Senior Surface Water Engineering Lead - Remote

State of Washington; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Health is seeking a Senior Surface Water Engineering Specialist (EE5) to provide technical leadership on surface water treatment and optimization for the Office of Drinking Water. This remote/hybrid role covers statewide responsibilities, with about 20% field work across Washington state and occasional in-person duties.

You will guide program teams, review complex proposals, and support emergency preparedness while aligning with regulatory requirements and best

Qualifications

• Doctorate/Master/Bachelor/Associate degrees with relevant field + required environmental engineering experience as outlined.
• Registered Professional Engineer (PE) in WA or eligible via reciprocity within six months of hire.
• Four or more years working in a local, state, or federal water regulatory program.
• Experience with water system design, water filtration treatment, disinfection, operation, and maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical authority on surface water treatment and optimization.
• Provide engineering guidance to program teams and drinking water systems.
• Evaluate complex treatment issues and develop solutions that support health protection.
• Lead on drinking water treatment technologies, processes, and system performance.
• Review technical information and ensure adherence to requirements and best practices.
• Communicate complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Skills

MS Office 365

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Education

Doctorate in relevant engineering fields

Master's degree in relevant engineering fields

Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering fields

Associate's degree in relevant engineering fields

8+ years environmental engineering under a PE

Tools

MS Office 365

Job description

Senior Surface Water Engineering Specialist - Environmental Engineer 5 (EE5)

Environmental Public Health – Office of Drinking Water

This home-based (remote) position is open to Washington residents only and offers a hybrid work arrangement, combining remote and field work throughout Washington State that is expected to comprise approximately 20% of work time.

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) protects and improves the health of people in Washington state through equity, innovation, and engagement. Within the Division of Environmental Public Health, the Office of Drinking Water (ODW) works to protect public health by ensuring Washington communities have access to safe and reliable drinking water.

The Engineering and Technical Services Section provides statewide engineering and technical expertise to ODW programs, Section Supervisors, and the regulated drinking water community. This position provides technical leadership on complex drinking water issues, with a focus on surface water treatment and treatment optimization. The position also supports emergency preparedness and response and contributes to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment.

This is an opportunity to apply environmental engineering expertise to work that directly supports public health and the safety and reliability of drinking water systems across Washington.

Key Responsibilities Include

Surface Water Treatment & Optimization

• Serve as ODW’s technical authority on surface water treatment and treatment optimization.
• Provide engineering guidance and technical consultation to program teams, Section Supervisors, and drinking water systems.
• Evaluate complex treatment issues and develop or recommend solutions that support compliance and protection of public health.
• Provide technical leadership on drinking water treatment technologies, processes, and system performance.

Statewide Engineering & Technical Support

• Provide environmental engineering expertise to ODW programs and initiatives.
• Review technical information, engineering proposals, and treatment-related documentation.
• Support consistent application of drinking water requirements, technical standards, and best practices.
• Communicate complex engineering and technical information to technical and non-technical audiences.

Emergency Preparedness & Response

• Provide technical support during drinking water emergencies and incidents.
• Assist with emergency preparedness activities and response coordination related to drinking water systems.
• Apply engineering expertise to assess risks, identify solutions, and support timely public health decisions.

Infrastructure Assessment & Program Support

• Support DOH participation in the EPA Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment.
• Collect, evaluate, and analyze technical and infrastructure information from drinking water systems.
• Provide engineering expertise to statewide planning, assessment, and program improvement efforts.

Collaboration & Technical Leadership

• Work collaboratively with ODW staff, drinking water system representatives, other government agencies, and technical partners.
• Represent ODW on technical matters related to drinking water treatment and infrastructure.
• Provide consultation, mentoring, and technical assistance to support staff and program teams.
• Stay current on emerging drinking water treatment technologies, engineering practices, and regulatory requirements.

Why You’ll Love This Role

This role offers the opportunity to apply environmental engineering expertise to work with a direct and meaningful public health impact. The position works with a collaborative team of engineers, technical experts, program staff, and drinking water professionals across Washington to address complex challenges and support safe and reliable drinking water. The work offers variety, statewide impact, and opportunities to build technical leadership while contributing to emergency response, infrastructure planning, and the continued improvement of drinking water programs.

Required Qualifications

There are multiple pathways to qualify for this position. You must meet one of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities.

Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile.

