CRO SWM Section Manager (WMS Band 2)

Washington State Department of Ecology; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Ecology is seeking a CRO SWM Section Manager to lead the Solid Waste Management Program within the Central Region. You will guide permitting, enforcement, and grant activities, collaborating with local governments and industries to solve complex environmental challenges.

Role emphasizes staff leadership, budget planning, regulatory interpretation, and delivering high‑quality outcomes that influence regional priorities and policy direction.

Qualifications

• Nine (9) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Policy interpretation

Stakeholder engagement

Permitting & enforcement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related field

Tools

GIS

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. Upon hire, you 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. Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties

In this role, you will step into a dynamic leadership position where you will guide complex environmental programs that directly influence the health, safety, and future of communities across Washington. You will manage permitting, enforcement, and grant activities that involve intricate technical issues, evolving regulations, and high‑visibility outcomes. You will collaborate with local governments, industries, and other interested parties to solve unprecedented or multifaceted problems. You will lead a team of professionals who rely on your direction, coaching, and support to carry out critical work. You will balance resources, staff development, and operational needs while ensuring the section delivers high‑quality results, influences policies, and shapes regional priorities.

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.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Nine (9) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position.
• 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

Relevant education involving a major study in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Public Policy, Natural Resource Management, Chemistry, Biology, Geology or related physical sciences, Business Administration, Environmental Health, Public Health, Urban Planning, 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, doing 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.

Note

This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency.