Cleanup Grants Program Planner & Grant Manager (Environmental Planner 4)

Washington State Department of Ecology; Washington (Washington County); Hybrid; USD 74,805 - 100,573; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & a

PERS retirement system

Vacation & Holidays

Job summary

Washington State Department of Ecology is hiring a Cleanup Grants Program Planner & Grant Manager (Environmental Planner 4) in the Toxics Cleanup Program. This role will lead policy updates, manage grants, provide technical assistance, and help advance affordable housing linked cleanup projects.

Work options include telework with some in-office days at WA duty stations; living within commutable distance is required.

Qualifications

• Nine years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, including program planning and evaluation, grant and contract oversight, strategic communication, and collaboration.
• Experience in designing and leading public engagement, and in applying environmental/urban planning principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead updates to CGSAH program policies, guidelines, and related documents.
• Build and refine grant solicitation applications to ensure accessibility and success.
• Provide technical assistance to applicants, recipients, and staff to navigate grant platforms.
• Manage full life cycle of grants, including scope development, payment processing, and cost eligibility.
• Develop trainings and outreach materials to support applicants and staff.
• Track project progress and document findings to guide program improvements.
• Contribute to transparent processes, such as guideline updates and comment periods.

Skills

Program planning

Grant oversight

Strategic communication

Partnership development

Analytical thinking

Public engagement

Environmental program planning

Data systems proficiency

Education

Major study in financial management / urban or environmental planning

Tools

EAGL / grant management system

Budget tracking tools

Job description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Cleanup Grants Program Planner & Grant Manager (Environmental Planner 4) within the Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP).

Location Options

This position can be based at any of the following duty stations:

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA
• Central Region Office in Union Gap, WA
• Eastern Region Office in Spokane, WA
• Northwest Region Office in Shoreline, WA

Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the selected duty station.

Note: If the selected duty station is the Northwest Region Office in Shoreline, the salary will include an additional 5% premium pay due to its location in King County. Salary range: $6,703 - $9,012 monthly.

Schedule

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• A minimum of one day per week is required in the office.
• You may telework most of your work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline

• Apply by August 13, 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties

As a Toxics Cleanup Program planner and grant manager, you will help advance the Program’s mission to protect Washington’s people and environment by supporting cleanups that also lead to long‑term community benefits. As part of the Financial Services Unit, you will work within a team that provides statewide budget, grant, and financial management services essential to moving cleanup projects from concept to completion. You will serve as the primary planner and grant manager for the Cleanup Grants Supporting Affordable Housing program, an innovative competitive grant program that links contaminated‑site cleanup with affordable housing development. In this position, you will shape program direction, refine and develop policies and guidelines, provide public outreach, develop grant applications in Ecology’s administration of grants and loans system (EAGL), support rulemaking efforts as needed, and maintain clear and responsive communication with applicants, recipients, and Ecology staff. You will also actively manage complex grants in EAGL, ensuring accurate documentation, cost eligibility, and timely financial oversight. If you thrive in roles that blend program development, collaboration, technical precision, and meaningful community impact, this position offers an opportunity to contribute to cleaner environments and more sustainable housing across Washington.

What You Will Do

• Lead updates to Cleanup Grants Supporting Affordable Housing (CGSAH) program policies, guidelines, and program documents to reflect lessons learned, emerging needs, and improvements that strengthen clarity, consistency, and alignment with program goals.
• Build, test, and refine competitive grant solicitation applications, ensuring each cycle runs smoothly, is accessible, and supports applicants throughout the process.
• Provide timely and responsive technical assistance to applicants, recipients, and Ecology staff—helping people understand program requirements, navigate Ecology's grant platform, and move projects forward confidently.
• Manage the full lifecycle of assigned grants, including developing scopes of work, reviewing and processing payment requests, checking cost eligibility, and maintaining accurate financial oversight.
• Develop clear, accessible trainings and communication materials, such as presentations, written instructions, and recorded content, to support applicants, recipients, and staff.
• Track and evaluate CGSAH project progress, including monitoring affordable‑housing end use and documenting findings that guide future program improvements.
• Plan and contribute to public‑facing processes, such as guideline updates and comment periods, to support transparency, inclusive participation, and clear program communication.
• Review grant applications and related documentation to verify eligibility, ensure compliance with program requirements, and support informed and equitable funding decisions.

