Watershed Planning Unit Lead – Policy & Restoration

State of Washington; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington’s Department of Ecology seeks a Watershed Planning Unit Supervisor to lead a seven-member team, directing policy development for nonpoint and TMDL programs and supporting statewide water quality decisions.

You will engage in broad program coordination, oversee compliance with deadlines, and drive strategic planning and staffing actions to ensure efficient, high-quality work across the state.

Qualifications

• Nine years of experience and/or education related to the duties, including environmental policy and program experience.
• Experience planning and tracking program work to meet commitments.
• Experience collaborating with external partners to align efforts and outcomes.
• Ability to guide and support staff to build a high-performing team.
• Experience in recruiting, developing, and evaluating employees.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage budgets and resources.
• Ability to explain complex environmental and policy issues clearly to staff and partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead a headquarters unit of seven staff providing environmental and policy support for water quality decisions.
• Oversee nonpoint and TMDL/water clean plans programs statewide.
• Coordinate with inter-program and inter-agency groups and external partners.
• Ensure compliance with laws, deadlines, and reporting requirements.
• Manage recruitment, hiring, and personnel actions under union and civil service rules.
• Foster effective agency communications and diverse staffing practices.
• Plan workload, set priorities, monitor progress, and ensure timely delivery.
• Oversee unit budget, approvals, travel, and purchasing requests.

Skills

Environmental policy

Strategic planning

Interagency coordination

Leadership

HR management

Workload management

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree or higher

Job description

State of Washington’s Department of Ecology seeks a Watershed Planning Unit Supervisor to lead a seven-member team, directing policy development for nonpoint and TMDL programs and supporting statewide water quality decisions.

You will engage in broad program coordination, oversee compliance with deadlines, and drive strategic planning and staffing actions to ensure efficient, high-quality work across the state.