Southwest Region Section Manager; WMS Band 2

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

Department of Ecology is hiring a Southwest Region Section Manager (WMS Band
2) within the Water Resources Program.

• Southwest Region Office (SWRO) in Lacey, WA.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

• This position is eligible for telework and certain flexible schedule options.
• A minimum of two days per week is required in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

• Apply by December 14, 2025
• 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.

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 serve as a key decision‑maker in a region where many watersheds are governed by instream flow rules and limited new water allocations.

You will interpret complex laws and policies to make defensible 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 that water allocation, regulation, conservation, and protection activities align with state laws, policies, and the Water Resources Program mission.

Success in this role requires building strong relationships with municipalities, tribal governments, farmers, landowners, and other water users and partners.

• Lead and manage a dynamic team of professional staff, overseeing regional work planning, performance management, resource allocation, and ensuring quality and consistency of technical and regulatory decisions.
• Support Ecology’s mission by working closely with communities, partners, and other interested parties to ensure effective management of water resources throughout the Southwest Region.
• Regulate, allocate, and protect regional water resources consistent with state laws, rules, policies, and procedures, ensuring decisions maximize net public benefit.
• Serve as a key regional decision‑maker on water rights that affect small landowners, agricultural users, major municipal systems, and other water users.
• Represent Ecology’s water resource interests with local governments, state and federal agencies, tribes, industry, and the public, including participation in administrative appeals and State and Federal Court proceedings.
• Act as one of four regional Water Resources Section Managers statewide, serving on the Water Resources Program Leadership Team and the Regional Management Team to support program‑wide strategy, coordination, and policy implementation.

Nine years of experience and/or education as described below.

• Experience working in public administration or natural resources management, which must include at least five years of experience leading people.
• Experience must include:
• Proven Leadership Experience – Five years of demonstrated experience planning, directing, and evaluating the work of professional staff, including mentoring and performance management, to achieve organizational goals.
• Knowledge of Natural Resource Regulatory Frameworks – Understanding of natural resources management and environmental regulation, with experience making complex permitting and compliance decisions.
• Advanced Decision-Making and Policy Judgment – Ability to make sound, precedent‑setting decisions balancing technical, legal, and public interests in high‑impact, politically sensitive situations.
• Communication and Collaboration – Skilled in communicating complex information clearly to diverse audiences and fostering effective partnerships with leadership, stakeholders, and external agencies.
• Education involving a major study in public administration, public policy, business administration, environmental management, natural sciences, natural resources,…