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website .

Required Qualifications

Nine years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:

• Program Planning and Evaluation – Experience in developing, implementing, and refining program policies, procedures, and guidance to improve effectiveness, align with agency goals, and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Grant and Contract Oversight – Demonstrated competence in managing complex grant or contract portfolios, including budget tracking, scope development, and compliance monitoring to ensure appropriate stewardship of public funds.
• Strategic Communication and Facilitation – Demonstrated ability to synthesize and convey complex policy, technical, and program information to diverse audiences in ways that support clarity, transparency, and informed participation.
• Collaborative Partnership Development – Ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with internal teams, external agencies, local governments, and community organizations to support coordinated planning and program implementation.
• Analytical and Problem‑Solving Skills – Skilled in evaluating program data, identifying emerging issues, and developing recommendations to strengthen program outcomes and reduce organizational risk.
• Public Engagement and Process Leadership – Skilled in designing and leading public engagement efforts, including comment processes, public meetings, or workshops, to support transparent and inclusive policy and program development.
• Environmental Program Planning – Ability to assess and integrate environmental, land use, and community development considerations to support equitable, sustainable project and program outcomes.
• Data and Systems Proficiency – Experience using data systems, tracking tools, or electronic grant management platforms to support accurate documentation, reporting, and decision‑making.

Education

involving a major study in financial management, land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental or policy emphasis, or closely related field.

Examples Of How To Qualify

• 9 years of experience.
• 8 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 7 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 6 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 5 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• 3 years of experience AND a Master’s degree.
• 2 years of experience AND a Ph.D.

Desired Qualifications

• Grant or Contract Management with Financial Oversight – Experience managing grants or contracts with significant financial oversight responsibilities, including developing agreements or amendments, negotiating scopes, reviewing complex financial documentation, and ensuring compliance with statutes, policies, and audit requirements.
• Application of Equity Assessments – Experience applying equity assessments or environmental justice frameworks to inform program, policy, or process improvements.
• Knowledge of Cleanup or Environmental Regulatory Frameworks – Knowledge of environmental cleanup regulations such as the Model Toxics Control Act or similar frameworks, and the ability to apply them to program planning or grant eligibility decisions.
• Knowledge of Affordable Housing Developments – Knowledge of affordable housing development, funding components, and project timelines.
• Community Collaboration Experience – Experience collaborating with Tribal communities, Indigenous people, communities of color, immigrant communities, and populations that may be linguistically isolated, rural, or low income.

If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.

Supplemental Information

Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov .

Our Commitment to DEIR

Diversity

We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.

Equity

We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.

Inclusion

We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology’s work.

Respect

We 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.

We believe that DEIR 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.

Application Process

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.

Need an Accommodation?

• Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or [e-mail]
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.

Questions?

• For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Laurie Dahmen at [e-mail] .
• 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 [e-mail] .

About The Toxics Cleanup Program

The mission of the Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP) is to protect Washington’s human health and the environment by preventing and cleaning up pollution and supporting sustainable communities and natural resources for the benefit of future and current generations. This position is located in TCP’s Financial Services Unit (FSU). FSU provides budget and financial management services, cost recovery coordination, contracts and interagency agreement management, Voluntary Cleanup Program operations (VCP), Remedial Action Grant (RAG) Program administration, cleanup grants supporting affordable housing development, planning grants, and engineering services to TCP staff statewide enabling the program to successfully execute its mission to clean up contaminated sites and protect human health and the environment.

About The Department Of Ecology

As the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s 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. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.

Benefits

• 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 Incentive
• Combined Fund Drive
• SmartHealth *
• Click here for more information

Equal Opportunity Employer: 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.

Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.

Note

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.