Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction Project Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Lacey, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction Project Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) within the Water Quality Program. This is a project position that is funded until December 31, 2029. This funding is highly likely to be renewed for the next bi-annual budget cycle. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station. This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options. You may telework most of your work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities. Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change. As the Puget Sound Nutrients Project Specialist, you’ll work in a multi-faceted role to engage with Puget Sound communities providing technical and financial assistance to advance nutrient removal efforts from wastewater treatment plants. You’ll help manage and oversee individual funding awards for nutrient reduction, as well as general wastewater treatment projects. You’ll collaborate with Ecology engineers and permit managers, monitor project performance, conduct site visits, and assist with programmatic planning related to Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction grants. In addition to project and program management duties, you’ll play an important role in advancing the Financial Management Section’s environmental justice goals and initiatives, including writing and publishing environmental justice assessments related to funded projects.

Requirements

Nine (9) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which must include the following:
Project Coordination – Ability to organize, monitor, and support project activities to ensure work stays on track and meets program goals.
Technical Problem-Solving – Ability to review technical information and apply environmental knowledge to find practical solutions that support successful project outcomes.
Regulation and Policy Application – Ability to interpret and apply rules, policies, and laws to ensure projects comply with required standards.
Financial Oversight – Ability to review budgets, payment requests, and financial information to ensure responsible and accurate use of public funds.
Collaboration and Communication – Ability to work effectively with partners and clearly share information to support coordinated decisions and strong working relationships.
Equity and Community Awareness – Ability to recognize community needs and apply equity considerations to support fair and effective program outcomes.
Education involving a major study 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.
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.
2 years of experience AND a Ph.D.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license or provide alternate reliable transportation for travel within the state of Washington.
Regular travel is required between Ecology headquarters, regional offices, partner agency locations, and assigned inspection sites/facilities.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with city or county governments.
Experience with developing or managing data tracking systems.
Experience managing projects and funding, either as a recipient or agency.
Knowledge of environmental justice principals and applicable laws relating to equitable funding.

Responsibilities

Develop individual grant and loan agreements and amendments, working closely with Ecology engineers, permit managers, and funding recipients.
Assess project compliance with funding agreement terms, funding program guidelines, agency policy, and state and federal funding program requirements.
Monitor performance of funded projects through review and processing of quarterly progress reports, payment requests, backup documentation, project deliverables, and performing site visits throughout the project duration, specifically at critical milestone stages.
Work closely with other Water Quality Program grant and loan managers and wastewater treatment facility engineers in providing for the effective and efficient management of the Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction and Clean Water State Revolving Fund monies.
Provide leadership in the adaptive management of the Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction Grants Program as a Fund Coordinator.
Support the Financial Management Section in its environmental justice initiatives, which include conducting research, writing assessments, and providing guidance to Unit Supervisor and Section Manager on environmental justice issues related to funding programs.
Collaborate with other Financial Management Section staff to plan and promote funding opportunities by providing technical assistance for funding applicants and recipients.