Town of Bluffton
JOB SUMMARY
The purpose of this position is to administer and enforce various Town and state codes regulating the construction, use, and occupancy of buildings and structures for the Town of Bluffton (Town). This position also: performs inspections of residential, commercial, industrial, and other buildings during and after construction to ensure code compliance; ensures that plan reviews and inspections are conducted on a timely basis; answers technical questions on code compliance; and performs related administrative, and technical work.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Serves as Chief Building Official; ensures compliance with all applicable Town policies and procedures, and other laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances.
Administer and enforce South Carolina, Town of Bluffton building code, applicable local ordinances, and other construction regulations.
Conducts commercial plan reviews; communicates with architects, engineers, contractors, and owners throughout the process of planning, correcting, and issuing the permit.
Supervises and manages division employees including building inspectors, plan reviewers, and administrative staff.
Oversees inspections of residential and commercial properties for compliance with building codes and safety standards.
Evaluates and makes recommendations for changes in the Town’s ordinances related to building inspections, permitting, and any other building safety related ordinance changes.
Interprets building codes and regulations.
Meets with contractors and design professionals to coordinate plan review, inspections, and permitting activities.
Receives and responds to technical inquiries regarding building codes, permitting, and safety compliance; acts as a subject matter expert for the public and building community.
Attends training, conferences, seminars, meetings, etc., to maintain awareness of current legislation, trends, and technology in the building inspection and plan review field.
Receives, reviews, and approves construction/architectural plans, site inspection reports, correspondence, permit applications, etc.
Ensures timely and accurate issuance of certificates of occupancy; ordinances; plan review reports; inspection reports; citations; performance appraisals; and related division records.
Collaborates with the immediate supervisor, Town Departments and outside design professionals to resolve complex technical building issues.
Directs and leads inspectors during damage assessment procedures.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in architecture, structural engineering, building, construction management, building science, or a related field; and five to seven (5-7) years of work experience as a building inspector or in the general construction field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Licenses or Certifications:
Valid South Carolina driver’s license (or obtain one by time of hire). Hold (or obtain within 12 months of hire) a Building Official Certification (International Code Council) and maintain required number of CEU’s as directed by the State of South Carolina to remain certified as a Building Official.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Extensive knowledge of International Building Codes (IBC), including structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and ADA accessibility standards.
Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of South Carolina-specific building laws, state statutes, and Town of Bluffton ordinances.
Knowledge and mastery of the standards required for Chief Building Official (CBO) certification through the International Code Council (ICC).
Knowledge of the methods, procedures, and policies of a municipal Building Safety Office and its integration within a Growth Management Department.
Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety precautions within the construction industry to ensure a safe environment for staff and the public.
Skill in modern office practices and specialized technology used for municipal records management, permitting, and word processing.
Skill in reviewing complex construction plans, blueprints, and technical specifications for strict code compliance.
Skill in developing and delivering high-impact public presentations and translating complex technical information for non-technical audiences.
Ability to establish and maintain productive, professional working relationships with developers, engineers, Town staff, and the general public.
Ability to maintain high level of tact and diplomacy when navigating sensitive compliance issues or disputes with contractors and property owners.
Ability to provide clear instruction, professional advice, and technical guidance to subordinates to foster a high-performing and knowledgeable team.
Ability to assemble and analyze complex data, identify development trends, and prepare comprehensive reports for Town leadership.
Ability to maintain professional composure and make decisive, accurate judgments during emergency situations or under high-pressure deadlines.
Ability to interpret the intent of the code in unique or complex construction scenarios to ensure safety while supporting municipal growth goals.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Positions in this class perform medium work requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and 30 pounds frequently. Manual dexterity and mental acuity are essential for data analysis and code interpretation. Field duties require frequent climbing, crawling, crouching, and reaching. Candidates must have the visual and auditory acuity to inspect facilities, identify structural/electrical defects, and communicate safety standards effectively.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Duties are generally performed in a moderately noisy location (e.g., construction sites, office location with computer, telephone, and other related equipment). When working in the field, there is some exposure to a variety of weather conditions, odors, electrical currents, construction hazards, or toxic agents. Job duties may require working on-call after hours as scheduled in order to respond to emergencies.
