Municipal Stormwater Permit Implementation Planner; Environmental Planner

Municipal Stormwater Permit Implementation Planner (Environmental Planner
3)

Location:

Bellingham Field Office, Bellingham, WA. Must live within commutable distance.

Schedule:

Eligible for telework and flexible schedule options. Minimum of one day per week required in office.

Apply by May 28, 2026. This position will remain open until filled.

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Municipal Stormwater Permit Implementation Planner to serve as an independent project manager, guiding the development and implementation of municipal stormwater programs for city and county governments and special purpose districts in Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan, and Snohomish counties.

• Provide stormwater planning technical assistance to local governments.
• Assist counties and municipalities in developing, planning, and coordinating stormwater programs that benefit water quality.
• Contribute as a member of a statewide team to continually adapt permit requirements in response to new information, population demands, and technological advancements.
• Respond to inquiries, environmental reports, and other requests for technical assistance from permit tees, other agencies and programs, and the public.
• Review, comment, and approve permit submittals.
• Conduct compliance assurance activities including inspections and audits of permittee programs, and initiate enforcement actions as needed.

• Eight (8) years of experience and/or education in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning and/or program development; landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law; public administration with an environmental emphasis; or closely related experience.
• Education involving a major study in the above fields or a closely related field.
• Examples of how to qualify:
  • 8 years of experience.
  • 7 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
  • 6 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
  • 5 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
  • 4 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
  • 2 years of experience AND a Master’s degree or above.
  • 1 year of experience as an Environmental Planner 2, at the Department of Ecology.

• Experience or familiarity with administering National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater permits.
• Experience or familiarity with stormwater management such as implementing stormwater guidance manuals.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team, communicate effectively, actively listen, and incorporate diverse perspectives to achieve shared goals.

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

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.