Lead Financial Assistance Engineer (Environmental Engineer 5)

Washington State Department of Ecology; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Public employees retirement system

Paid holidays

Tuition Waiver

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Ecology is seeking a Lead Financial Assistance Engineer for the Water Quality Program. This senior position is based in Lacey, WA, and involves managing wastewater facility projects, ensuring compliance with state regulations, and mentoring engineering staff.

Candidates must be a registered Professional Engineer in Washington with at least five years of experience in environmental engineering. The role offers a competitive benefits package, including health coverage and pension plans.

Qualifications

• Must be a Professional Engineer in Washington or equivalent.
• Minimum of five years' experience in environmental engineering.

Responsibilities

• Manage planning and design of wastewater systems.
• Oversee regulatory compliance of treatment facilities.
• Provide mentorship for engineering staff.
• Draft permit conditions under water quality standards.
• Conduct facility inspections and provide technical assistance.

Skills

Environmental engineering

Regulatory compliance

Community engagement

Contract management

Education

Professional Engineer registration in Washington

Five years of experience in environmental engineering

Job description

Lead Financial Assistance Engineer (Environmental Engineer 5)

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Lead Financial Assistance Engineer within the Water Quality Program. This senior engineering position focuses on managing and overseeing the planning, design, construction, operation, and regulatory compliance of wastewater and reclaimed water facilities across Washington State.

Location

• Southwest Region Office in Lacey, WA. Upon hire you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule

• Eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• Minimum of two days per month required in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline

• Apply by July 7, 2026. Applications submitted after this date may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties

The role requires extensive engagement with the community, facility owners, and regulatory stakeholders to ensure compliance with state requirements and to support the Washington Department of Ecology’s mission.

• Support the planning, design, and construction of wastewater and reclaimed water systems in compliance with state requirements and good engineering practices.
• Provide regulatory oversight of operations at wastewater treatment and reuse facilities using diverse treatment processes and creative approaches to managing treated effluent or reclaimed water.
• Manage financial assistance programs for clean water infrastructure projects and provide expertise to internal staff, municipalities, and consultants on funding program elements.
• Serve as a role model for staff‑level engineers in the unit, offering mentorship, training, and direction in the unit’s planning, engineering, and design review work, as well as permit development, issuance, and implementation.
• Draft permit conditions, limits, and other requirements as part of the issuance process, and provide ongoing oversight of individual permits to ensure compliance with water quality standards.
• Conduct facility inspections and provide technical assistance on regulatory issues and questions from communities and industries within the region.
• Assist in improving unit business processes, collaborating with other Ecology staff to provide outstanding service to our regulated community, the public, and Tribes.
• Help members of the public understand permits and other regulatory requirements related to wastewater and reclaimed water facilities, as well as Ecology’s role as an oversight agency.

Required Qualifications

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or an equivalent state, in good standing.
• Five (5) years of experience in environmental engineering.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with funding programs related to public works infrastructure planning and design.
• Contract management experience.
• Experience communicating complex and technical scientific information to a variety of audiences.

Benefits

Eligible employees may receive a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; public employees retirement system; paid holidays; Tuition Waiver; Public Service Loan Forgiveness; and other benefits such as flexible spending arrangements and life insurance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. The agency is a ___ bargaining unit covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees.