Western Operations Section Manager; WMS Band 2

Western Operations Section Manager (WMS Band
2)

Location: Headquarters Office, Lacey, WA. Must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule: Eligible for telework and flexible schedule options. Minimum one day per week in the office. Schedules are subject to change.

Job Overview: This role leads the Western Operations Section (WOS) within the Environmental Assessment Program (EAP). You will guide teams that monitor marine and freshwater environments, assess conditions and generate high‑quality science to support pollution control and long‑term stewardship.

Responsibilities:

• Drive strategic leadership by contributing to program-wide planning, decision-making, budgeting and management team initiatives.
• Lead section-level strategy by identifying resource needs, shaping priorities, and strengthening communication across teams.
• Represent the Program and champion WOS needs on cross‑program and regional management teams, fostering strong collaborative relationships.
• Manage staff performance, workload, safety and compliance while promoting a positive, engaged team environment.
• Oversee WOS operations and budget to ensure high‑quality, timely scientific work, clear records management and achievement of program performance measures.
• Communicate clearly and credibly with diverse audiences, applying strong scientific knowledge, quality assurance principles and sound judgment to support informed decisions.

Required Qualifications:

• 9 years of experience and/or education in environmental monitoring or scientific investigations.
• Leadership and strategic direction.
• Clear and effective communication.
• Collaboration and relationship building.
• Workforce and performance management.
• Operational and resource management.
• Equity, science, and problem‑solving.
• Education:
  
  degree in a natural or environmental science or related field.
• Examples of how to qualify:
• 9 years of experience.
• 8 years of experience and 30‑59 semester or 45‑89 quarter college credits.
• 7 years of experience and 60‑89 semester or 90‑134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 6 years of experience and 90‑119 semester or 135‑179 quarter college credits.
• 5 years of experience and a Bachelor’s degree.
• 3 years of experience and a Master’s degree.
• 2 years of experience and a Ph.D.

Special Requirements: Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Desired

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of collective bargaining agreements, civil service rules, and agency personnel policies.
• Knowledge of budget management, procurement, contract administration and inter‑agency agreements.
• Strategic, negotiation, mediation, planning, operations, team‑building, mentoring and coaching skills.
• Current knowledge of state and federal environmental protection laws.
• Advanced management and personnel skills for staff recruitment, hiring, mentoring, training and performance.
• Ability to coordinate and negotiate with employees, managers, clients, agencies, tribes, and the public.
• Technical expertise in aquatic pollution ecology and research methods.

Equal Opportunity

Employer:

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, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, veterans, and other protected groups are encouraged to apply.