Senior Shoreline Vulnerability Specialist; Environmental Specialist

Senior Shoreline Vulnerability Specialist (Environmental Specialist
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Location: Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule: Eligible for telework and flexible schedule options. You may telework most of your work time, with required fieldwork and occasional in‑office time, and one day per week in the office. Schedules are dependent on onboarding schedules, position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline: Apply by January 5, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after the date above may not be considered.

Duties: In this role, you will serve as the program expert on shoreline vulnerability and climate‑related shoreline hazards under the direction of the Coastal, Floodplains and Shoreline Management Section Manager. You will provide technical leadership and guidance on shoreline hazard and vulnerability assessments, including developing and applying analytical tools, data, and methodologies. You will support the integration of sea‑level rise and climate vulnerability information into shoreline master programs, policies, and regulations, and provide technical assistance to SEA Program staff and local government partners.

You will collaborate with internal and external partners to advance climate adaptation planning and improve shoreline hazard data, helping communities proactively build resilience to climate impacts.

• Serve as a program expert on shoreline vulnerability assessment study design, application, and interpretation.
• Lead initiatives to identify and acquire data and information needed to integrate fluvial hazard models with coastal flood models and land‑use data to conduct shoreline vulnerability assessments.
• Work with national scientific experts to modify or develop tools for shoreline hazard, sensitivity and vulnerability spatial mapping.
• Develop and implement internal and external guidance and trainings to local governments, consultants, contractors, and partner agencies.
• Participate on advisory and technical groups, inter‑agency work groups, or other forums related to identifying climate change risks to shorelines, community adaptation strategies and shoreline master program amendments.

Qualifications: For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications: Ten (10) years of experience and/or education as described below.

• Experience in environmental analysis or control, or environmental planning.
• Education involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field.

Experience mentioned above must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:

• Technical Environmental/Climate Analysis – Experience evaluating shoreline or climate‑related hazards, conducting environmental or spatial analysis, or working with scientific data and models to assess exposure, sensitivity, or vulnerability.
• Critical Thinking & Data Interpretation – Ability to review information, analyze data, draw logical conclusions, and make informed recommendations.
• Technical Assistance & Expert Guidance – Experience providing scientific or technical advice to partners (e.g., local governments, Tribes, internal staff) or participating on technical/advisory groups.
• Communication & Training – Ability to present technical concepts clearly, develop training materials, or communicate complex environmental information to diverse audiences.

Examples Of How To Qualify:

• 10 years of experience.
• 9 years of experience AND 30‑59 semester or 45‑89 quarter college credits.
• 8 years of experience AND 60‑89 semester or 90‑134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 7 years of experience AND 90‑119 semester or 135‑179 quarter college credits.
• 6 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• 4 years of experience AND a Master’s degree or higher.
• 3 years of experience AND a Ph.D. or higher.

Special Requirements/Conditions Of Employment:

• Able to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Desired

Qualification…