Watershed Implementation Lead (Environmental Specialist 4), Washington State Department of Ecology

Climate Adaptation Knowledge Exchange; Spokane (WA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Ecology seeks two Watershed Implementation Leads to coordinate watershed-wide efforts for Hangman or Palouse. You will develop and implement TMDLs and STIs, work with landowners, and leverage grant funding to restore streams and protect aquatic habitats in eastern Washington.

You will collaborate with a team of six fellow leads, guiding cleanup plans, monitoring effectiveness, and engaging with partners to meet water quality standards and compliance requirements.

Qualifications

• Nine years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, including assessment & evaluation, plan development, regulatory compliance, data interpretation, collaboration, communication, and project/grant management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plans and straight-to-implementation strategies for the designated watershed.
• Coordinate with partners to apply riparian restoration, best management practices, and grant-funded actions.
• Track progress toward goals, conduct effectiveness monitoring, and ensure compliance with water quality standards.

Skills

Assessment & Evaluation

Plan Development

Regulatory Compliance

Data Interpretation

Collaboration

Technical Communication

Project & Grant Management

Education

Environmental science major

Job description

Watershed Implementation Lead (Environmental Specialist 4), Washington State Department of Ecology

Organization/Grantor: Washington State Department of Ecology

Position/Title/Fund: Watershed Implementation Lead (Environmental Specialist 4)

Type/Term: Full Time, Permanent

Location: Spokane, Washington (Hybrid)

Deadline: October 21, 2026

Description

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.

Responsibilities

You will serve as the watershed-specific lead, responsible developing and implementing Total Maximum Daily Load plans (TMDLs) and Straight to Implementation strategies (STIs) for either the Hangman or Palouse watersheds. TMDLs and STI strategies are different types of water quality clean-up plans designed to meet state water quality standards when streams are polluted. To do this, you will:

• 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

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

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

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.

Preferred

• 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.

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.