Water Rights Customer Service Specialist (Environmental Specialist 2) (In-Training)
We tailor your resume to this role and apply for you in seconds.
Apply to Water Rights Customer Service Specialist (Environmental Specialist 2) (In-Training) at State of WashingtonJob details
- Location
- Union Gap, Washington
- Work type
- Onsite
- Compensation
- $50,592 - $67,992/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 Water Rights Customer Service Specialist (Environmental Specialist 2) within the Water Resources Program.
Location:
- Central Region Office in Union Gap, WA.
- Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.
Schedule: This position is required to work in the office five days per week and is not eligible for telework.
- Upon completion of initial onboarding and training, the ability to telework up to two days per month may be available upon coordination with immediate supervisor.
Application Timeline:
- Apply by June 10, 2026
- Applications submitted after the date above may be reviewed only if additional qualified applicants are needed.
Position Duties
As the Central Region's Water Resources (WR) Customer Service Specialist, you will serve as the face and voice of the section, contributing meaningfully to needs across the region by addressing complex questions about water supply and use, as well as connecting customers with the appropriate services. You will also take part in a team that issues superseding documents, meeting strategic production targets. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working with a wide range of personalities, continuous learning, and a rapid, diverse workload.
What you will do:
- Answer and/or address customer requests as presented via phone call, in-person, and email, regarding water rights at the Central Regional Office.
- Deliver respectful, accurate, and solution-focused customer service to external customers and internal staff by actively listening to and identifying customer needs and using Program expertise to assist customers.
- Advise external customers on agency forms, materials, and processes, ensuring they understand next steps and available resources for effective resolution.
- Inform section leadership of ongoing and emerging customer service concerns.
- Using existing permitting decisions, draft superseding permits and certificates using Program templates, guidance, and best practices to help the section maintain up-to-date water right records.
- Seasonally, compare instream flow requirements with actual stream flows; track the information during the period required and update curtailment and drought hotlines as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
This position offers an in-training plan and may be filled at the Environmental Specialist 1 or 2 level, depending on your qualifications. If you qualify at the ES1 level and are hired, you will progress through an in-training plan to become an ES2 within a specified time period.
For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.
Required Qualifications:
At the Environmental Specialist 1 level (In-Training)
Pay Range 40, $3,581 - $4,771 monthlyFour years of experience and/or education as listed below:
- Experience: related to the duties of the positions which demonstrates the following skills:
- Customer Centered Service & Compassionate Communication - Ability to engage customers with welcoming, respectful interactions using active listening to convey repetitive, challenging, or disappointing information with clarity and empathy. Ability to explain requirements, forms, steps, and procedures clearly to help customers understand expectations and successfully comply.
- Professional Writing & Documentation - Ability to produce clear, accurate, and accessible written materials to maintain high-quality documentation and records.
- Time Management & Organization - Ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing deadlines, and maintain organized records to deliver timely and reliable service. Exercise sound judgment and apply expertise appropriately to resolve issues effectively and seek supervisory guidance when needed.
- Collaboration & Team Support - Ability to build respectful partnerships, share information, and participate in team efforts to support smooth and effective program operations.
- Inquiry Triage & Routing - Ability to identify issues needing advanced expertise and coordinate with supervisors and senior staff to ensure customers are routed appropriately for timely, accurate service.
- Digital Systems Fluency & Continuous Learning - Ability to navigate multiple digital systems and adapt to ongoing system or process changes to maintain effective and efficient daily operations.
- Data Review, Reporting & Technical Document Preparation - Ability to review and summarize data and prepare standardized technical documents to ensure consistency, clarity, and accuracy.
- Customer Centered Service & Compassionate Communication - Ability to engage customers with welcoming, respectful interactions using active listening to convey repetitive, challenging, or disappointing information with clarity and empathy. Ability to explain requirements, forms, steps, and procedures clearly to help customers understand expectations and successfully comply.
- Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning, geography, GIS, or closely related field.
Examples of how to qualify:
- 4 years of experience.
- 3 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
- 2 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
- 1 year of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
- 0 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
At the Environmental Specialist 2 level (Goal Class)
Pay Range 47, $4,216 - $5,666 monthlyFive years of experience and/or education as described below:
- Experience: related to the duties of the positions which demonstrates the following skills:
- Customer Centered Service & Compassionate Communication - Ability to engage customers with welcoming, respectful interactions using active listening to convey repetitive, challenging, or disappointing information with clarity and empathy. Ability to explain requirements, forms, steps, and procedures clearly to help customers understand expectations and successfully comply.
- Professional Writing & Documentation - Ability to produce clear, accurate, and accessible written materials to maintain high-quality documentation and records.
- Time Management & Organization - Ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing deadlines, and maintain organized records to deliver timely and reliable service. Exercise sound judgment and apply expertise appropriately to resolve issues effectively and seek supervisory guidance when needed.
- Collaboration & Team Support - Ability to build respectful partnerships, share information, and participate in team efforts to support smooth and effective program operations.
