Remote Solid Waste Program Lead – Permits & Enforcement

Washington State Department of Ecology; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Ecology is seeking a CRO SWM Section Manager to lead the Solid Waste Management Program within the Central Region. You will guide permitting, enforcement, and grant activities, collaborating with local governments and industries to solve complex environmental challenges.

Role emphasizes staff leadership, budget planning, regulatory interpretation, and delivering high‑quality outcomes that influence regional priorities and policy direction.

Qualifications

• Nine (9) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally to help others understand information, expectations, and decisions.
• Ability to work effectively with others to build positive relationships and support shared goals.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage program activities and resources to deliver consistent and accountable outcomes.
• Ability to understand and apply laws, rules, and policies to ensure decisions are accurate, defensible, and consistent.
• Ability to review and approve permits, plans, and enforcement actions to ensure work follows applicable laws and standards.
• Ability to review work for accuracy and completeness to maintain high‑quality documents, decisions, and outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage section staff, including assigning work, coaching, evaluating performance, and supporting professional development.
• Oversee program operations related to solid waste, biosolids, and delegated federal programs to ensure regulatory compliance and alignment with organizational goals.
• Review, develop, and approve permits, enforcement actions, and grant awards to protect environmental and public health outcomes.
• Interpret and apply laws, rules, and policies to make consistent, defensible decisions on permitting, planning, compliance, and funding.
• Develop and manage budgets and resource plans to align staffing, workload, and financial needs with program priorities.
• Provide clear communication and guidance to staff, leadership, interested parties, and the public on program activities and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners, building relationships to support collaborative problem‑solving and effective program implementation.
• Implement strategic and program plans, track section performance, and address emerging issues to ensure high‑quality outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Policy interpretation

Stakeholder engagement

Permitting & enforcement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related field

Tools

GIS

Job description

Washington State Department of Ecology is seeking a CRO SWM Section Manager to lead the Solid Waste Management Program within the Central Region. You will guide permitting, enforcement, and grant activities, collaborating with local governments and industries to solve complex environmental challenges.

Role emphasizes staff leadership, budget planning, regulatory interpretation, and delivering high‑quality outcomes that influence regional priorities and policy direction.