Geothermal Policy & Planning Lead - Remote

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Ecology seeks a Geothermal Senior Planner (Environmental Planner 4) to guide statewide geothermal energy planning within SEA. You will lead multi‑agency collaboration, shape policy direction, and deliver high‑visibility reports informing Washington’s transition to clean energy.

This is a telework‑friendly, hybrid role with on‑site days required in multiple WA duty stations; you will coordinate SEPA planning, analyses, and public engagement, and work with

Qualifications

• Support SEPA environmental review processes, coordinate technical input across programs, interpret impact analyses, and ensure documents meet legal and procedural requirements.
• Analyze federal, state, and local regulations and synthesize technical and regulatory information.
• Analyze environmental data, evaluate planning and regulatory implications, and develop recommendations grounded in scientific information and agency policy.
• Organize multi-agency coordination among state, federal, Tribal, and local partners to align review timelines and outputs.
• Plan and manage public meetings, hearings, and comment periods with accessible materials.
• Navigate cross-program facilitation and support resolution of divergent viewpoints.
• Convey complex environmental, regulatory, or policy information clearly in writing and verbally.

Responsibilities

• Support Ecology’s statewide geothermal energy collaborative process by leading cross‑program teams to develop legislative reports and technical analyses.
• Coordinate with Ecology, other state agencies, federal partners, Tribes, local governments, industry, and communities to ensure inclusive planning and environmental review.
• Research regulatory frameworks and conduct gap analyses to evaluate future statewide planning and rulemaking needs.
• Provide senior-level planning, policy interpretation, and technical consultation to Ecology leadership and staff on SEPA processes and interagency coordination.
• Facilitate resolution of complex, high-profile issues involving diverse perspectives and technical uncertainty.
• Support SEPA planning and project reviews by coordinating input and ensuring documents are clear and compliant.
• Plan and conduct public meetings, hearings, and comment periods with accessible materials for Tribes and communities.

Skills

Environmental Review

Regulatory Analysis

Policy and Planning Analysis

Multi-Agency Coordination

Public Process Administration

Cross-Program Facilitation

Technical Communication

Education

Urban/Environmental Planning degree

Job description

The Washington State Department of Ecology seeks a Geothermal Senior Planner (Environmental Planner 4) to guide statewide geothermal energy planning within SEA. You will lead multi‑agency collaboration, shape policy direction, and deliver high‑visibility reports informing Washington’s transition to clean energy.

This is a telework‑friendly, hybrid role with on‑site days required in multiple WA duty stations; you will coordinate SEPA planning, analyses, and public engagement, and work with