Permit Writer (Environmental Specialist 4)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Lacey, WA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Permit Writer (Environmental Specialist 4) within the Water Resources Program. This role is located at the Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA. The position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options, with a requirement to be in the office two days each week (Tuesday and Wednesday). The Permit Writer will implement Washington Water Law by managing, processing, evaluating, and drafting support documents for water right decisions. This includes conducting investigations, researching, collecting, and analyzing technical data to support these decisions. The role involves identifying issues, finding solutions, and interacting with other government agencies, municipalities, and citizens. GIS and mapping skills are also utilized in this position. The department is seeking individuals who want to make a difference, enjoy teamwork, and are willing to learn.

Requirements

Nine years of combined education and/or experience performing related to the duties of the position.
Experience collecting, researching, and analyzing complex hydrologic or hydrogeologic data to support technical evaluations and regulatory decisions.
Ability to apply scientific, hydrologic, or hydrogeologic findings and/or principles to permitting related decisions.
Demonstrated skill in preparing technical written reports that summarize analyses, findings, and defensible recommendations for permitting decisions.
Ability to conduct and interpret field investigations under the oversight of a licensed hydrogeologist, including groundwater and surface water related analyses.
Experience reviewing proposed water related projects for legal, technical, and policy compliance.
Strong communication and customer service skills, with the ability to interact professionally with applicants, consultants, tribal governments, partner agencies, and the public.
Familiarity with GIS and mapping tools to analyze and document water rights information, and ability to serve as a technical resource on mapping related tasks.
Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning, or related studies.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor Degree in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning, or an academic discipline related to the duties of the position.
Demonstrated professional experience implementing water resource management laws and rules.
Knowledge of Washington State water law, related rules, policies, and water rights permitting processes.
Experience in applied geology, hydrogeology, or related disciplines.

Responsibilities

Recommend and process water right decisions.
Conduct investigations and technical reviews to support decisions.
Evaluate projects for feasibility, compliance with laws, regulations, and policies.
Work with other local and state government agencies and Tribes regarding Washington water law.
Respond to inquiries from water right applicants, their consultants, other agency staff and the public.
Develop maps and locate water rights using GIS and web mapping tools and software.
Manage and monitor complex permitting systems, for example water right authorizations.
Mentor and support junior staff, collaborate on statewide workgroups, and independently manage workload priorities in a regulatory environment.