Hybrid Statewide Water Policy Lead

State of Washington; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington’s Department of Ecology is seeking a Statewide Program Rule and Policy Lead (Environmental Planner 5) to drive statewide rulemaking and policy efforts within the Water Resources Program. The role advances environmental justice and strengthens tribal, community, and inter-agency partnerships.

You will guide complex rulemaking from planning through adoption, develop strategies, and mentor staff while coordinating with agency leaders and technical experts.

Qualifications

• Eleven years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to lead rulemaking and manage projects.
• Experience with Tribal engagement and public processes.
• Ability to draft regulatory language and interpret laws and regulations.
• Education in land use/environmental planning or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Lead statewide rule development efforts and serve as the primary contact for Water Resources Program rulemaking.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams across regions and agencies, including Tribal representatives and community partners.
• Prepare rule packages, draft language, and ensure compliance with applicable statutes.
• Design and manage public engagement activities and accessible materials for diverse communities.
• Mentor and train rulemaking leads and staff to build program-wide capability.
• Research and analyze legal, technical, and policy issues to support leadership decisions.
• Develop guidance and procedural documents for statewide policy updates.
• Track rulemaking timelines and coordinate with internal teams for timely progress.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration & Relationship Building

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Rulemaking Leadership

Project & Workflow Management

Partner & Tribal Engagement

Regulatory Drafting & Documentation

Legal and Regulatory Interpretation

Research & Analysis

Education

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

Job description

State of Washington’s Department of Ecology is seeking a Statewide Program Rule and Policy Lead (Environmental Planner 5) to drive statewide rulemaking and policy efforts within the Water Resources Program. The role advances environmental justice and strengthens tribal, community, and inter-agency partnerships.

You will guide complex rulemaking from planning through adoption, develop strategies, and mentor staff while coordinating with agency leaders and technical experts.