Trust Water Right Acquisition and Contract Specialist; Environmental Specialist

Description

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 a Trust Water Right Acquisition and Contract Specialist (Environmental Specialist
5) within the Office of Columbia River.

• Central Region Office in Union Gap, WA.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• During the initial training period, up to three in‑office days per week may be required.
• After successful completion of the probationary period, and with supervisor approval, an expanded telework schedule may be requested.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

• Apply by June 16, 2026.
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

As the Trust Water Right Acquisition and Contract Specialist, you will shape the future of water management in the Columbia River Basin while supporting Washington’s environmental and community needs. Your role includes

• Serving as the program’s lead expert on trust water rights, water banking, and acquisitions, guiding complex contracting and negotiation efforts that shape long‑term water supply for the Columbia River Basin.
• Leading negotiations for Trust Water and Water Banking Agreements, ensuring projects align with program priorities and deliver meaningful instream and out‑of‑stream benefits.
• Advising management on project strategy, priorities, risks, and emerging issues, helping the program navigate obstacles and make informed high‑impact decisions.
• Reviewing consultant and junior staff work on water development projects, identifying issues early and recommending corrective actions to keep projects on track and aligned with agency standards.
• Directing development, scheduling, and information needs for water development projects, ensuring consistent, timely progress from concept through contracting and closure.
• Operating and coordinating the program’s Cost Reimbursement process, including advising teams on when cost reimbursement is the appropriate tool versus using OCR staff for permitting.
• Supporting the Operations Section and the Financial and Projects Section in developing and managing cost reimbursement contracts for complex, high‑visibility water development efforts.
• Overseeing trust water and water banking data across program databases, collaborating with Water Resources staff to maintain accuracy and support informed decision‑making.

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

• Ten (10) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position. Required core skills include:
• Complex Contract Negotiation and Agreement Management: Skill in negotiating, drafting, and administering complex contracts or financial agreements, including advising leadership on contract terms, risks, compliance requirements, and closing processes.
• Regulatory or Legal Interpretation and Technical Review: Ability to interpret and apply statutes, rules, regulatory guidance, or contractual requirements; evaluate technical or regulatory work products for accuracy, completeness, and alignment with program standards.
• Advanced Project or Program Management: Competence in planning, prioritizing, and managing multi‑step projects or programs involving multiple partners, schedules, and deliverables; ensuring high‑quality results under tight timelines.
• Analytical Problem‑Solving and Risk Identification: Skill in analyzing issues, identifying emerging risks or inconsistencies, and recommending preventative or corrective actions to inform program decisions.
• Effective Communication and External Representation: Ability to communicate complex or technical information clearly to internal and external audiences; represent the program in meetings, presentations, or professional forums; collaborate effectively with other programs, agencies, partners, or organizations.
• Proficiency with…