Shorelands & Environmental Program Lead — Flexible

Washington Department of Natural Resources; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 100,692 - 173,472; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision for employee &?s

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Tuition Waiver

Long Term Disability

Life Insurance

Deferred Compensation Programs

SmartHealth

11 paid holidays per year

Job summary

Washington Department of Ecology seeks a transformational leader to guide the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program statewide. You will provide executive direction, partner with a dedicated team, and align shorelands, wetlands, and coastal resilience initiatives with statewide priorities.

You will oversee major programs, budgets, and collaborations with Tribes, federal and local partners, ensuring defensible, science-based outcomes and climate preparedness across diverse landscapes.

Qualifications

• Experience with strategic leadership and program management in a large public agency.
• Ability to communicate with Tribal governments and diverse stakeholders.
• Experience navigating environmental laws and regulatory frameworks (SEPA, SMA, CZMA, Sec. 401).
• Experience integrating multiple environmental programs for cross-program alignment.

Responsibilities

• Lead statewide Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program, negotiating scope, priorities, resources, and outcomes.
• Oversee development and implementation of policies, rules, and guidance for shorelands, wetlands, and floodplain management.
• Direct program strategy to align regulatory and conservation priorities with Ecology’s mission.
• Administer state and delegated federal programs including SMA and CZMA; manage budgets and staff.
• Build partnerships with Tribes and other governmental and community stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Budget & Planning

Ethical Leadership

Communication

Program Management

Intergovernmental Coordination

Resource Stewardship

Regulatory Oversight

Environmental Policy

Watershed Integration

Rulemaking & Guidance

Job description

Washington Department of Ecology seeks a transformational leader to guide the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program statewide. You will provide executive direction, partner with a dedicated team, and align shorelands, wetlands, and coastal resilience initiatives with statewide priorities.

You will oversee major programs, budgets, and collaborations with Tribes, federal and local partners, ensuring defensible, science-based outcomes and climate preparedness across diverse landscapes.