JOB SUMMARY
The purpose of this position is to administer and enforce various Town and state codes regulating the construction, use, and occupancy of buildings and structures for the Town of Bluffton (Town). This position also: performs inspections of residential, commercial, industrial, and other buildings during and after construction to ensure code compliance; ensures that plan reviews and inspections are conducted on a timely basis; answers technical questions on code compliance; and performs related administrative, and technical work.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Serves as Chief Building Official; ensures compliance with all applicable Town policies and procedures, and other laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances.
Administer and enforce South Carolina, Town of Bluffton building code, applicable local ordinances, and other construction regulations.
Conducts commercial plan reviews; communicates with architects, engineers, contractors, and owners throughout the process of planning, correcting, and issuing the permit.
Supervises and manages division employees including building inspectors, plan reviewers, and administrative staff.
Oversees inspections of residential and commercial properties for compliance with building codes and safety standards.
Evaluates and makes recommendations for changes in the Town’s ordinances related to building inspections, permitting, and any other building safety related ordinance changes.
Interprets building codes and regulations.
Meets with contractors and design professionals to coordinate plan review, inspections, and permitting activities.
Receives and responds to technical inquiries regarding building codes, permitting, and safety compliance; acts as a subject matter expert for the public and building community.
Attends training, conferences, seminars, meetings, etc., to maintain awareness of current legislation, trends, and technology in the building inspection and plan review field.
Receives, reviews, and approves construction/architectural plans, site inspection reports, correspondence, permit applications, etc.
Ensures timely and accurate issuance of certificates of occupancy; ordinances; plan review reports; inspection reports; citations; performance appraisals; and related division records.
Collaborates with the immediate supervisor, Town Departments and outside design professionals to resolve complex technical building issues.
Directs and leads inspectors during damage assessment procedures.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in architecture, structural engineering, building, construction management, building science, or a related field; and five to seven (5-7) years of work experience as a building inspector or in the general construction field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Licenses or Certifications:
Valid South Carolina driver’s license (or obtain one by time of hire). Hold (or obtain within 12 months of hire) a Building Official Certification (International Code Council) and maintain required number of CEU’s as directed by the State of South Carolina to remain certified as a Building Official.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Extensive knowledge of International Building Codes (IBC), including structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and ADA accessibility standards.
Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of South Carolina-specific building laws, state statutes, and Town of Bluffton ordinances.
Knowledge and mastery of the standards required for Chief Building Official (CBO) certification through the International Code Council (ICC).
Knowledge of the methods, procedures, and policies of a municipal Building Safety Office and its integration within a Growth Management Department.
Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety precautions within the construction industry to ensure a safe environment for staff and the public.
Skill in modern office practices and specialized technology used for municipal records management, permitting, and word processing.
Skill in reviewing complex construction plans, blueprints, and technical specifications for strict code compliance.
Skill in developing and delivering high-impact public presentations and translating complex technical information for non-technical audiences.
Ability to establish and maintain productive, professional working relationships with developers, engineers, Town staff, and the general public.
Ability to maintain high level of tact and diplomacy when navigating sensitive compliance issues or disputes with contractors and property owners.
Ability to provide clear instruction, professional advice, and technical guidance to subordinates to foster a high-performing and knowledgeable team.
Ability to assemble and analyze complex data, identify development trends, and prepare comprehensive reports for Town leadership.
Ability to maintain professional composure and make decisive, accurate judgments during emergency situations or under high-pressure deadlines.
Ability to interpret the intent of the code in unique or complex construction scenarios to ensure safety while supporting municipal growth goals.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Positions in this class perform medium work requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and 30 pounds frequently. Manual dexterity and mental acuity are essential for data analysis and code interpretation. Field duties require frequent climbing, crawling, crouching, and reaching. Candidates must have the visual and auditory acuity to inspect facilities, identify structural/electrical defects, and communicate safety standards effectively.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Duties are generally performed in a moderately noisy location (e.g., construction sites, office location with computer, telephone, and other related equipment). When working in the field, there is some exposure to a variety of weather conditions, odors, electrical currents, construction hazards, or toxic agents. Job duties may require working on-call after hours as scheduled in order to respond to emergencies.
