Senior Environmental Engineering Supervisor (Environmental Engineer 5)

Full Job Description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Senior Environmental Engineering Supervisor (Environmental Engineer 5) within the Water Quality 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 one day per week is required in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by February 17, 2026
• This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after the date above may not be considered.

Requirements

This newly established permanent position was funded in Washington’s FY 25-27 Budget to implement research and guidance projects to address PFAS compounds in wastewater and stormwater discharges.

In this position, you will supervise the newly formed Wastewater and Toxics Reduction Unit of eight staff who perform technical work related to the development and implementation of state and federal water quality permits, policies and guidance documents.

You will direct resources within the unit to the most important work consistent with the goals of the Permit and Technical Services (PTS) Section and Water Quality Program.

You will prioritize and assign technical work (e.g., general permit writing, research, development of internal and external guidance, policy and bill analysis, and administrative orders) that balances the needs of staff, partners, decision makers, and the public.

You will work directly with the Section Manager and will appreciate the team culture in the Water Quality Program – with a strong emphasis on public service and a healthy work-life balance.

What you will do:

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

Qualifications

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

Required Qualifications:

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington,

• Five (5) years of experience in environmental engineering.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington.

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 Washington’s 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:

• Background in environmental science and engineering, and familiarity with PFAS compounds and other chemicals of emerging concern (CEC).
• Experience supervising technical staff.
• Familiarity with state and federal water quality laws and regulations.

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:

• 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 Jeff Killelea at Jeff.Killelea@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 ProgramThe mission of the Water Quality Program is to ensure that all aquatic life, and communities in the state, experience cool, clean water to refresh and sustain in the changing climate.We carry out the federal Clean Water Act for and State Water Pollution Control Act, setting limits on pollution to make sure that water supports: recreation, business activities, aquatic life, and public health.Our core work consists of permitting, cleanup and improvement projects, and clean water funding.

Our vision is that Washington's communities work together and with us to sustain healthy, thriving watersheds and provide cool, clean water to fish, shellfish, wildlife, people, and businesses.

Future generations have improved access to clean water even as our climate changes.About the Department of EcologyAs 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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