CZMA Federal Consistency Lead (Environmental Specialist 4)(Internal Only)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Lacey, WA

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Ecology is hiring a CZMA Federal Consistency Lead (Environmental Specialist 4) in the Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) program. The role serves as Ecology’s primary expert for implementing Washington’s Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) federal consistency provisions. The lead independently evaluates complex federal permit actions and activities that may affect coastal and marine resources, ensuring alignment with Washington’s enforceable policies and environmental standards. The position leads interdisciplinary reviews, coordinates with technical specialists and governments, and makes recommendations that inform state decisions on coastal infrastructure, restoration, energy, and transportation projects. The position also supports the operation and development of Ecology’s federal consistency program by maintaining program documents, conducting policy analysis, supporting alignment with federal requirements, and representing Ecology with federal agencies and regional partners. It is based at the Headquarters Office in Lacey, Washington. Employees must live within a commutable distance of the duty station. Telework and flexible schedule options are available, with a minimum of two days per month in the office; schedules depend on position needs and may change. This recruitment is open only to current Department of Ecology employees, including employees on temporary or project assignments, and Washington Conservation Corps members.

Requirements

Nine years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position. The posting gives qualifying combinations including: 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 credits; 6 years of experience and 90–119 semester or 135–179 quarter credits; 5 years of experience and a bachelor’s degree; or 3 years of experience and a master’s degree.
Ability to independently evaluate projects for consistency with environmental policies, interpret technical materials, and assess potential effects on coastal and marine resources.
Ability to apply state and federal environmental laws, regulations, and program standards to complex permit actions and federal activities.
Skill in coordinating effectively with federal, state, and local government representatives and internal programs to gather input, resolve issues, and advance review processes.
Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and defensible decision documents, reports, and correspondence reflecting scientific and regulatory analysis.
Ability to communicate technical or policy information verbally in meetings, hearings, and project briefings.
Ability to conduct site visits in varied environmental conditions and interpret site conditions relevant to coastal resource impacts and compliance with consistency determinations.
Education involving major study in environmental, physical, or natural sciences, environmental planning, or another closely allied field.
Must obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license.
This recruitment is limited to current Department of Ecology employees, including those on temporary or project assignments, and Washington Conservation Corps members.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of the Coastal Zone Management Act, Ecology’s Coastal Zone Management Program, and Enforceable Policies.
Working knowledge of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permits program, Section 404, and Section 10 permitting.
Demonstrated understanding of project management for complex projects requiring multi-agency and program coordination.
Demonstrated ability to understand federal, state, and local environmental legislation and regulations.
Demonstrated ability to apply negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

Responsibilities

Serve as Ecology’s lead reviewer for federal permits and federal activities requiring CZMA federal consistency, evaluating projects for alignment with Washington’s enforceable policies and environmental standards.
Lead interdisciplinary review teams and coordinate with internal technical experts and other government entities to assess potential impacts on coastal and marine resources.
Prepare clear, legally defensible draft and final federal consistency decisions, including technical analyses, findings, and recommendations for agency leadership.
Conduct site visits before, during, or after construction to evaluate project conditions and verify adherence to approved federal consistency determinations.
Represent Ecology in appeal proceedings before the Pollution Control Hearings Board, providing expert testimony and supporting the defensibility of state-issued decisions.
Serve as Ecology’s primary liaison with NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management, maintaining program documents, reviewing changes to enforceable policies, and preparing federally required reports.
Coordinate with federal consistency counterparts in other coastal states to advance consistent interpretations of federal requirements and share best practices.
Provide technical and policy guidance to federal permit managers, regional Ecology offices, and internal programs on CZMA requirements and Washington’s enforceable policies.
Develop and update guidance, procedures, and informational materials for federal consistency applicants and internal staff.
Assist the section manager in evaluating and improving business processes, including workload distribution, review timelines, and program efficiency.
Build and maintain productive working relationships with federal, state, local, and Tribal governments to improve early coordination and project outcomes in Washington’s coastal zone.
Contribute to agencywide meetings, presentations, and collaborative efforts supporting transparency, consistent policy application, and effective environmental review.
Maintain accurate, well-organized records and documentation that meet agency retention requirements and support responsive public disclosure.