Watershed Implementation Lead (Environmental Specialist 4) (Two Positions)

Washington State Department of Ecology; Washington; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

Flexible schedule

In-office one day per week

Job summary

Washington State Department of Ecology is hiring two Watershed Implementation Leads (Environmental Specialist 4) for the Water Quality Program, based in the Eastern Region Office in Spokane, WA. Telework is possible, but each role requires one in-office day weekly to coordinate with partners across the Hangman and Palouse watersheds.

These positions focus on restoring streams, protecting aquatic habitats, and implementing water quality actions, including planning, compliance, and grant

Qualifications

• Nine (9) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, including Assessment & Evaluation, Plan Development & Implementation, Regulatory Compliance & Enforcement, Data Interpretation, Collaboration & Partnership Building, Technical Assistance & Communication, and Project & Grant Management.

Responsibilities

• Craft clean-up strategies and messages, prioritize pollution sources, recommend actions for cleaning up impairments, and conduct TMDL scoping activities.
• Coordinate with partners to implement practices identified in clean-up plans, such as riparian restoration, conservation tillage, livestock management, and nonpoint stormwater management.
• Track agency and partner implementation progress toward meeting the goals and milestones of the TMDLs and STIs, and support/effectiveness monitoring.
• Perform watershed evaluations to identify land uses that contribute nonpoint pollution and develop strategies to bring them into compliance.
• Provide technical assistance and outreach on water quality protection to landowners to help them comply with water quality laws.
• Communicate best management practices needed for water quality and habitat protection.
• Prepare regulatory documents as needed, including letters of warning, notices of violation, administrative orders, and penalties.

Skills

Assessment & Evaluation

Plan Development & Implementation

Regulatory Compliance & Enforcement

Data Interpretation

Collaboration & Partnership Building

Technical Assistance & Communication

Project & Grant Management

Education

Environmental science degree

Job description

Description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring two Watershed Implementation Lead (Environmental Specialist 4) positions within the Water Quality Program.

Location

• Eastern Region Office in Spokane, 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.
• A minimum of one day per week is required in the office.
• 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

Are you interested in restoring streams and protecting aquatic habitats? Can you picture yourself developing clean-up plans and implementing water quality actions for rivers and streams in eastern Washington? Would you enjoy collaborating with a fantastic team of six fellow implementation leads? If so, these positions could be a great fit for you!

We are hiring two Watershed Implementation Leads: one focused on the Hangman watershed and the other on the Palouse watershed.

In either of these roles, you will coordinate with watershed partners in your designated geographic area to identify and control nonpoint source water pollution with an emphasis on riparian restoration as you work to meet water quality standards. You will be responsible for implementing existing water quality clean‑up plans and developing new plans designed to achieve water quality standards and protect aquatic habitat. A significant portion of your role will involve collaborating with landowners and local partners to proactively restore streams using technical assistance and available grant funding. You may also need to use state regulatory tools to achieve compliance when proactive efforts are unsuccessful.

What You Will Do

• Craft clean‑up strategies and messages, prioritize pollution sources, recommendation actions for cleaning up impairments, and conduct TMDL scoping activities.
• Coordinate with partners to implement practices identified in clean‑up plans, such as riparian restoration, conservation tillage, livestock management, nonpoint stormwater management, etc.
• Track agency and partner implementation progress toward meeting the goals and milestones of the TMDLs and STIs. Support and/or perform effectiveness monitoring.
• Perform watershed evaluations to identify land uses that constitute nonpoint pollution sources and develop strategies to bring these sources into compliance.
• Provide technical assistance and outreach on water quality protection to landowners in the watersheds to help them achieve compliance with water quality laws.
• Understand and effectively communicate the best management practices needed for water quality and habitat protection.
• Prepare regulatory documents as needed, including letters of warning, notices of violation, administrative orders, and penalties.

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:

• Assessment & Evaluation – Ability to review and interpret program or site conditions to identify issues and support informed decisions.
• Plan Development & Implementation – Ability to create and carry out technical or operational plans to meet program goals and desired outcomes.
• Regulatory Compliance & Enforcement – Ability to evaluate activities for compliance with laws and rules and use appropriate tools to resolve violations.
• Data Interpretation – Ability to analyze and interpret monitoring or evaluation data to inform recommendations and actions.
• Collaboration & Partnership Building – Ability to work effectively with communities, organizations, and partners to achieve shared goals.
• Technical Assistance & Communication – Ability to explain requirements, practices, and solutions in clear everyday language to support understanding and compliance.
• Project & Grant Management – Ability to develop, oversee, and evaluate projects to ensure they meet requirements and deliver expected results.

Education

involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning; or closely related field.

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.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to understand environmental regulations at the federal, state, and local level.
• General knowledge of water pollutants and their sources.
• Experience reviewing environmental clean‑up plans, laboratory reports, and scientific studies.
• Ability to communicate scientific or technical information to a diverse audience.

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 Mitch Redfern 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 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.

Ecology employees may be eligible for the following: Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and 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

To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or our blog.

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.