Option 1: Doctorate with major study in one of the following engineering fields: sanitary water resource, civil, geotechnical, environmental, chemical, mechanical, or related field + 2 years of experience in environmental engineering

Option 2: Master’s degree with major study in one of the following engineering fields: sanitary water resource, civil, geotechnical, environmental, chemical, mechanical, or related field + 3 years of experience in environmental engineering

Option 3: Bachelor’s degree with major study in one of the following engineering fields: sanitary water resource, civil, geotechnical, environmental, chemical, mechanical, or related field + 4 years of experience in environmental engineering

Option 4:Associate's degree with major study in one of the following engineering fields: sanitary water resource, civil, geotechnical, environmental, chemical, mechanical, or related field + 6 years of experience in environmental engineering

Option 5: 8 years of experience in environmental engineering under a licensed Professional Engineer (PE)

Additional Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience

• Registered Professional Engineer (PE) in the state of Washington or ability to obtain licensure through reciprocity within six months from date of hire.
• Four or more years working in a local, state, or federal water regulatory program such as wastewater, reclaimed water, stormwater, or drinking water.
• Demonstrated experience with water system design, water filtration treatment, disinfection, operation, and maintenance.
• Intermediate level user of MS Office 365 software suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint) to include analyzing data using database software.

Preferred Qualifications

While these aren’t required, having them can help you stand out as a candidate.

• Water Treatment Plant Operator (WTPO) and Water Distribution Manager (WDM) in Training or higher certification.
• Three years of experience related to planning design, operation, or management of drinking water facilities while working in a state drinking water program, consulting firm, or operating a water treatment plant.
• Three years of experience related to planning, design, operation, or management of surface water treatment plant drinking water facilities while working in a state drinking water program, consulting firm, or operating a water treatment plant.
• Experience with Federal Safe Drinking Water Act programs and requirements and/or implementing water quality requirements of state or local drinking water regulations.
• Project management, analysis, and problem-solving experience.

Employee Benefits

We offer a solid benefits package that supports you and your family’s health, financial security, and work-life balance. You’ll have access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, and retirement plans that help you plan for tomorrow while you’re living today. Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave help you recharge, and additional programs like dependent care assistance and professional development opportunities add value beyond basic coverage. Join us and enjoy benefits designed to care for you as much as you care about public health. Learn more about DOH benefits and see how we support your life at work and beyond by visitingWork@Health.

About the Washington State Department of Health

We're nearly 2,700 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health. Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience.

At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We're passionate people who are driven tomake a difference in public health. Our work depends on people who take action to learn and grow and who take action to meet the needs of others every day, in service of a healthier Washington. Explore more about the Department of Health, our programs, and our impact byvisiting our website.

Working Conditions:

The following describes the working conditions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Setting:

• This position may work at a computer workstation at home or other office location for an extended period of time.
• Although the position’s work requires occasional in-person attendance to perform duties at various locations throughout Washington state, the official duty station for this position is home-based within Washington State. When not travelling for work, the incumbent may work from home, from a DOH facility, or work remotely from an alternate location.
• This position must be able to traverse difficult terrain and move within drinking water facilities, including climbing stairs and ladders. Exposure to hazards may include the approved chemicals added to drinking water supplies
• The position may require moving objects and materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Incumbent must be capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation(s).

Schedule:

• This position typically works 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, with one hour for lunch. Alternative work schedules may be considered upon request from the incumbent and approval of the supervisor.
• This position may work in excess of 40-hours a week, including evenings and weekends, and travel statewide when necessary to perform core functions of the position.

Travel Requirements:

• When driving for state business, the incumbent must be able to legally operate a state or privately-owned vehicle; or provide alternative transportation when required to travel for state business.
• This position may travel occasionally to meet business needs.
• Travel may be during the day and at night, and in snow and rain conditions. The incumbent must be able to travel alone and with another person and stay out of town overnight for several days at a time, as needed, to meet demands of the position.

Tools & Equipment:

• Duties require the use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g., desk, filing cabinet, computer, printer, telephone, fax machine, copy machine, etc.)
• This position requires the use of field test and safety equipment (e.g., chlorine residual pocket colorimeter and pH meter, etc.)

Customer Interactions:

• Interact by phone, email, and in person with office managers, staff, water system owners and operators, partner organizations, and the public.
• Communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Speak publicly before management, colleagues, purveyors, and the community.

Other:

• This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
• Ability to take action to learn and grow
• Ability to take action to meet the needs of others
• The DOH campus is a smoke-free, drug-free, alcohol-free, scent-neutral environment.
• This position may be required to conduct and/or participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities.

APPLICATION DIRECTIONS:

We’re committed to a fair and equitable hiring process. Only materials submitted through the official application will be considered. Emailed resumes or documents won’t be accepted or shared with the hiring manager.

Click “Apply” to complete your application. Attach your resume, cover letter, and DD-214 (if applicable). List at least three professional references, directly in your Applicant Profile or as a separate attachment, including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led (if applicable).

DO NOT INCLUDE private details like your SSN or birth year, personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, projects, portfolios, or letters of recommendation.

Veterans Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or a signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.

DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.

Questions and Accommodations:If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Andrea Thieme [e-mail] and reference DOH8996.

Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.

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

Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.

Experience and education selected, listed, or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the submitted applicant profile.