Puget Sound Nutrients Project and Financial Specialist; Environmental Specialist

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Puget Sound Nutrients Project and Financial Specialist (Environmental Specialist
3) within the Water Quality Program.

This is a project position that is funded until December 31, 2029. This funding is highly likely to be renewed for the next bi-annual budget cycle.

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

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

• Apply by October 15, 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

As the Puget Sound Nutrients Project and Financial Specialist, you will play a key role in protecting the health of Washington’s waters by supporting projects that reduce nutrient pollution and improve wastewater infrastructure across the Puget Sound region. In this multi-faceted position, you’ll engage with local partners to provide technical and financial assistance to applicants and recipients of Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction grants, as well as Clean Water State Revolving fund grants and loans for regional wastewater projects.

You’ll work with Ecology engineers and permit managers, monitor project performance, conduct site visits, and assist with programmatic planning related to Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction grants. This role provides the opportunity to build expertise in environmental project financing, grant and loan management, and wastewater program implementation. You’ll contribute to meaningful, long-term environmental outcomes while gaining experience in project oversight, funding agreement development, and program accountability, helping shape the future of water quality in the Puget Sound region.

• Develop grant and loan agreements and amendments in collaboration with Ecology engineers, permit managers, and funding recipients.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews of negotiated project scopes of work, budgets, and special conditions to ensure grant integrity, cost eligibility, and consistency with state and federal statutes and rules, Water Quality Program funding policies and procedures, and grant guidelines.
• Schedule and conduct site visits to monitor project progress.
• Work closely with other Water Quality Program grant and loan managers and wastewater treatment facility engineers to support effective and efficient management of Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction and Clean Water State Revolving Fund resources.
• Provide financial assistance recommendations related to the development, coordination, and implementation of water quality best management practices for pollution prevention and control.
• Assist with planning, facilitating, or representing the program in public meetings and workshops.

For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.

Six (6) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which must include the following:

• Financial Oversight – Ability to review and monitor financial transactions, payment requests, and project budgets to ensure funds are used appropriately and projects stay financially compliant.
• Regulatory and Policy Application – Ability to interpret and apply laws, policies, and program guidelines to ensure projects meet all required standards and conditions.
• Grant and Contract Coordination – Ability to manage and coordinate grant and loan activities from…