Shorelands & Coastal Resilience Program Manager

Washington State Department of Ecology; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Ecology is seeking a Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program Manager to lead our statewide program from the Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA. This executive role participates in the Executive Leadership Team and oversees critical environmental initiatives across shorelands, wetlands, and coastal resilience.

The position requires strategic leadership, budget oversight, and experience guiding multiple agencies and communities toward resilient outcomes.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree or equivalent professional experience in environmental/public policy or related field.
• Proven track record in strategic leadership, budgeting, and policy management.
• Experience coordinating with multiple agencies, Tribes, and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct the statewide SEA program, negotiating scope, priorities, resources, and outcomes.
• Oversee policy development across shorelands, wetlands, floodplain management, and coastal resilience.
• Align program strategy with Ecology's mission and state environmental priorities.
• Administer state and delegated federal programs (SEPA, SMA, CZMA, Sec. 401).
• Manage budgets, personnel, and resources with transparent stewardship of public funds.
• Recruit, develop, and lead senior staff toward a collaborative, high‑performing workplace.
• Ensure defensible regulatory and scientific outcomes across planning, permitting, and coastal hazard mitigation.
• Oversee major statewide initiatives (Floodplain by Design, Wetland Mitigation Banking, SMA).
• Represent Washington in federal matters as Coastal Manager and coordinate disaster response.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Budget and Planning

Communication

Intergovernmental Coordination

Policy Management

Regulatory Oversight

Stakeholder Engagement

Diversity & Inclusion

Environmental Regulatory Expertise

Education

Public Administration

Business Administration

Environmental Management

Environmental Sciences

Natural Sciences

Physical Sciences

Engineering

Planning

Related Fields

Job description

Washington State Department of Ecology is seeking a Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program Manager to lead our statewide program from the Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA. This executive role participates in the Executive Leadership Team and oversees critical environmental initiatives across shorelands, wetlands, and coastal resilience.

The position requires strategic leadership, budget oversight, and experience guiding multiple agencies and communities toward resilient outcomes.