Senior Grant Project Manager and TMDL Lead (Environmental Specialist 4)
Job details
- Location
- Lacey, Washington
- Work type
- Hybrid
- Compensation
- $67,992 - $91,464/yr
- Posted
- yesterday
- Apply on
- governmentjobs.com
About this role
About the Department
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Senior Grant Project Manager and TMDL Lead (Environmental Specialist 4) within the Water Quality Program.
Location:
- Headquarters Office in Lacey, 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.
- You may telework most of your work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities.
- Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline:
- Apply by June 16, 2026
- Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.
Position Duties
Nonpoint sources are one of the largest contributors of pollution in Washington. Nonpoint pollution can contain toxic chemicals, excess nutrients, and bacteria. As the Senior Nonpoint Grant Project Manager and TMDL Lead, you will help reduce this pollution by providing financial assistance for grant and loan recipients in Southwest Washington. You will also help develop water quality restoration plans for selected watersheds.
What you will do:
- Work with a team of internal and external partners, including engineers and financial managers, to evaluate, plan, install, and maintain critical nonpoint water quality restoration projects.
- Develop and negotiate grant and loan terms of agreement.
- Track project performance against contract obligations, which includes visiting sites at critical stages to make sure they are following the grant agreements.
- Review and rate environmental nonpoint grant applications for accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Assist local governments understand how to use Ecology funds to nonpoint source pollution.
- Develop and implement Water Quality Improvement Plans (also knows and Total Maximum Daily Loads or TMDLs) within the Southwest Region.
- Help partners implement practices to meet water quality standards.
- Build relationships with landowners and help them comply with water quality laws, understand and share best management practices, and communicate the science behind these practices.
Minimum 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 as described below:
- Experience performing environmental-based work, OR work related to the duties of the position, that includes three or more of the following:
- Grant and Financial Program Administration - Ability to manage and oversee financial assistance programs to ensure funds are awarded, used, monitored, and closed out in accordance with program requirements and to support successful project outcomes.
- Project and Portfolio Management - Ability to plan, track, and evaluate multiple projects simultaneously to keep work on schedule, maintain quality standards, and achieve intended environmental and program goals.
- Technical and Regulatory Analysis - Ability to interpret technical data and regulatory requirements, and to lead the development of technical plans and recommendations that support effective program decisions and improved outcomes.
- Intergovernmental and Community Collaboration - Experience collaborating with Tribes, local governments, state and federal agencies, community organizations, and members of the public to build alignment, solve problems, and advance shared project and program objectives.
- Communication and Public Service - Ability to communicate complex technical and financial information in clear, understandable terms, respond to inquiries, and share program requirements and results to support public understanding and transparency.
- Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning; or an academic discipline related to the duties of the position.
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.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience managing grants
- Experience working with TMDLs and water quality improvement projects.
- Technical writing experience.
- Experience facilitating meetings.
- Experience coordinating agencies and working with external advisory groups.
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.
Other Qualifications
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.
How to Apply
Click “Apply” at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:
- Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
- Resume
Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as “see resume” may be considered incomplete.
For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.
Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.
Need an Accommodation?
If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:
- Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or [email protected]
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.
Questions?
- For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Lawrence Sullivan at [email protected]
- 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 [email protected]
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 Incentives, 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.
#LI-Hybrid
Benefits
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
Supplemental Questions
- Community Based Organization
- Community / Technical College
- Ecology Employee
- Ecology Recruiter
- Ecology Jobs Page
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- Newspaper
- Other State Agency
- Other Website
- Professional Association
- University Job Board
- WorkSource
- Other
- Yes
- No
- Two years
- Three years
- Four years
- Five years
- Six years
- Seven years
- Eight years
- Nine years
- None of the above
- None – No exposure or experience: I haven’t worked with grants or financial assistance and am not familiar with the funding process or program requirements.
- Foundational – Basic awareness; limited exposure or training: I understand the basics of how financial assistance programs work and have supported simple tasks with oversight.
- Intermediate – Performs tasks with some guidance; developing practical experience: I can carry out key parts of the funding process—such as reviewing information, tracking expenditures, or preparing documentation—with guidance when situations become complex.
- Advanced – Performs tasks independently with consistent, demonstrated competence: I manage most aspects of funding awards, monitoring, and closeout independently and reliably support compliance and program requirements.
- Expert – Recognized subject matter authority who leads, mentors, or sets direction: I lead complex financial assistance efforts, guide others, and help shape or improve program procedures, standards, or approaches.
- None – No exposure or experience: I have not been involved in planning or tracking projects.
- Foundational – Basic awareness; limited exposure or training: I understand basic project management concepts and have helped with simple planning or coordination tasks.
- Intermediate – Performs tasks with some guidance; developing practical experience: I can develop plans, track work, and update schedules for one or more projects, seeking guidance for more complex decisions.
- Advanced – Performs tasks independently with consistent, demonstrated competence: I independently manage multiple projects, keep work on track, anticipate challenges, and adjust plans to maintain quality and timelines.
- Expert – Recognized subject matter authority who leads, mentors, or sets direction: I oversee complex or long-term project efforts, guide others in project management practices, and help develop processes for coordinating work across programs.
- None – No exposure or experience: I have not worked with technical data or regulatory information.
- Foundational – Basic awareness; limited exposure or training: I have basic familiarity with technical or regulatory concepts and can assist with simple analysis tasks.
- Intermediate – Performs tasks with some guidance; developing practical experience: I can review technical information, interpret regulatory requirements, and prepare assessments, seeking guidance for complex or high impact issues.
- Advanced – Performs tasks independently with consistent, demonstrated competence: I independently analyze technical data and regulations, prepare clear recommendations, and support program decisions with well-developed technical input.
- Expert – Recognized subject matter authority who leads, mentors, or sets direction: I lead complex analytical work, mentor others, develop or refine analytical methods, and provide high-level technical and regulatory guidance.
- None – No exposure or experience: I have not worked with Tribes, agencies, community organizations, or the public in a collaborative role.
- Foundational – Basic awareness; limited exposure or training: I understand basic principles of collaboration and have assisted with limited communication or coordination activities.
- Intermediate – Performs tasks with some guidance; developing practical experience: I can participate in meetings, share information, and help coordinate work with Tribes, agencies, community organizations, or the public, seeking guidance for sensitive or complex situations.
- Advanced – Performs tasks independently with consistent, demonstrated competence: I independently maintain productive working relationships, coordinate collaborative efforts, and support shared goals across multiple groups.
- Expert – Recognized subject matter authority who leads, mentors, or sets direction: I lead major collaborative initiatives, mentor others on effective engagement practices, and help shape long-term or program-level collaboration strategies.
- None – No exposure or experience: I have not had responsibility for communicating technical or financial information or responding to public inquiries.
- Foundational – Basic awareness; limited exposure or training: I understand basic communication practices and can help with straightforward messages or questions.
- Intermediate – Performs tasks with some guidance; developing practical experience: I can explain program information clearly, prepare responses, and communicate technical or financial details with some guidance for complex topics.
- Advanced – Performs tasks independently with consistent, demonstrated competence: I independently prepare clear written and verbal communication, explain complex information in accessible terms, and address inquiries with confidence and accuracy.
- Expert – Recognized subject matter authority who leads, mentors, or sets direction: I lead communication efforts, guide others on effective communication, and develop approaches that improve public understanding and transparency.
- 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits
- 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (AA degree)
- 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree
- Ph.D.
- None of the above
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- No
Required Question
Agency Information
EmployerState of WashingtonAddress View Job Posting for Agency InformationView Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov
About State of Washington
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