Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction Project Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4)

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

Job summary

Washington State Department of Ecology in Lacey, WA seeks a Puget Sound Nutrients Project Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) to advance nutrient reduction funding from wastewater projects. Telework and flexible scheduling are available.

The role includes grant and loan oversight, project monitoring, and collaboration with engineers and permit managers in a multi‑faceted program. The position supports environmental justice goals, manages performance, and guides funding opportunities within

Qualifications

• Nine (9) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, including project coordination, technical problem-solving, regulation/policy application, financial oversight, collaboration, and equity.
• Experience interpreting and applying rules, policies, and laws to ensure compliance with standards.
• Ability to monitor budgets, review payment requests, and manage funding programs.
• Experience coordinating with engineers, permit managers, and funding recipients.
• Ability to communicate clearly and build strong working relationships with partners.
• Knowledge of environmental justice considerations in funding decisions.

Responsibilities

• Develop grant and loan agreements and amendments with stakeholders.
• Monitor performance via progress reports, payment requests, and site visits.
• Collaborate with Water Quality Program managers and engineers for efficient fund management.
• Provide leadership in adaptive management of the Grants Program as a Fund Coordinator.
• Support environmental justice initiatives through research and assessments.
• Promote funding opportunities by offering technical assistance to applicants and recipients.

Skills

Project Coordination

Technical Problem‑Solving

Regulation and Policy

Financial Oversight

Collaboration and Communication

Equity and Community Awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental/natural sciences or related field

Job description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction Project Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) within the Water Quality Program.

This is a project position that is funded until December 31, 2029. This funding is highly likely to be renewed for the next bi-annual budget cycle.

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.
• You may telework most of your work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline

• Apply by October 21, 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties

As the Puget Sound Nutrients Project Specialist, you’ll work in a multi-faceted role to engage with Puget Sound communities providing technical and financial assistance to advance nutrient removal efforts from wastewater treatment plants. You’ll help manage and oversee individual funding awards for nutrient reduction, as well as general wastewater treatment projects. You’ll collaborate with Ecology engineers and permit managers, monitor project performance, conduct site visits, and assist with programmatic planning related to Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction grants.

In addition to project and program management duties, you’ll play an important role in advancing the Financial Management Section’s environmental justice goals and initiatives, including writing and publishing environmental justice assessments related to funded projects.

What You Will Do

• Develop individual grant and loan agreements and amendments, working closely with Ecology engineers, permit managers, and funding recipients. Assess project compliance with funding agreement terms, funding program guidelines, agency policy, and state and federal funding program requirements.
• Monitor performance of funded projects through review and processing of quarterly progress reports, payment requests, backup documentation, project deliverables, and performing site visits throughout the project duration, specifically at critical milestone stages.
• Work closely with other Water Quality Program grant and loan managers and wastewater treatment facility engineers in providing for the effective and efficient management of the Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction and Clean Water State Revolving Fund monies.
• Provide leadership in the adaptive management of the Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction Grants Program as a Fund Coordinator.
• Support the Financial Management Section in its environmental justice initiatives, which include conducting research, writing assessments, and providing guidance to Unit Supervisor and Section Manager on environmental justice issues related to funding programs.
• Collaborate with other Financial Management Section staff to plan and promote funding opportunities by providing technical assistance for funding applicants and recipients.

Qualifications

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

Required Qualifications

Nine (9) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which must include the following:

• Project Coordination – Ability to organize, monitor, and support project activities to ensure work stays on track and meets program goals.
• Technical Problem‑Solving – Ability to review technical information and apply environmental knowledge to find practical solutions that support successful project outcomes.
• Regulation and Policy Application – Ability to interpret and apply rules, policies, and laws to ensure projects comply with required standards.
• Financial Oversight – Ability to review budgets, payment requests, and financial information to ensure responsible and accurate use of public funds.
• Collaboration and Communication – Ability to work effectively with partners and clearly share information to support coordinated decisions and strong working relationships.
• Equity and Community Awareness – Ability to recognize community needs and apply equity considerations to support fair and effective program outcomes.

Education

involving a major study 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..

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.

Special Requirements/Conditions Of Employment

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license or provide alternate reliable transportation for travel within the state of Washington.
• Regular travel is required between Ecology headquarters, regional offices, partner agency locations, and assigned inspection sites/facilities.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with city or county governments.
• Experience with developing or managing data tracking systems.
• Experience managing projects and funding, either as a recipient or agency.
• Knowledge of environmental justice principals and applicable laws relating to equitable funding.

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.

Supplemental Information

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 innovative approaches and solutions.

Equity: We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.

Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology’s work.

Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.

We believe that DEIR is both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.

Application Process

Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Questions?

• For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Seth Elsen at [e-mail]
• If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at [e-mail]

About The Water Quality Program

The Water Quality Program’s Financial Management Section oversees an active portfolio of more than $1 billion in projects related to water quality and public health protection. This position is housed within the Wastewater Financial and Technical Assistance Unit, which administers wastewater funding and provides robust technical assistance for Tribes and small communities to solve wastewater needs big and small.

About The Department Of Ecology

As the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work balance. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.

• Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s)
• Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
• Vacation
• Sick
• other Leave *
• 11 Paid Holidays per year *
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Tuition Waiver
• Long Term Disability & Life Insurance
• Deferred Compensation Programs
• Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
• Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Commute Trip Reduction Incentive
• Combined Fund Drive
• SmartHealth *

Click here for more information

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

Note

This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.