CZMA Federal Consistency Lead; Environmental Specialist ; Internal

The Department of Ecology is hiring a CZMA Federal Consistency Lead (Environmental Specialist
4)(Internal Only) within the Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) program.

• 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.
• A minimum of two days per month is required in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

• Apply by November 5, 2026,
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

This CZMA Federal Consistency Lead position offers an opportunity to serve as Ecology’s primary expert responsible for implementing Washington’s Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) federal consistency provisions. In this role, you will independently evaluate complex, high-profile federal permit actions and federal activities that may affect Washington’s coastal and marine resources, ensuring they align with Washington’s enforceable policies and environmental standards. You will guide interdisciplinary review efforts, coordinate closely with internal technical specialists and multiple levels of government, and provide recommendations that influence state decisions on significant coastal infrastructure, restoration, energy, and transportation projects.

You will also shape the operation and advancement of Ecology’s federal consistency program—maintaining key program documents, conducting policy analysis, supporting alignment with federal requirements, and representing Ecology in discussions with federal agencies and regional partners. Through this work, you will strengthen Ecology’s role in coastal resource protection, contribute to statewide policy consistency, and support continuous improvements in how complex federal actions are reviewed and evaluated.

• Serve as Ecology’s lead reviewer for federal permits and federal activities requiring CZMA federal consistency, independently evaluating complex projects for alignment with Washington’s enforceable policies and environmental standards.
• Lead interdisciplinary review teams, coordinating with internal technical experts and other government entities to assess potential impacts on Washington’s coastal and marine resources.
• Prepare clear, legally defensible draft and final federal consistency decisions, including technical analyses, findings, and recommendations for agency leadership.
• Conduct site visits before, during, or after construction to evaluate project conditions and verify adherence to approved federal consistency determinations.
• Represent Ecology in appeal proceedings before the Pollution Control Hearings Board, providing expert testimony and supporting the defensibility of state-issued decisions.
• Serve as Ecology’s primary liaison with NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management, maintaining program documents, reviewing changes to enforceable policies, and preparing federally required reports.
• Coordinate with federal consistency counterparts in other coastal states, advancing consistent interpretation of federal requirements and sharing best practices.
• Provide technical and policy guidance to federal permit managers, regional Ecology offices, and internal programs on the application of CZMA requirements and Washington’s enforceable policies.
• Support program operations by developing and updating guidance, procedures, and informational materials for federal consistency applicants and internal staff.
• Assist the section manager in evaluating and improving business processes, identifying opportunities to streamline workload distribution, review…