$82,872.00 – $111,504.00 Annually<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Thurston County \u2013 Lacey, WA<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Full Time – Permanent<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Flexible\/Hybrid<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
2025-WQ4000-08591<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Dept. of Ecology<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Water Quality<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
12\/23\/2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Continuous<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
- \n
- DESCRIPTION<\/a><\/li>\n
- BENEFITS<\/a><\/li>\n
- QUESTIONS<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n- \n
- \n
Description<\/h2>\n<\/dt>\n
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![\"An](\"https:\/\/secure.neogov.com\/images\/AgencyImages\/jobposting\/1924\/jobpostings\/image\/Job%20Posting%20graphic-5.png\")
![\"An](\"https:\/\/secure.neogov.com\/images\/AgencyImages\/jobposting\/1924\/jobpostings\/image\/logo%20110921.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/div>\nKeeping Washington Clean and Evergreen<\/strong><\/p>\n
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Forestry Policy Lead (Environmental Planner 5)\u00a0<\/strong>within the Water Quality Program<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Location:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Schedule:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.<\/li>\n
- A minimum of one day per week is required in the office.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- A minimum of one day per week is required in the field.<\/li>\n
- Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Application Timeline:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- Apply by January 11, 2026<\/strong><\/li>\n
- This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after the date above may not be considered.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/secure.neogov.com\/images\/AgencyImages\/jobposting\/1924\/jobpostings\/image\/job%20posting%20-%20DEIR.png\")
<\/div>\n<\/dd>\n- \n
Duties<\/h2>\n<\/dt>\n
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In this role, you will collaborate with other state and federal agencies in policy development, planning efforts, rule proposals, and development of guidance for implementing regulations that protect our state\u2019s lakes, rivers, and streams. You will serve as the program planning advisor on all forestry issues for the Water Quality Program. Responsibilities include acting as the program expert for applying water quality standards in forestry management and state forest activities, representing the agency at the Forest and Fish Policy committee, evaluating the Department of Natural Resources implementation of forest practices rules, and providing legislative support on these topics.<\/p>\nYou will lead Ecology’s forestry team in providing technical guidance for our forestry field personnel and advising on potential enforcement actions when necessary. This is your opportunity to advise the Department of Ecology on important forestry topics regarding the department\u2019s rules, authority, policy, and strategic positions to protect water quality in the state.
\nWhat you will do:<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n- \n
- \nRepresent Ecology on committees to evaluate and recommend refinements to the state\u2019s forest practices rules.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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Initiate and coordinate Ecology\u2019s responsibilities under Washington\u2019s Forests and Fish Agreement.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n- \n
Participate in periodic evaluations of the forest practices program, including reviews of scientific studies that assess effectiveness of forest practices rules.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n- \n
Represent the agency as the forestry policy advisor and provides testimony to the Forest Practices Board in that capacity.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n- \n
Provide technical and policy direction and advice to the Director, Water Quality Program Manager, and Ecology\u2019s board representative.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n- \n
Serve as agency representative in interagency and intra-agency negotiations on technical issues.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n- \n
Coordinate internally, with Department of Natural Resources and other agencies on all forestry policy issues.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n- \n
Provide legislative support on forestry issues including analysis of legislation, completing fiscal notes, providing testimony when necessary.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n![\"What](\"https:\/\/secure.neogov.com\/images\/AgencyImages\/jobposting\/1924\/jobpostings\/image\/20251215140444_stream%20in%20woods.png\")
<\/dd>\n- \n
Qualifications<\/h2>\n<\/dt>\n
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For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Required Qualifications:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n
Eleven (11)\u00a0<\/strong>years of experience and\/or education as described below:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- Experience <\/strong>in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and\/or program development, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related experience.<\/li>\n
- Education<\/strong>\u00a0involving a major study in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related field.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Examples of how to qualify:<\/p>\n
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- 11 years of experience.<\/li>\n
- 10 years of experience AND\u00a030-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.<\/li>\n
- 9 years of experience AND\u00a060-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate\u2019s degree).<\/li>\n
- 8 years of experience AND\u00a090-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.<\/li>\n
- 7 years of experience\u00a0AND a Bachelor\u2019s degree.<\/li>\n
- 5 years of experience\u00a0AND a Master\u2019s degree or above.<\/li>\n
- 2 years of experience as an Environmental Planner 4, at the Department of Ecology. \u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Special Requirements\/Conditions of Employment:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n
