Salary: $55,224.00 – $86,208.00 Annually
Location: Multiple Locations – Western Washington, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2023-SEA29310757-07816
Department: Dept. of Ecology
Division: Shorelands and Environmental Assistance
Opening Date: 06/14/2023
Closing Date: Continuous

The Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill two Section 401/Coastal Zone Management Act Federal Permit Manager (Environmental Specialist 4) (In-Training) positions. One position is located in our Southwest Region Office in Lacey, WA. and the other position can be located in either our Northwest Region Office (NWRO) in Shoreline, WA, or our Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Please Note: If the final location of one position is located in the Northwest Region Office (NWRO) in Shoreline, WA., it will include an additional 5% pay increase due to its location in King County. In this instance the salary range will be $4,832 – $7,543 per month.
 
In this role, you will review complex project proposals that have the potential to impact the state’s waters or coastal zone to evaluate whether the project will meet state water quality standards and/or be consistent with Washington’s Coastal Zone Management Program. The Southwest and Northwest Regions are been experiencing rapid population growth and increased economic development. You will provide an important role in ensuring our state’s waters are protected while our communities continue to grow. The successful candidate will coordinate closely with applicants, consultants, federal agencies, other Ecology programs or state agencies, and tribes, broadening their professional network.
 
Note: These positions offer a career path and on-the-job training. This position allows you to progress through the Environmental Specialist field and achieve the goal class of an Environmental Specialist 4. Candidates will be considered at the Environmental Specialist 3 and the Environmental Specialist 4 levels, depending on their qualifications.
 
Agency Mission: The mission of the Department of Ecology is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington’s land air and water for current and future generations.
 
Program Mission: The mission of the Shoreline and Environmental Assistance program is to work in partnership with communities to support healthy watersheds and promote statewide environmental interests.
 
Tele-work options for this position: This position will be eligible for up to a 90% tele-work schedule. Applicants with questions about position location options, tele-work, and flexible or compressed schedules are encouraged to reach out to the contact person listed below in “other information.” Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
 
Application Timeline: This position will remain open until filled, we will review applications on June 28, 2023. In order to be considered, please submit an application on or before June 27, 2023. If your application isn’t received by this date, it may not be considered. The agency reserves the right to make a Hire any time after the initial screening date. 

Duties
In this role, you will review proposed development projects for consistency with state water quality standards and the state’s Coastal Zone Management Program. You will coordinate closely with federal agencies, state agencies, and tribes. Challenges can arise from the tight timelines associated with review, the need to juggle multiple project reviews, and the rapid pace of development in both the Southwest and Northwest Regions of the state.
   
What you will do:  

• Apply advanced knowledge of water quality, state laws and federal laws.   
• Review complex projects that have the potential to impact waters of the state and determine if state water quality standards will be met. Manage the state level permitting response to federal permits issued under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. 
• Review projects with the potential to impact the state’s coastal zone for consistency with Washington’s enforceable policies under the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA). Manage the state level permitting response to CZMA Federal Consistency. 
• Make decision recommendations to Ecology management based on the merits of the project proposal and whether the project will meet state water quality standards or federal consistency requirements. 
• Provide project coordination and be a technical advisor to state and federal agencies in reviewing and developing procedures and policies pertaining to the Section 401 process. 
• Perform field work and site visits as needed to evaluate projects. 
• Assist with the resolution of appeals of Section 401 Water Quality Certifications to the Pollution Control Hearings Board.  Work directly with the Attorney General Office and other parties (including local planners, attorneys, and citizens). 

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Experience for both required and desired qualifications can be gained through various combinations of formal professional employment, educational and volunteer experience. See below for how you may qualify.

At the Environmental Specialist 3 (Salary Range 49:  $4,602-$6,198 Monthly)
A total of Six (6) years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Professional level Experience in: Environmental analysis or control or environmental planning.
• Education: Involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field.

See chart below for a list of ways to qualify for this position:

OR
One year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 2, at the Department of Ecology.

At the Environmental Specialist 4 (goal class) (Salary Range 55: $5,341-$7,184 Monthly)
A total of Nine (9) years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Professional level Experience in: Environmental analysis or control or environmental planning.
• Education: Involving major a study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field.

See chart below for a list of ways to qualify for this position:

OR 
Two years of experience as an Environmental Specialist 3, at the Department of Ecology.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 

• Must obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications:
We highly encourage you to apply even if you do not have some (or all) of the desired experience below.

• Working knowledge of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 and Section 10 Permitting. 
• Demonstrated understanding of project management for complex and at times controversial projects that require multi agency and program coordination. This includes the ability to apply negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to understand environmental legislation and regulations at the federal, state, and local level, by independently reviewing, analyzing, developing, and recommending permit decisions for projects.   
• Testifying at legal proceedings and public hearings, and negotiating resolution in the development of policies and regulations.
• Ability to work independently on multiple projects and manage time and workload with tight timelines.  

Note: Having some (or all) of this desired experience may make your application more competitive in a highly competitive applicant pool.

Application Instructions
It’s in the applicant’s best interest to submit all of the documents listed below. Applications without these documents may be declined.

• A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position.
• A resume outlining your experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to the minimum qualifications of this position.
• Three professional references.

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/4082008/regional-401-czm-federal-permit-manager-environmental-specialist-4-in-training