Lead Financial Assistance Engineer (Environmental Engineer 5)

Washington Department of Natural Resources; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Retirement plans

Paid holidays

Job summary

The Washington Department of Natural Resources is seeking a Lead Financial Assistance Engineer to manage water quality infrastructures. This role entails planning, design, and overseeing wastewater and reclaimed water systems.

Required qualifications include Professional Engineer registration in Washington and five years of environmental engineering experience. The position offers a competitive benefits package and encourages diverse applicants.

Qualifications

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in Washington or equivalent.
• Five years of experience in environmental engineering.
• Valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and manage wastewater and reclaimed water infrastructure.
• Provide regulatory oversight of wastewater treatment operations.
• Manage financial assistance programs for clean water projects.

Skills

Environmental engineering experience

Contract management

Communication of complex information

Education

Professional Engineer registration

Job description

Description

Salary includes a scheduled 2% general salary increase effective July 1, 2026.

You are hired as Lead Financial Assistance Engineer (Environmental Engineer 5) within the Water Quality Program.

Location

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

Schedule

• Position eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• Minimum of two days per month required in the office.
• Schedules subject to change based on position needs.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include planning, design, construction, permitting, regulatory oversight, and financial assistance program management for wastewater and reclaimed water infrastructure.

• Support planning, design, and construction of wastewater and reclaimed water systems in compliance with state requirements and engineering best practices.
• Provide regulatory oversight of operations at wastewater treatment and reuse facilities.
• Manage financial assistance programs for clean water infrastructure projects.
• Serve as a mentor and role model for staff‑level engineers.
• Draft permit conditions and oversee compliance of individual permits.
• Conduct facility inspections and provide technical assistance on regulatory issues.
• Improve unit business processes and collaborate with Ecology staff to serve regulated community, public, and tribes.
• Help public understand permits and regulatory requirements related to wastewater and reclaimed water facilities.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in Washington or equivalent in another state.
• Five (5) years of experience in environmental engineering.

Special requirements/conditions of employment:

• Valid driver's license required.
• Professional Engineer registration in good standing required.
• Licensed professional engineers in another U.S. jurisdiction or foreign country must qualify for licensure in Washington State by comity.

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 varied audiences.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement, leave, paid holidays, and other benefits as provided by the Department of Ecology.

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.

Collective Bargaining

This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.