Permit Writer (Environmental Specialist 4)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Telework allowed

2 days in-office per week

Job summary

The State of Washington is seeking a Permit Writer (Environmental Specialist 4) for the Water Resources Program in Lacey. The role involves evaluating and drafting documents for water right decisions, researching technical data, and coordinating with agencies, tribes, and the public.

This position allows telework with a required in-office presence two days per week (Tue and Wed). Apply by October 11, 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience collecting, researching, and analyzing hydrologic data to support decisions.
• Ability to apply hydrologic findings to permitting decisions.
• Strong written reporting skills for permitting decisions.
• Ability to conduct field investigations under supervision of a licensed hydrogeologist.
• Experience reviewing water-related projects for compliance.
• Strong communication and customer service skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to manage complex permitting systems and water right authorizations.
• Familiarity with GIS and mapping tools for documenting water rights.

Responsibilities

• Recommend and process water right decisions.
• Conduct investigations and technical reviews to support decisions.
• Evaluate projects for feasibility and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with agencies, tribes, and the public on Washington water law.
• Develop maps and locate water rights using GIS and mapping tools.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

GIS software

Web mapping tools

Job description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Permit Writer(Environmental Specialist 4) within the Water Resources Program. (WR)

Location:

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, 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.
• This position is required to be in the office 2 days each week, on Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by October 11, 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

In this role, you will have the exciting opportunity to implement Washington Water Law. You will be responsible for managing, processing, evaluating, and drafting support documents for water right decisions. This includes completing investigations by researching, collecting, and analyzing technical data and other information to support water right decisions. You will have the opportunity to identify issues and find possible solutions. You will get to interact with other government agencies, municipalities, and citizens that are looking for water for their projects or homes. There is also an opportunity to let your GIS and mapping skills shine. We are looking for people that want to make a difference, enjoy being part of a team, and are willing to learn.

What you will do:

• Recommend and process water right decisions.
• Conduct investigations and technical reviews to support decisions.
• Evaluate projects for feasibility, compliance with laws, regulations, and policies.
• Work with other local and state government agencies and Tribes regarding Washington water law.
• Respond to inquiries from water right applicants, their consultants, other agency staff and the public.
• Develop maps and locate water rights using GIS and web mapping tools and software.

For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

Nine years of combined education and/or experience performing related to the duties of the position, that includes the following:

• Experience collecting, researching, and analyzing complex hydrologic or hydrogeologic data to support technical evaluations and regulatory decisions.
• Ability to apply scientific, hydrologic, or hydrogeologic findings and/or principles to permitting related decisions.
• Demonstrated skill in preparing technical written reports that summarize analyses, findings, and defensible recommendations for permitting decisions.
• Ability to conduct and interpret field investigations under the oversight of a licensed hydrogeologist, including groundwater and surface water related analyses.
• Experience reviewing proposed water related projects for legal, technical, and policy compliance.
• Strong communication and customer service skills, with the ability to interact professionally with applicants, consultants, tribal governments, partner agencies, and the public.
• Ability to manage and monitor complex permitting systems, for example water right authorizations.
• Familiarity with GIS and mapping tools to analyze and document water rights information, and ability to serve as a technical resource on mapping related tasks.
• Ability to mentor and support junior staff, collaborate on statewide workgroups, and independently manage workload priorities in a regulatory environment.

Education: Involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning, or related studies.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 9 years of experience.
• 8 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 7 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 6 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 5 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• 3 years of experience AND a Master’s degree.
• 2 years of experience AND a Ph.D.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor Degree in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning, or an academic discipline related to the duties of the position.
• Demonstrated professional experience implementing water resource management laws and rules Knowledge of Washington State water law, related rules, policies, and water rights permitting processes,
• Experience in applied geology, hydrogeology, or related disciplines.

If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.

Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Our Commitment to DEIR

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR)are core values central to Ecology's work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.

Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to