Washington State Department of Ecology
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Senior Grant Project Manager and TMDL Lead (Environmental Specialist 4) within the Water Quality Program .
Location:
Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA .
Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.
Schedule:
This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
You may telework most of your work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities.
Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline:
Apply by June 16, 2026
Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.
Duties
Nonpoint sources are one of the largest contributors of pollution in Washington. Nonpoint pollution can contain toxic chemicals, excess nutrients, and bacteria. As the Senior Nonpoint Grant Project Manager and TMDL Lead, you will help reduce this pollution by providing financial assistance for grant and loan recipients in Southwest Washington. You will also help develop water quality restoration plans for selected watersheds.
What you will do:
Work with a team of internal and external partners, including engineers and financial managers, to evaluate, plan, install, and maintain critical nonpoint water quality restoration projects.
Develop and negotiate grant and loan terms of agreement.
Track project performance against contract obligations, which includes visiting sites at critical stages to make sure they are following the grant agreements.
Review and rate environmental nonpoint grant applications for accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Assist local governments understand how to use Ecology funds to nonpoint source pollution.
Develop and implement Water Quality Improvement Plans (also knows and Total Maximum Daily Loads or TMDLs) within the Southwest Region.
Help partners implement practices to meet water quality standards.
Build relationships with landowners and help them comply with water quality laws, understand and share best management practices, and communicate the science behind these practices.
Qualifications
For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website .
Required Qualifications:
Nine (9) years of experience and/or education as described below:
Experience performing environmental-based work, OR work related to the duties of the position, that includes three or more of the following:
Grant and Financial Program Administration - Ability to manage and oversee financial assistance programs to ensure funds are awarded, used, monitored, and closed out in accordance with program requirements and to support successful project outcomes.
Project and Portfolio Management - Ability to plan, track, and evaluate multiple projects simultaneously to keep work on schedule, maintain quality standards, and achieve intended environmental and program goals.
Technical and Regulatory Analysis - Ability to interpret technical data and regulatory requirements, and to lead the development of technical plans and recommendations that support effective program decisions and improved outcomes.
Intergovernmental and Community Collaboration - Experience collaborating with Tribes, local governments, state and federal agencies, community organizations, and members of the public to build alignment, solve problems, and advance shared project and program objectives.
Communication and Public Service - Ability to communicate complex technical and financial information in clear, understandable terms, respond to inquiries, and share program requirements and results to support public understanding and transparency.
Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning; or an academic discipline related to the duties of the position.
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/Conditions of Employment:
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience managing grants
Experience working with TMDLs and water quality improvement projects.
Technical writing experience.
Experience facilitating meetings.
Experience coordinating agencies and working with external advisory groups.
If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.
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.
Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.
Equity: We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.
Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology’s work.
Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.
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 or careers@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 Lawrence Sullivan at Lawrence.Sullivan@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 at careers@ecy.wa.gov
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 , 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.
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Senior Grant Project Manager and TMDL Lead (Environmental Specialist 4) within the Water Quality Program .
Location:
Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA .
Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.
Schedule:
This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
You may telework most of your work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities.
Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline:
Apply by June 16, 2026
Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.
Duties
Nonpoint sources are one of the largest contributors of pollution in Washington. Nonpoint pollution can contain toxic chemicals, excess nutrients, and bacteria. As the Senior Nonpoint Grant Project Manager and TMDL Lead, you will help reduce this pollution by providing financial assistance for grant and loan recipients in Southwest Washington. You will also help develop water quality restoration plans for selected watersheds.
What you will do:
Work with a team of internal and external partners, including engineers and financial managers, to evaluate, plan, install, and maintain critical nonpoint water quality restoration projects.
Develop and negotiate grant and loan terms of agreement.
Track project performance against contract obligations, which includes visiting sites at critical stages to make sure they are following the grant agreements.
Review and rate environmental nonpoint grant applications for accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Assist local governments understand how to use Ecology funds to nonpoint source pollution.
Develop and implement Water Quality Improvement Plans (also knows and Total Maximum Daily Loads or TMDLs) within the Southwest Region.
Help partners implement practices to meet water quality standards.
Build relationships with landowners and help them comply with water quality laws, understand and share best management practices, and communicate the science behind these practices.
Qualifications
For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website .
