Senior Grant Project Manager and TMDL Lead; Environmental Specialist

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.

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.
• Must live within commutable distance from duty station upon hire.

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• Telework is anticipated for most of the work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

• Apply by June 16, 2026.
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

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 and help develop water quality restoration plans for selected watersheds.

• 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, including site visits at critical stages to ensure compliance with grant agreements.
• Review and rate environmental nonpoint grant applications for accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Assist local governments in understanding how to use Ecology funds for nonpoint source pollution.
• Develop and implement Water Quality Improvement Plans (known as 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.

• Experience
  • 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.

• 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.

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

• 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.

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.