CRO SWM Section Manager (WMS Band 2)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Lacey, WA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Ecology is hiring a CRO SWM Section Manager (WMS Band 2) within the Solid Waste Management Program. Location: Central Region Office (CRO) in Union Gap, 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. In this role, you will step into a dynamic leadership position where you will guide complex environmental programs that will directly influence the health, safety, and future of communities across Washington. You will manage permitting, enforcement, and grant activities that will often involve intricate technical issues, evolving regulations, and high-visibility outcomes. Each day, you will face a mix of strategic decisions and real-time challenges that will require sound judgment, clear communication, and the ability to navigate competing priorities. You will collaborate with local governments, industries, and other interested parties, using your expertise to solve problems that will often be unprecedented or multifaceted. You will lead a team of professionals who will depend on your direction, coaching, and support to carry out critical work. You will balance resources, staff development, and operational needs while ensuring your section will deliver high-quality results. You will influence policies and help shape regional priorities, making decisions that will affect environmental protection, human health, and public investment. This position will offer the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while continually adapting, learning, and finding innovative approaches to emerging issues.

Requirements

Nine (9) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally to help others understand information, expectations, and decisions.
Ability to work effectively with others to build positive relationships and support shared goals.
Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage program activities and resources to deliver consistent and accountable outcomes.
Ability to understand and apply laws, rules, and policies to ensure decisions are accurate, defensible, and consistent.
Ability to review and approve permits, plans, and enforcement actions to ensure work follows applicable laws and standards.
Ability to review work for accuracy and completeness to maintain high-quality documents, decisions, and outcomes.
Education: involving a major study in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering or Civil Engineering, Public Administration or Public Policy, Natural Resource Management, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, or Related Physical Sciences, Business Administration or Management, Environmental Health or Public Health, Urban, Regional, or Environmental Planning, Legal Studies or Environmental Law coursework or related area of study.

Nice To Haves

5 years’ experience managing environmental issues, environmental permitting, doing scientific analysis, and rule interpretation.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage section staff, including assigning work, coaching, evaluating performance, and supporting professional development.
Oversee program operations related to solid waste, biosolids, and delegated federal programs to ensure regulatory compliance and alignment with organizational goals.
Review, develop, and approve permits, enforcement actions, and grant awards to protect environmental and public health outcomes.
Interpret and apply laws, rules, and policies to make consistent, defensible decisions on permitting, planning, compliance, and funding.
Develop and manage budgets and resource plans to align staffing, workload, and financial needs with program priorities.
Provide clear communication and guidance to staff, leadership, interested parties, and the public on program activities and regulatory requirements.
Coordinate with internal and external partners, building relationships to support collaborative problem-solving and effective program implementation.
Implement strategic and program plans, track section performance, and address emerging issues to ensure high-quality outcomes.