Senior Environmental Engineering Supervisor; Environmental Engineer

Overview

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Senior Environmental Engineering Supervisor (Environmental Engineer
5) 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.
• A minimum of one day per week is required in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by February 17, 2026
• This 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.

This newly established permanent position was funded in Washington’s FY 25-27 Budget to implement research and guidance projects to address PFAS compounds in wastewater and stormwater discharges. In this position, you will supervise the newly formed Wastewater and Toxics Reduction Unit of eight staff who perform technical work related to the development and implementation of state and federal water quality permits, policies and guidance documents.

You will direct resources within the unit to the most important work consistent with the goals of the Permit and Technical Services (PTS) Section and Water Quality Program. You will prioritize and assign technical work (e.g., general permit writing, research, development of internal and external guidance, policy and bill analysis, and administrative orders) that balances the needs of staff, partners, decision makers, and the public.

You will work directly with the Section Manager and will appreciate the team culture in the Water Quality Program – with a strong emphasis on public service and a healthy work-life balance.

What You Will Do

• Supervise a team of environmental specialists and engineers in the Wastewater and Toxics Reduction Unit of the Water Quality Program.
• Oversee the development and implementation of permits for wastewater discharges, aquatic pesticide applications, and industrial activities.
• Oversee cross-program subject matter experts engaged in the control of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) in wastewater and stormwater through research, guidance, permits, and policy development.
• Manage the development and implementation of technical projects to characterize and control PFAS compounds in wastewater and stormwater discharges.
• Oversee senior staff to fulfill Ecology policies and procedures with Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) Testing, and Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) for permits, non-point source pollution, and aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) projects.
• Continue to develop and enhance your technical and soft skills through experience, on-the-job training, conferences, and seminars.

Required Qualifications

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington.
• Five (5) years of experience in environmental engineering.

Special Requirements/Conditions Of Employment

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington.

Note: Individuals who are licensed as professional engineers in another U.S. jurisdiction or foreign country and wish to apply for this position must qualify for licensure in Washington State by comity. Applicants are responsible for reviewing and ensuring they meet Washington’s comity requirements before submitting application materials. Licensing requirements can be found on the Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors website:
How to Get Your Professional Engineer License When Licensed in Another Jurisdiction.

• Background in environmental science and engineering, and familiarity with PFAS compounds and other chemicals of emerging concern (CEC).
• Experience supervising technical staff.
• Familiarity with state and federal water quality laws and regulations.

If you are excited about this role but not…