Southwest Region Section Manager; WMS Band 2
Listed on 2025-12-09
-
Government
Government Affairs -
Management
Environmental Manager, Environmental Protection
Southwest Region Section Manager (WMS Band
2)
Join to apply for the Southwest Region Section Manager (WMS Band
2) role at Washington State Department of Ecology
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
Location- Southwest Region Office (SWRO) in Lacey, WA
- Upon hire, the applicant must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.
- Position eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
- Minimum of two days per week required in the office.
- Schedules may vary based on position needs.
- Apply by December 14, 2025.
- The position will remain open until filled; the agency may hire at any time after review begins. Applications after this date may not be considered.
As the Section Manager for Water Resources, you will lead regional water management efforts across 12 counties in Southwest Washington, encompassing the Southern Puget Sound, Pacific Coast, and Olympic Peninsula. You will interpret complex laws and policies to make decisions that safeguard community well‑being, support economic stability, and protect vital natural resources.
You will oversee a diverse team of 12 professionals—including permit writers, hydro geologists, compliance and enforcement staff, and administrative support—to ensure activities align with state laws, policies, and the Water Resources Program mission.
You will be based at the Southwest Region Office in Lacey. This position may be fully in‑office or may have a hybrid telework arrangement, with regular in‑office presence and occasional travel for fieldwork.
What You Will Do- Lead and manage the team, overseeing regional work planning, performance management, resource allocation, and the quality of technical and regulatory decisions.
- Support Ecology’s mission by working closely with communities and partners to ensure effective water resource management.
- Regulate, allocate, and protect water resources consistent with state laws and ensure decisions maximize net public benefit.
- Serve as a key regional decision‑maker on water rights affecting various stakeholders.
- Represent Ecology’s interests with local governments, agencies, tribes, and the public, including participation in administrative appeals and court proceedings.
- Act as one of four regional Water Resources Section Managers statewide, serving on the Leadership Team and the Regional Management Team to support program‑wide strategy.
Required Qualifications
For detailed information on how we calculate experience, see the Recruitment website.
Experience- At least nine years of experience and/or education as described below.
- Five years of demonstrated leadership experience planning, directing, and evaluating professional staff.
- Knowledge of natural resource regulatory frameworks and experience making complex permitting and compliance decisions.
- Advanced decision‑making and policy judgment in high‑impact, politically sensitive situations.
- Strong communication skills and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
- Major study in public administration, public policy, business administration, environmental management, natural sciences, engineering, planning, or related field.
- 9 years of experience.
- 8 years of experience AND 30‑59 semester or 45‑89 quarter credits.
- 7 years of experience AND 60‑89 semester or 90‑134 quarter credits (Associate’s degree).
- 6 years of experience AND 90‑119 semester or 135‑179 quarter credits.
- 5 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree or above.
- Knowledge and understanding of state water resources laws and issues.
Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Application Process- Ecology encourages diverse applicants. Women and people of color are encouraged to apply.
- Click “Apply” at the top of the page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach a cover letter and resume.
- Contact 360‑407‑6186 or careers.gov for accommodations during the application process.
- Deaf or hard of hearing applicants may call through the Washington Relay Service (711 or 1‑800‑833‑6384).
- Contact Ria Bernsat Ria.
Berns.gov for position location options, schedule, or duties. - Contact the Recruitment Team for assistance with application or status.
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, minorities, persons of disability, veterans, and others are encouraged to apply.
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