- Inquiry Triage & Routing - Ability to identify issues needing advanced expertise and coordinate with supervisors and senior staff to ensure customers are routed appropriately for timely, accurate service.
- Digital Systems Fluency & Continuous Learning - Ability to navigate multiple digital systems and adapt to ongoing system or process changes to maintain effective and efficient daily operations.
- Data Review, Reporting & Technical Document Preparation - Ability to review and summarize data and prepare standardized technical documents to ensure consistency, clarity, and accuracy.
- Customer Centered Service & Compassionate Communication - Ability to engage customers with welcoming, respectful interactions using active listening to convey repetitive, challenging, or disappointing information with clarity and empathy. Ability to explain requirements, forms, steps, and procedures clearly to help customers understand expectations and successfully comply.
- Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning, geography, GIS, or closely related field.
Examples of how to qualify:
- 5 years of experience.
- 4 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
- 3 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
- 2 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
- 1 year of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
- 0 years of experience AND a Master’s degree.
Desired Qualifications:
- Bilingual Proficiency in English and Spanish: Ability to read, write, and speak fluently in both languages
- Data Systems & GIS Basics: Ability to retrieve, update, and verify information in agency databases and GIS tools to maintain complete and accurate records.
- Information Management: Research, Logging & Tracking: Ability to gather information from multiple sources and accurately log and track inquiries or data to support accountability, reporting, and operational or seasonal updates.
- Regulatory & Policy Application: Ability to understand and apply relevant laws, rules, and policies to provide accurate guidance and program information.
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 Jolee Edgar 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
#LI-DNP
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
- One year
- Two years
- Three years
- Four years
- Five or more years
- None of the above
- 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
- None: I have no experience using active listening or empathy to explain requirements or difficult information to customers.
- Foundational: I am aware of basic customer service practices but require guidance when conversations become challenging or emotionally complex.
- Intermediate: I can explain steps and requirements with some clarity and can apply active listening with occasional guidance when conversations become repetitive or challenging.
- Advanced: I independently maintain respectful, calm, and empathetic interactions, even when conveying difficult information, and consistently help customers understand expectations.
- Expert: I am a go to resource for handling complex or sensitive customer situations and I mentor others in compassionate communication.
- None: I have no experience creating professional or program related written materials.
- Foundational: I can write basic messages but require editing or direction to ensure clarity, accuracy, and proper formatting.
- Intermediate: I produce generally clear documentation and written communications with occasional guidance for quality or consistency.
- Advanced: I independently create high quality, well organized documentation and communications that meet program expectations.
- Expert: I am seen as a writing resource for others and help develop or improve documentation standards, templates, or guidance.
- None: I have no experience managing multiple tasks or deadlines in a structured work environment.
- Foundational: I can follow instructions but rely on others to prioritize tasks and remind me of deadlines.
- Intermediate: I manage daily tasks and deadlines with some guidance and maintain basic organization systems.
- Advanced: I independently prioritize tasks, meet deadlines consistently, and maintain organized, reliable records; I seek guidance at appropriate times.
- Expert: I can coordinate complex workloads, support others in time management strategies, and help develop systems that improve workflow efficiency.
- None: I have no experience collaborating in a team setting.
- Foundational: I participate when directed but rely on others to initiate information sharing or team coordination.
- Intermediate: I contribute to team activities and share information with some guidance when coordination is needed.
- Advanced: I actively engage in teamwork, communicate proactively, and support smooth operations without being prompted.
- Expert: I help strengthen team processes, mentor others in collaborative practices, and promote a culture of shared responsibility.
- None: I have no experience assessing or routing customer inquiries.
- Foundational: I can identify obvious issues but rely on supervisors for decisions about routing or escalation.
- Intermediate: I can identify many issues that require escalation and route them correctly with occasional guidance.
- Advanced: I independently assess the complexity of inquiries and consistently route issues to the appropriate expert or supervisor.
- Expert: I help establish triage practices, assist peers in correctly routing inquiries, and ensure consistent, accurate decision making.
- None: I have no experience with job related digital systems.
- Foundational: I can perform basic tasks in digital systems with step by step instruction.
- Intermediate: I navigate core systems with some independence and adjust to new processes with occasional guidance.
- Advanced: I use multiple systems confidently, adapt quickly to updates or new tools, and troubleshoot routine issues independently.
- Expert: I am a resource for others in learning new systems, identifying system improvements, and supporting organizational readiness for change.
- None: I have no experience reviewing data or preparing technical documents.
- Foundational: I can follow basic instructions to enter or review data but need help interpreting it or preparing documents.
- Intermediate: I review and summarize straightforward data sets and prepare standard documents with occasional guidance.
- Advanced: I independently analyze data for accuracy, prepare clear and consistent technical documents, and identify issues needing correction.
- Expert: I support others in data interpretation, help refine standardized documents or templates, and ensure high quality reporting practices.
- 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