience, including leading the development and implementation of annual and biannual program or organizational plans, setting long-term scientific and operational priorities, and clearly articulating future direction aligned with agency goals, legislative expectations, and available resources.

Experience with policy development or program implementation related to natural resources.

Examples may include, but are not limited to, translating environmental laws, regulations, or agency directives into science-based programs, monitoring strategies, laboratory services, modeling efforts, or assessment tools that inform regulatory and policy decisions.

Experience managing relationships with high-level, influential, elected, and appointed officials with a proven track record of consensus building, collaboration and negotiations that reflect a strong understanding of legislative processes and inter-government relations.

Examples may include, but are not limited to, briefing legislators or executive leadership, responding to policy inquiries, and negotiating complex or sensitive issues, with demonstrated ability to build consensus and collaborate effectively within legislative and intergovernmental processes.

Community outreach experience.

Examples may include, but are not limited to, communicating technical or scientific information to community members, environmental justice organizations, or the public in clear, accessible ways, and incorporating community perspectives into program planning or decision-making.

• Budget management experience. Examples may include, but are not limited to, oversight of complex, multi-fund budgets; setting funding priorities; ensuring compliance with public-sector fiscal requirements; and aligning financial decisions with program strategy and performance outcomes.

Experience supervising high-level technical and applied science teams.

Examples may include, but are not limited to, direct supervision of managers and senior scientific staff, with responsibility for performance management, workload prioritization, and delivery of complex, multidisciplinary environmental science programs.

Desired Qualifications:

• Education and involvement in scientific/technical services issues in the environmental, natural resource management and/or public health fields.
• Experience using advanced management, communication, negotiation and consensus building skills with high-level, influential, elected and appointed officials.
• Providing leadership to a large staff of over 100 employees.
• Experience managing diverse fund sources.
• Member of a senior or executive leadership team.
• Advanced knowledge of the Puget Sound Partnership.
• Advanced knowledge of the Clean Water Act.
• Working knowledge of the Salmon Recovery Funding Board.
• Experience and a successful record of accomplishment working with state agencies, city, county and federal governments.
• Experience as a second-level supervisor.
• Experience leading or managing in a large agency or organization.
• Working in or collaborating with state government.
• Experience working with or applying policy decisions from the Washington Health Disparities Map.

If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification.

At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.

Additional 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 Ecology's work.

We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.

Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.

Equity: We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.

Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology’s work.

Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.

We believe that 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.

Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful.

The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.

Need an Accommodation?

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

• Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or careers@ecy.wa.gov
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.

Questions?

• For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Heather Bartlett at Heather.Bartlett@ecy.wa.gov
• If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at careers@ecy.wa.gov

About the Environmental Assessment Program

The mission of the Environmental Assessment Program (EAP) is to measure, assess, and communicate environmental conditions in Washington State, providing credible science to guide Washington's environmental choices.

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.

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