Watershed Implementation Lead (Environmental Specialist 4) (Two Positions)

State of Washington•Spokane County – Spokane, WA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Ecology is hiring two Watershed Implementation Lead (Environmental Specialist 4) positions within the Water Quality Program. These roles are focused on restoring streams and protecting aquatic habitats by developing clean-up plans and implementing water quality actions for rivers and streams in eastern Washington. The positions involve coordinating with watershed partners to identify and control nonpoint source water pollution, with an emphasis on riparian restoration to meet water quality standards. Responsibilities include implementing existing water quality clean-up plans, developing new plans, and collaborating with landowners and local partners to restore streams using technical assistance and grant funding. State regulatory tools may also be used to achieve compliance. One position will focus on the Hangman watershed and the other on the Palouse watershed.

Requirements

Nine (9) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position.
Assessment & Evaluation – Ability to review and interpret program or site conditions to identify issues and support informed decisions.
Plan Development & Implementation – Ability to create and carry out technical or operational plans to meet program goals and desired outcomes.
Regulatory Compliance & Enforcement – Ability to evaluate activities for compliance with laws and rules and use appropriate tools to resolve violations.
Data Interpretation – Ability to analyze and interpret monitoring or evaluation data to inform recommendations and actions.
Collaboration & Partnership Building – Ability to work effectively with communities, organizations, and partners to achieve shared goals.
Technical Assistance & Communication – Ability to explain requirements, practices, and solutions in clear everyday language to support understanding and compliance.
Project & Grant Management – Ability to develop, oversee, and evaluate projects to ensure they meet requirements and deliver expected results.
Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning; or closely related field.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license or provide alternate reliable transportation for travel within the state of Washington.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated ability to understand environmental regulations at the federal, state, and local level.
General knowledge of water pollutants and their sources.
Experience reviewing environmental clean-up plans, laboratory reports, and scientific studies.
Ability to communicate scientific or technical information to a diverse audience.

Responsibilities

Serve as the watershed-specific lead, responsible for developing and implementing Total Maximum Daily Load plans (TMDLs) and Straight to Implementation strategies (STIs) for either the Hangman or Palouse watersheds.
Craft clean-up strategies and messages, prioritize pollution sources, recommend actions for cleaning up impairments, and conduct TMDL scoping activities.
Coordinate with partners to implement practices identified in clean-up plans, such as riparian restoration, conservation tillage, livestock management, and nonpoint stormwater management.
Track agency and partner implementation progress toward meeting the goals and milestones of the TMDLs and STIs.
Support and/or perform effectiveness monitoring.
Perform watershed evaluations to identify land uses that constitute nonpoint pollution sources and develop strategies to bring these sources into compliance.
Provide technical assistance and outreach on water quality protection to landowners in the watersheds to help them achieve compliance with water quality laws.
Understand and effectively communicate the best management practices needed for water quality and habitat protection.
Prepare regulatory documents as needed, including letters of warning, notices of violation, administrative orders, and penalties.