Water Quality Activities and Municipal Wastewater Grants and Loans Specialists; Two Positions

The salary listed above includes the scheduled 2% general salary increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.

The Department of Ecology is hiring two positions:
Water Quality Activities Grants and Loans Specialist (Environmental Specialist
4) and Municipal Wastewater Grant and Loan Project Specialist (Environmental Specialist
4) within the Water Quality Program.

• Northwest Region Office in Shoreline, WA.
• The salary listed includes 5% premium pay due to the position location in King County.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

• These positions are eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• A minimum of three days per week is required in the office for the first six months. In office time is negotiable after six months.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

• Apply by July 12, 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

On behalf of Ecology, you will manage grants and loans funding stormwater and nonpoint projects that improve water quality in the streams and lakes in the Northwest Region. You will be part of dynamic, project‑specific teams that collaborate with local municipalities, Tribes, conservation districts, and nonprofit organizations during all phases of the grant/loan. You will work independently and with your teams to:

• Provide technical environmental support and administrative guidance to grant/loan recipients in the planning, design, construction, and/or implementation phases of funded projects.
• Apply your knowledge about approaches that improve water quality.
• Learn first‑hand from grant applicants and recipients about implementing water quality projects.

• Manage grants and loans in accordance with agreement terms, state and federal statutes, rules, and Program & Ecology policies and procedures.
• Evaluate funding proposals and develop grant/loan agreements for the funded projects.
• Coordinate internally with other Water Quality Program staff to ensure successful implementation of the funded projects.
• Apply current science of stormwater and nonpoint specialty‑area topics, as applicable to grants and proposals.
• Communicate both verbally and in writing with individuals, agencies, local governments, Tribes, and the public.
• Actively participate in and contribute to internal workgroup efforts to improve and streamline program processes, develop program guidance, fill knowledge gaps, and train new staff.
• Present grant/loan guideline information, both virtually and at local workshops and other outreach opportunities.

You will collaborate with public works professionals, engineers and financial planners to develop and oversee grant and loan projects for wastewater facility improvements that will benefit water quality in Washington state. You will help us to provide financial assistance for:

• Wastewater system planning.
• Designing new or expanded wastewater collection and treatment facilities.
• Constructing new or expanded wastewater facilities.

• Reviewing and evaluating municipal wastewater facility grant and loan applications.
• Assisting grant and loan applicants and recipients prepare environmental, cultural resource, and environmental justice review documents.
• Negotiating and managing clear project scope of work, budgets, and timelines for project deliverables.
• Tracking compliance with grant and loan agreement requirements.
• Tracking project performance and ensuring that recipients achieve expected outcomes by negotiated completion dates.
• Reviewing and certifying grant and loan payment requests and Progress Reports to verify work complies with the agreement and applicable statutes, rules, policies and procedures.

• Providing technical assistance to potential applicants and recipients helping them understand our funding program, policies, procedures, and tools.

Nine (9) years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Experience perf…