Forestry Policy Lead; Environmental Planner

Job Overview

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Forestry Policy Lead (Environmental Planner
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:
  
  Eligible for telework and flexible schedule options. Minimum one day per week required in the office and field. Schedules are subject to change based on position needs.
• Application Timeline:
  Apply by May 25, 2026. Position remains open until filled; applications after the deadline may not be considered.

In this role, you will collaborate with state and federal agencies in policy development, planning, rule proposals, and guidance for implementing regulations that protect water in the state’s lakes, rivers, and streams. You will act as the program planning advisor on all forestry issues for the Water Quality Program and serve as program expert for applying water quality standards in forestry management.

• Lead Ecology's forestry team in providing guidance for forestry field personnel and advising on potential enforcement actions.
• Represent the Department of Ecology on committees to evaluate and recommend refinements to the state’s forest practices rules.
• Initiate and coordinate Ecology’s responsibilities under Washington’s Forests and Fish Agreement.
• Participate in periodic evaluations of the forest practices program based on scientific studies.
• Represent the agency as the forestry policy advisor and provide testimony to the Forest Practices Board.
• Provide policy direction and advice to the Director, Water Quality Program Manager, and Ecology’s board representative.
• Serve as agency representative in interagency and intra-agency negotiations on forestry policy issues.
• Coordinate internally with Department of Natural Resources and other agencies on all forestry policy issues.
• Provide legislative support on forestry issues including analysis of legislation, completing fiscal notes, and providing testimony when necessary.

• Eleven (11) years of experience and/or education in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning; program development; landscape architecture; geography; land use or environmental law; public administration with an environmental emphasis; or closely related fields.
• Education involving major study in one of the above fields.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

• Knowledge of forestry management and related water quality regulations.
• Experience with project management.
• Experience with environmental negotiation on complex or controversial issues with other agencies, Tribes, and partners.
• Strong writing skills.

The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. It strives 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.