CRO SWM Section Manager (WMS Band 2)

State of Washington; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Ecology is hiring a CRO SWM Section Manager (WMS Band 2) in the Solid Waste Management Program. You will lead a dynamic leadership position guiding environmental programs including permitting, enforcement, and grant activities, collaborating with local governments, industries, and other stakeholders.

This senior role requires strategic thinking, budget planning, staff development, and strong communication to ensure compliant, high‑quality program outcomes for

Qualifications

• Nine years of related experience and/or education.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage program activities and resources.
• Ability to apply laws, rules, and policies to ensure defensible decisions.
• Ability to review permits, plans, and enforcement actions.
• Ability to ensure accuracy and completeness of documents and decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage section staff, including assigning work and supporting development.
• Oversee operations related to solid waste, biosolids, and delegated programs.
• Review, develop, and approve permits, enforcement actions, and grant awards.
• Interpret and apply laws, rules, and policies to ensure consistent decisions.
• Develop and manage budgets and resource plans aligning with priorities.
• Provide clear communication to staff and the public on program activities.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners to support implementation.
• Implement strategic plans, track performance, and address emerging issues.

Skills

Effective communication

Relationship building

Planning & prioritization

Regulatory understanding

Permits & enforcement review

Documentation quality

Education

Environmental Science/Engineering or related field

Job description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a CRO SWM Section Manager (WMS Band 2) within the Solid Waste Management Program.

Location

• Central Region Office (CRO) in Union Gap, WA.
• Must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• A minimum of one day per week is required in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline

• Apply by July 28, 2026
• If applications are received after the deadline they may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

In this role you will lead a dynamic leadership position guiding complex environmental programs that influence the health, safety, and future of Washington communities. Responsibilities include managing permitting, enforcement, and grant activities, addressing strategic decisions and real‑time challenges, and collaborating with local governments, industries, and other stakeholders.

What you will do

• Lead and manage section staff, including assigning work, coaching, evaluating performance, and supporting professional development.
• Oversee program operations related to solid waste, biosolids, and delegated federal programs to ensure regulatory compliance and alignment with organizational goals.
• Review, develop, and approve permits, enforcement actions, and grant awards to protect environmental and public health outcomes.
• Interpret and apply laws, rules, and policies to make consistent, defensible decisions on permitting, planning, compliance, and funding.
• Develop and manage budgets and resource plans to align staffing, workload, and financial needs with program priorities.
• Provide clear communication and guidance to staff, leadership, interested parties, and the public on program activities and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners, building relationships to support collaborative problem‑solving and effective program implementation.
• Implement strategic and program plans, track section performance, and address emerging issues to ensure high‑quality outcomes.

Required Qualifications

Nine (9) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:

• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally to help others understand information, expectations, and decisions.
• Ability to work effectively with others to build positive relationships and support shared goals.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage program activities and resources to deliver consistent and accountable outcomes.
• Ability to understand and apply laws, rules, and policies to ensure decisions are accurate, defensible, and consistent.
• Ability to review and approve permits, plans, and enforcement actions to ensure work follows applicable laws and standards.
• Ability to review work for accuracy and completeness to maintain high‑quality documents, decisions, and outcomes.

Education

Major study in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering or Civil Engineering, Public Administration or Public Policy, Natural Resource Management, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, or related Physical Sciences, Business Administration or Management, Environmental Health or Public Health, Urban, Regional, or Environmental Planning, Legal Studies or Environmental Law coursework, or related area of study.

Desired Qualifications

Five (5) years’ experience managing environmental issues, environmental permitting, scientific analysis, and rule interpretation.

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.

DEIR Commitment

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology’s work. We strive to be a workplace where authentic identities are valued, and we advance individual professional goals while protecting the environment.