Trust Water Right Acquisition and Contract Specialist (Environmental Specialist 5)

State of Washington•Yakima County - Union Gap, WA

33d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Trust Water Right Acquisition and Contract Specialist (Environmental Specialist 5) within the Office of Columbia River. This role will help shape the future of water management in the Columbia River Basin while supporting Washington’s environmental and community needs. The specialist will serve as the Office of Columbia River’s program expert in trust water, acquisitions, contracting, and cost reimbursement, leading efforts that expand water supplies for communities, industry, agriculture, and critical instream flows. This position involves managing contracts, influencing policy, guiding project priorities, and collaborating with technical, legal, and operational teams. The specialist will negotiate water banking and trust water agreements, oversee key data systems, and shape the tools used to move major water development projects forward. This position offers the opportunity to make a measurable difference in environments where innovation, problem-solving, and public impact come together.

Requirements

Ten (10) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position.
Complex Contract Negotiation and Agreement Management: Skill in negotiating, drafting, and administering complex contracts or financial agreements, including advising leadership on contract terms, risks, compliance requirements, and closing processes.
Regulatory or Legal Interpretation and Technical Review: Ability to interpret and apply statutes, rules, regulatory guidance, or contractual requirements; evaluate technical or regulatory work products for accuracy, completeness, and alignment with program standards.
Advanced Project or Program Management: Competence in planning, prioritizing, and managing multi-step projects or programs involving multiple partners, schedules, and deliverables; ensuring high-quality results under tight timelines.
Analytical Problem-Solving and Risk Identification: Skill in analyzing issues, identifying emerging risks or inconsistencies, and recommending preventative or corrective actions to inform program decisions.
Effective Communication and External Representation: Ability to communicate complex or technical information clearly to internal and external audiences; represent the program in meetings, presentations, or professional forums; collaborate effectively with other programs, agencies, partners, or organizations.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Collaboration Platforms: High-level ability to use Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, MS Teams, and related tools to produce analysis, documentation, presentations, and program records.
Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, one of the natural sciences, environmental planning, geography, law with an environmental emphasis, paralegal studies, or closely related field.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading work on controversial or high-profile resource projects requiring significant partner coordination.
Experience advising management on policy, legislation, or rulemaking related to water resources.
Experience supervising or mentoring junior staff or consultants.
Experience presenting to statewide, regional, or national commissions, conferences, or professional organizations.
Experience coordinating with Financial or Accounting units on contract funding, reimbursement structures, or project closeout.
Advanced analytical skills related to water resource project evaluation, risk assessment, or issue resolution.

Responsibilities

Serve as the program’s lead expert on trust water rights, water banking, and acquisitions, guiding complex contracting and negotiation efforts that shape long-term water supply for the Columbia River Basin.
Lead negotiations for Trust Water and Water Banking Agreements, ensuring projects align with program priorities and deliver meaningful instream and out-of-stream benefits.
Advise management on project strategy, priorities, risks, and emerging issues, helping the program navigate obstacles and make informed, high-impact decisions.
Review consultant and junior staff work on water development projects, identifying issues early and recommending corrective actions to keep projects on track and aligned with agency standards.
Direct development, scheduling, and information needs for water development projects, ensuring consistent, timely progress from concept through contracting and closure.
Operate and coordinate the program’s Cost Reimbursement process, including advising teams on when cost reimbursement is the appropriate tool versus using OCR staff for permitting.
Support the Operations Section and the Financial and Projects Section in developing and managing cost reimbursement contracts for complex, high-visibility water development efforts.
Oversee trust water and water banking data across program databases, collaborating with Water Resources staff to maintain accuracy and support informed decision-making.