Coastal Engineer (Environmental Engineer 2 or 3)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Coastal Engineer (Environmental Engineer 2 or 3) position. 

Note: This is an In-Training position. The goal class for this position is Environmental Engineer 3 (EE3).  We will consider applicants who meet the requirements for the EE2 and EE3 levels. For salary levels, please see the Qualifications Section below.
 

This position can be located in any one of the following offices:

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.
• Northwest Region Office in Shoreline, WA.

Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Please Note: If the final location of this position is determined to be in our Northwest Region Office (NWRO) in Shoreline, WA. there will be an additional 5% pay increase due to its location in King County. In this instance, the salary range will be $6412-$9998 per month.

Schedule:

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by February 6, 2026
• This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after the above date may not be considered.

Duties

The Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Coastal Engineer (Environmental Engineer 2 or 3) position. This Coastal Engineer position offers a unique opportunity to join Washington State’s Applied Coastal Research and Engineering Section (ACRE). ACRE is a dynamic and collaborative team whose work centers on providing a scientific basis for decision making in support of shoreline planning, coastal management, engineering design, and project implementation along Washington’s marine shorelines. In this role, you will address a wide variety of key issues regarding coastal community and ecosystem resilience, including chronic coastal erosion and flood hazards, climate change impacts on coastal hazards, shoreline and bluff retreat, natural and nature-based multi-benefit coastal projects, process-based restoration projects, and the application of morphodynamic approaches to nearshore habitat and ecosystem services studies.  

Ecology’s ACRE team performs state of the art research to better understand physical changes along Washington’s beaches, bluffs, and nearshore zones to enhance their management, protection, and restoration while reducing coastal hazards and increasing community resilience. You will work on interesting and challenging coastal problems, develop and co-produce innovative solutions – including natural and nature-based features – with coastal communities and tribes, and provide engineering guidance for their designs.

In this role, you will apply and further develop knowledge and skills through collaborative work with a range of partners (e.g., Tribes, state and federal agencies, local governments, academics) at the interface of coastal research, science, engineering, and management. Duties will span applied coastal research, innovative engineering design and evaluation, consulting services, technical guidance, training, permit and project review, and publication. Work will enhance coastal community resilience and protect and restore Washington’s coastal natural resources.

What you will do:

• Plan, conduct, and coordinate coastal monitoring, modeling, and research to advance our understanding of coastal processes, mixed sand-gravel and composite beach dynamics, bluff erosion, sediment transport, and the impacts of sea-level rise and climate change on coastal systems. 

• Evaluate the effectiveness, performance, and impacts of a range of existing and planned adaptation measures including conventional coastal structures, innovative natural and nature-based alternatives, hybrid approaches, and process-based restoration projects. 

• Conduct geo-coastal processes analysis and site assessment to evaluate coastal and geologic hazards, potential impacts, and mitigation strategies along Washington’s high energy ocean coast as well as the sheltered shorelines of coastal estuaries and the Salish Sea. 

• Develop and test natural and nature-based alternatives to conventional coastal structures and incorporate results into engineering design guidelines and best practices.

• Provide coastal engineering consulting services, design review, recommendations, and technical assistance to Tribes, local governments, and a range of other partners for natural and nature-based approaches, slope stabilization, shoreline restoration, beach nourishment, and beach access projects to address changing coastal conditions and environmental impacts. 

• Write, review, and evaluate proposals, scientific documents, and technical guidance in support of shoreline planning, permitting, and other resource management activities. 

• Communicate Washington State’s Applied Coastal Research and Engineering team’s work, through presentations and written documents, to a range of local partners as well as the Coastal Engineering professional community. 
  

• Develop and conduct training on coastal processes and coastal project design for professional audiences, such as local governments, coastal resource managers, developers, and engineers, and contribute to the Washington Coastal Hazards Resilience Network.

Learn more about what it is like to be an Engineer at the Department of Ecology

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.

This is an In-Training position. The goal class for this position is Environmental Engineer 3 (EE3).  We will consider applicants who meet the requirements for the EE2 and EE3 levels. If the finalist meets the requirements for the EE2 level, they will be hired in at that level and placed into a training program to become an EE3 within a specified period of time.  