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- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Desired Qualifications:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n
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- Knowledge of forestry management and related water quality regulations.<\/li>\n
- Experience with project management.<\/li>\n
- Experience with environmental negotiation on complex or controversial issues with other agencies, Tribes, and partners.<\/li>\n
- Strong writing skills.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description,\u00a0we encourage you to apply.<\/strong>\u00a0Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n
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Supplemental Information<\/h2>\n<\/dt>\n
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Ecology does not use the E-Verify<\/strong> system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit\u00a0www.uscis.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Our Commitment to DEIR<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR)<\/strong>\u00a0are core values central to Ecology’s work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.<\/p>\n
Diversity:<\/strong>\u00a0We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.<\/p>\n
Equity:<\/strong>\u00a0We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.<\/p>\n
Inclusion:<\/strong>\u00a0We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology\u2019s work.<\/p>\n
Respect:<\/strong>\u00a0We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.<\/p>\n
We believe that\u00a0DEIR\u00a0<\/strong>is both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.<\/p>\n
Application Process<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n
Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.<\/p>\n
How to Apply<\/strong><\/p>\n
Click \u201cApply\u201d at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:<\/p>\n
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- Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position<\/li>\n
- Resume<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly.\u00a0A resume will not substitute for the \u201cwork experience\u201d section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as \u201csee resume\u201d may be considered incomplete.<\/p>\n
For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website<\/a>.\nApplication Attestation:<\/u> By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.<\/p>\n
Need an Accommodation?<\/strong><\/p>\n
If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and\/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Please contact us at\u00a0360-407-6186 or careers@ecy.wa.gov<\/a><\/li>\n
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Questions?<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Chad Brown\u00a0<\/strong>at Chad.Brown@ecy.wa.gov<\/a><\/li>\n
- If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at\u00a0careers@ecy.wa.gov<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
About the Water Quality<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0Program<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n
The Watershed Management Section of the Water Quality Program provides a variety of services to the Water Quality Program and our regional offices. Housed in Ecology\u2019s headquarters, our section is composed of three units, including 29 staff who work on protecting water quality. Our focused work is on nonpoint pollution including forest practices, water cleanup projects, managing the state\u2019s surface and groundwater quality standards and list of impaired waters, and working with hydropower dams to ensure good water quality and habitat conditions.<\/p>\n
About the Department of Ecology<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n
As the State of Washington\u2019s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington\u2019s environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life\/work balance.\u00a0We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.<\/p>\n
Ecology employees may be eligible for the following<\/u>:\u00a0Medical\/Dental\/Vision for employee & dependent(s)<\/a>,\u00a0Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)<\/a>,\u00a0Vacation, Sick, and other Leave<\/a>,\u00a0<\/a>11 Paid Holidays per year<\/a>,\u00a0Public Service Loan Forgiveness<\/a>,\u00a0Tuition Waiver<\/a>, \u00a0Long Term Disability<\/a>\u00a0&\u00a0Life Insurance<\/a>,\u00a0Deferred Compensation Programs<\/a>,\u00a0Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)<\/a>, \u00a0Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA)<\/a>,\u00a0Employee Assistance Program<\/a>,\u00a0Commute Trip Reduction Incentives<\/a>,\u00a0Combined Fund Drive<\/a>,\u00a0SmartHealth<\/a>\u00a0*Click here for more information<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
To learn more about Ecology, please visit our\u00a0website<\/a>, explore Working at Ecology<\/a>, check out our\u00a0Strategic Plan<\/a>, and connect with us on\u00a0LinkedIn<\/a>,\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Instagram<\/a>,\u00a0YouTube<\/a>, or our\u00a0blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Equal Opportunity Employer:<\/u> 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.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n
Collective Bargaining:<\/u> This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Note:<\/strong> This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.<\/p>\n
#LI-Hybrid<\/p>\n
![\"#LI-Hybrid\"](\"https:\/\/secure.neogov.com\/images\/AgencyImages\/jobposting\/1924\/jobpostings\/image\/Job%20Posting%20Graphic%20-%20Mt%20Rainier.png\")
<\/div>\n<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n- \n
- Employer<\/dt>\n
- State of Washington<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n
- If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at\u00a0careers@ecy.wa.gov<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Please contact us at\u00a0360-407-6186 or careers@ecy.wa.gov<\/a><\/li>\n
- \n
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Education<\/strong>\u00a0involving a major study in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related field.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after the date above may not be considered.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Apply by January 11, 2026<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- BENEFITS<\/a><\/li>\n