Senior Shoreline Vulnerability Specialist; Environmental Specialist

Senior Shoreline Vulnerability Specialist (Environmental Specialist
5)

Department of Ecology – Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program

Location:

Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA. Must live within commute distance.

Schedule:

Eligible for telework with flexible schedule. Field work and office time as needed, typically one day per week in office.

Final date to receive applications:
January 5, 2026. Position remains open until filled.

Serve as the program expert on shoreline vulnerability and climate‑related shoreline hazards under the Coastal, Floodplains and Shoreline Management Section Manager.

Provide technical leadership and guidance on shoreline hazard and vulnerability assessments, developing and applying analytical tools, data, and methodologies.

Support integration of sea‑level rise and climate vulnerability information into shoreline master programs, policies, and regulations, and provide technical assistance to SEA Program staff and local government partners.

Collaborate with internal and external partners to advance climate adaptation planning and improve shoreline hazard data, helping communities build resilience to climate impacts.

• Serve as program expert on shoreline vulnerability assessment study design, application, and interpretation.
• Lead initiatives to identify and acquire data needed to integrate fluvial hazard models with coastal flood models and land‑use data for vulnerability assessments.
• Work with national scientific experts to modify or develop tools for shoreline hazard, sensitivity, and vulnerability spatial mapping.
• Develop and implement internal and external guidance and trainings for local governments, consultants, contractors, and partner agencies.
• Participate on advisory and technical groups, interagency work groups, or other forums related to identifying climate change risks to shorelines, community adaptation strategies, and shoreline master program amendments.

Ten (10) years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Experience in environmental analysis or control, or environmental planning.
• Education involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or another allied field.

Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:

• Technical Environmental/Climate Analysis – evaluating shoreline or climate‑related hazards, conducting environmental or spatial analysis, or working with scientific data and models.
• Critical Thinking & Data Interpretation – review information, analyze data, draw conclusions, and make recommendations.
• Technical Assistance & Expert Guidance – provide scientific or technical advice to partners or participate on technical/advisory groups.
• Communication & Training – present technical concepts, develop training materials, or communicate complex environmental information to diverse audiences.

• Experience with shoreline climate impact hazard and vulnerability models.
• Experience in spatial analysis and mapping of shoreline hazards such as sea level rise, coastal flooding, erosion, groundwater intrusion, fluvial and pluvial flooding, and channel migration.
• Experience with land use and environmental protection policy in Washington State under the Shoreline Management Act.
• Familiarity with climate adaptation planning, strategies, and actions.
• Familiarity with hydrologic modeling, surface water hydrology, and fluvial processes in the Pacific Northwest.
• Experience working with local governments and Tribes.

Apply by clicking “Apply” at the top of the page, complete the entire application, and attach a cover letter and a resume.