Required Qualifications:

At the Environmental Engineer 2 level: ($6107-$8210 monthly) (In-training)

A total of six years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Experience: professional working experience in one of the following engineering fields: coastal, marine, ocean, civil, environmental, geotechnical or related. Experience must include applying engineering expertise to evaluate geo-coastal processes and/or develop engineering solutions in the coastal zone. 
• Education: involving a major study in coastal, marine, ocean, civil, environmental, geotechnical or related field

All experience and education combinations that meet the requirements for this position:

Possible Combinations

College credits or degree – as listed above

Years of required experience – as listed above

Combination 1

No college credits or degree

6 years of experience

Combination 2

30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits

5 years of experience

Combination 3

60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (AA degree)

4 years of experience

Combination 4

90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits

3 years of experience

Combination 5An Engineer-in-Training Certificate2 years of experience

Combination 6 

A Bachelor's Degree

2 years of experience

Combination 7 

A Master's Degree or above

1 year of experience

At the Environmental Engineer 3 level: ($7082-$9522 monthly) (Goal class)

Option 1:

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington, AND
• Three (3) years of experience as a working professional in one of the following engineering fields: coastal, marine, ocean, civil, environmental, geotechnical or related. Experience must include applying engineering expertise to evaluate geo-coastal processes and/or develop engineering solutions in the coastal zone.   

Option 2:

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington, AND
• A Master's degree with major study in one of the following engineering fields: coastal, marine, ocean, civil, environmental, geotechnical or related, AND
• Two (2) years of experience as a working professional in one of the following engineering fields: coastal, marine, ocean, civil, environmental, geotechnical or related. Experience must include applying engineering expertise to evaluate geo-coastal processes and/or develop engineering solutions in the coastal zone.

Option 3:

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington, AND
• A Ph.D. with major study in one of the following engineering fields: coastal, marine, ocean, civil, environmental, geotechnical or related, AND
• One (1) year of experience as a working professional in one of the following engineering fields: coastal, marine, ocean, civil, environmental, geotechnical or related. Experience must include applying engineering expertise to evaluate geo-coastal processes and/or develop engineering solutions in the coastal zone. 

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 

• At EE3 level: Must also be registered as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington. If registered in another qualifying state, must acquire Washington professional engineering registration within six months of employment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. 

NOTE: Requirements for professional registration as an engineer in the state of Washington are eight years of professional experience (which may include up to four years of college-level engineering education) and successful completion of sixteen hours of professional licensing exams. Applicants qualifying through the licensing equivalency option must achieve professional registration as an engineer in the state of Washington within six months of appointment to this class.

Individuals who are interested in applying to this position, and believe they meet licensing requirements for the State of Washington based on reciprocity, are responsible for ensuring they meet licensing requirements for the State of Washington prior to submitting their application materials. These requirements can be found at the following website: WA State: Board of Registration for Professional Engineers: How to get your license: Professional engineer by comity. 

 
Desired Qualifications:
We highly encourage you to apply even if you do not have some (or all) of the desired experience below.

At least two years of relevant coastal engineering experience, including:

• Developing or conducting coastal environmental research and field investigations involving the collection, measurement, analysis, and evaluation of physical coastal processes and interactions with the built environment; and/or 
• Conducting coastal processes analysis and/or engineering design to develop solutions in the coastal zone. Participation in the advancement of coastal projects through various design phases (concept development, site assessment, permitting, design, implementation, and monitoring). 

• Proficiency with engineering calculations and modeling (e.g., sediment transport, fetch-limited wave generation/transformation, wave run-up/overtopping, slope stability, and cobble mobility) for coastal analysis or design.

Skills

• Strong technical and analytical skills

• Technical writing and presentation skills demonstrated through professional publications and presentations

• Communication skills involving the translation of complex engineering and scientific concepts for understanding and application by coastal planners, managers, and the general public

Note: Having some (or all) of this desired experience may make your application more competitive in a highly competitive applicant pool.

Supplemental Information

Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Our Commitment to DEIR

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology's work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations. We believe that DEIR is both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.

Application Process

Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Click “Apply” at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:

• Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
• Resume

Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as “see resume” may be considered incomplete.

For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.

Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.

Need an Accommodation?

If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:

• Please contact us at 360-407-6186 orcareers@ecy.wa.gov
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.

Questions?

• For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Michelle Gostic at Michelle.Gostic@ecy.wa.gov
• If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team atcareers@ecy.wa.gov

About the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program 

The mission of the SEA Program is to create community conservation partnerships to protect and restore our shorelands, wetlands, and floodplains.

About the Department of Ecology

As the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work balance. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.

Ecology employees may be eligible for the following: Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver,  Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP),  Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *Click here for more information 

To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or our blog.

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, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. 

Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.  

Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.

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