Floodplains by Design Lead Planner (Environmental Planner 4)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Lacey, WA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Floodplains by Design Lead Planner (Environmental Planner 4) within the Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) program. This is a unique opportunity to lead planning, policy coordination, and day-to-day administration of the award-winning Floodplains by Design (FbD) grant program, a major component of the umbrella FbD initiative that is shaping the future direction of integrated floodplain management in Washington. You will have significant internal responsibilities for FbD grant program operations and for ensuring we deliver outstanding service to our partners and customers. You will work at the intersection of state, Tribal, federal, local, and nongovernmental partners, coordinating closely with Ecology’s nongovernmental (NGO) backbone partner, Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF), to ensure the FbD grant program remains effective, responsive, and aligned with the goals of the FbD initiative. Within Ecology, you will provide authoritative recommendations on FbD grant program operations, including developing tools and processes that support program consistency, adaptive management, and informed executive decision-making. You will help guide the work of regional staff who serve as project managers for individual FbD grants; track and report on FbD grant program spending and accomplishments; and work with senior staff and leaders to develop and advance funding strategies and major policy initiatives.

Requirements

Nine (9) years of experience and/or education as described below:
Professional experience in managing multi-partner environmental or community-based grant programs; coordinating with diverse governmental and nongovernmental partners; developing and implementing program processes; leading policy-related planning efforts; and preparing or reviewing program-related recommendations, analyses, or documentation
Program & Policy Implementation: Ability to carry out complex environmental or planning program responsibilities, align operations with defined policy direction, and ensure consistent and effective program delivery.
Grant Administration & Process Management: Skill in updating, developing, and applying established grant program processes and procedures; coordinating grant program operations; reviewing agreements for accuracy and consistency; and using tracking tools to support reporting, evaluation, and adaptive program management.
Partnership Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to work collaboratively and constructively with Tribes, local governments, federal and state agencies, NGOs, and technical partners to exchange information; coordinate activities and assist with developing, implementing, and evaluating progress made towards achieving shared planning and/or policy goals.
Communication & Facilitation: Skill in clearly conveying technical information, facilitating discussions to gather input or guide decisions, and presenting well-reasoned recommendations verbally and in writing.
Analytical & Strategic Thinking: Ability to identify trends, interpret data or policy information, evaluate options, and recommend approaches for program improvements, statewide consistency, or long-range planning.
Coaching & Technical Guidance: Skill in providing direction, mentoring, or process guidance to project managers or planning staff to support consistent implementation of program procedures and improve overall program effectiveness.
Education: Involving a major study in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, hazard mitigation, or closely related field
A Bachelor’s degree in the above fields counts for 4 years and a Master’s degree in the above fields counts for 6 years.
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 or higher.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver license.

Nice To Haves

Experience working on integrated floodplain management, watershed restoration, and/or flood hazard mitigation programs or projects.
Experience administering an entire grant program (as distinguished from managing individual grants).
Experience leading or supporting process improvement initiatives or similar efforts.
Ability to think strategically, maintain strong attention to detail, and work collaboratively.
Ability to navigate comfortably between routine administrative tasks and creative, visioning-oriented work.

Responsibilities

Lead Ecology’s engagement on FbD grant program activities with the FbD NGO backbone partner, and coordinate with Tribes, local governments, state and federal agencies, and other partners to support collaborative decision-making, program alignment, and advancement of shared FbD grant program outcomes.
Develop and refine statewide grant program procedures, tools, and tracking systems; review and approve grant agreements; and support consistent implementation by coaching, advising, and coordinating with Ecology’s grant and financial management staff.
Represent the FbD grant program on internal and interagency work groups, facilitating information exchange; resolving policy or implementation issues; and ensuring program decisions are communicated effectively to partners and leadership.
Provide authoritative analysis and recommendations on funding strategies, grant program policies, process improvements, and long-range planning needs to inform Ecology leadership and budget development.
Support and advise broader FbD initiative activities—such as Steering Group and Action Group meetings—and keep internal staff and external partners informed of FbD grant program plans, schedules, and emerging issues.
Manage grant program records and information in accordance with agency requirements, and perform additional duties as assigned to support SEA Program priorities.