The diverse Central Region stretches from the Canadian border south to Oregon, and is bordered by the Cascade Range on the west and the Columbia River to the east. The region supports a robust agricultural industry, large hydropower projects, a burgeoning wine industry, and abundant recreational opportunities.

Agency Mission: The mission of the Department of Ecology is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington’s environment, for current and future generations.

Program Mission: The mission of the Water Quality Program is to protect and restore Washington’s waters to support healthy watersheds and communities. Our work ensures state waters can support beneficial uses including recreational and business activities, supplies for clean drinking water, and the protection of fish, shellfish, wildlife, and public health.

What will you do?

As our Central Region Section Manager, you will:

• Plan and lead the work of the section. Mentor, coach, and manage the performance of the water quality team.
• Work with stakeholders, interested parties, and the program management team to make regulatory decisions that help to protect water quality.
• Issue and ensure compliance with state and federal water quality permits, approve or deny permit-related plans and reports, and represent Ecology in complex water quality negotiations within the region.
• Manage the section budget, in coordination with the program budget manager.
• Serve as an active member of regional and Water Quality Program management teams by assigning and managing resources, sponsoring program initiatives, and recommending and approving policies pertaining to personnel, budget, and environmental management.
• Represent the agency before elected bodies, the Pollution Control Hearings Board (PCHB), courts of law, news media, special committees, and the general public.

How will you do it?

To be successful in this position, you will need to be able to:

• Communicate effectively with diverse audiences
• Make critical and timely decisions
• Negotiate complex and contentious issues with a goal of achieving stakeholder consensus and buy-in to support water quality protection and restoration throughout the region
• Work collaboratively with other managers and staff both within the region and across the agency
• Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate staff
• Promote inclusivity and contribute to an organizational culture of belonging

Why join the team?

The Central Region Water Quality Section Manager plays a critical role in protecting and restoring some of the highest quality waters of the state. As a member of both the regional and program management teams, this position is often a lead voice for several topics. You will lead our permitting work for the fresh fruit packing industry, support some of the State’s largest hydropower projects, and provide close oversight for a significant mine restoration site.

This position will remain open until filled, with an initial screening date of January 11, 2021  In order to be considered for initial screening, please submit an application on or before January 10, 2021. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in environmental, physical, or natural science, engineering, planning, business administration, or closely related field.

AND

Five (5) years of significant project leadership experience in natural resources management, forestry, water quality policy, or environmental analysis, control, or planning.

NOTE: An advanced degree in a field listed above will substitute for two (2) years of experience.

Desired Qualifications:

• Two or more years of experience as a supervisor
• Advanced knowledge of engineering best practice, environmental science, public administration, administrative rules, and environmental laws
• Experience leading or managing a team, workgroup, or project that lead to a productive and supportive work environment
• Knowledge and understanding of the language and concepts of diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect in the workplace

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license

Why work for Ecology?

Joining Ecology means becoming a part of a team committed to protecting and restoring Washington State’s environment.

A career in public service allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping the health and financial security of you and your family a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to work/life balance.

Ecology employees may be eligible for the following:
Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS),  Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver,  Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP),  Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth

Student debt and how working for Ecology can help
Employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.

*See the Benefits tab in this announcement for more information

Application Instructions:

• Complete the applicant profile when applying for this position. Or, you may paste the text of your resume within the profile’s resume text field.
• Please include as attachments:
  • A cover letter describing how your experience, skills and abilities meet the required qualifications of this position.
  • A resume outlining your professional experience.
• Please to do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.
• Please read the supplemental questions carefully and answer completely. Incomplete responses, including “please see resume,” may disqualify you from further consideration.

It is in the candidate’s best interest to submit all of the documents listed above. Applications without these documents may be declined.

Department of Ecology employees, please make sure to answer the agency-wide questions regarding permanent status as a classified employee within the Washington General Service or Washington Management Service. Do not forget to select Department of Ecology as a response to question 2, and type your personnel ID number for question 3. If you are not sure of your status or do not know your personnel ID number, please contact Human Resources.

If you are reading this announcement in print format, please visit www.careers.wa.gov to access the online recruitment system. Click on “Look for Jobs” and select Dept. of Ecology under the “Department” search list. Click “Apply Search.”

Other Information:

If you need assistance applying for this job, please e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not send an email to this address to follow-up the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile’s main page.

If you have specific questions about the position, please email Vince McGowan at Vincent.McGowan@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Vince to inquire about the status of your application.

The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.

The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 407-6186. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.