Required Qualifications:
Nine (9) years of experience and/or education as described below:
Experience performing environmental-based work, OR work related to the duties of the position, that includes three or more of the following:
Grant and Financial Program Administration - Ability to manage and oversee financial assistance programs to ensure funds are awarded, used, monitored, and closed out in accordance with program requirements and to support successful project outcomes.
Project and Portfolio Management - Ability to plan, track, and evaluate multiple projects simultaneously to keep work on schedule, maintain quality standards, and achieve intended environmental and program goals.
Technical and Regulatory Analysis - Ability to interpret technical data and regulatory requirements, and to lead the development of technical plans and recommendations that support effective program decisions and improved outcomes.
Intergovernmental and Community Collaboration - Experience collaborating with Tribes, local governments, state and federal agencies, community organizations, and members of the public to build alignment, solve problems, and advance shared project and program objectives.
Communication and Public Service - Ability to communicate complex technical and financial information in clear, understandable terms, respond to inquiries, and share program requirements and results to support public understanding and transparency.
Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning; or an academic discipline related to the duties of the position.
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/Conditions of Employment:
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience managing grants
Experience working with TMDLs and water quality improvement projects.
Technical writing experience.
Experience facilitating meetings.
Experience coordinating agencies and working with external advisory groups.
If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.
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.
Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.
Equity: We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.
Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology’s work.
Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.
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 or careers@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 Lawrence Sullivan at Lawrence.Sullivan@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 at careers@ecy.wa.gov
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 , 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.
Washington State Department of Ecology
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring two positions: Stormwater Strategic Implementation Lead (Environmental Planner 4) and Marine Water Quality Implementation Lead (Environmental Planner 4) within the Water Quality Program . Applicants interested in one or both positions are encouraged to apply.
These are project positions that are funded until June 30, 2028 and are highly likely to be extended pending award of additional funding from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Puget Sound Recovery National Program Office.
Location:
Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA .
Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.
Schedule:
Both positions are eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
A minimum of one day every other week is required in the office. You may telework most of your work time, with occasional in-person meetings and activities.
Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline:
Apply by June 22, 2026
Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.
Duties
As the Stormwater Strategic Implementation Lead , you will be responsible for guiding the overall implementation and management of the Puget Sound Stormwater Strategic Initiative, which is investing $35 million over five years from the Environmental Protection Agency, with possible additional funding in the future. In this role, you will provide critical coordination within Ecology and across partner agencies to ensure the initiative operates smoothly and achieves targeted outcomes. You will provide high-profile environmental planning expertise to support the implementation of policies and short-term actions addressing wastewater, stormwater and toxics threats to Puget Sound. You will serve as a key point of coordination to keep work on track with the timelines and deliverables outlined in the cooperative agreement between Ecology and the Environmental Protection Agency.
As the Marine Water Quality Implementation Lead , you will be responsible for guiding and implementing the Marine Water Quality Implementation Strategy, one of three water-quality focused strategies funded through the Environmental Protection Agency as part of the Puget Sound Stormwater Strategic Initiative. In this role, you will provide critical planning and coordination to identify and implement actions that improve marine water quality in Puget Sound. You will also support a subaward grant program by providing technical oversight and developing future subaward funding opportunities that support marine water quality investment priorities. This work involves close collaboration within Ecology and with other state agencies, the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies, as well as local governments, Tribes, academics, and other interested partners.
Both positions work closely with the Stormwater Strategic Initiative team lead, other team members, and partner state agencies involved in the Habitat and Shellfish Strategic Initiatives. Both roles are responsible for overall coordination, planning, and implementation of investment strategies that will improve Puget Sound’s water quality and contribute to its long-term health.
What you will do:
Stormwater Strategic Implementation Lead
Serve as the Implementation Lead for the Puget Sound Stormwater Strategic Initiative.
Work with other project staff to coordinate updates to the three implementation strategies: freshwater quality, toxics in fish, and marine water quality.
Assist project staff with removing barriers to success: troubleshoot, identify resource needs, identify and resolve policy barriers, fill critical information gaps, or improve the processes used to implement the Stormwater Strategic Initiative.
Coordinate closely with the Habitat and Shellfish Strategic Initiatives to ensure that timelines, systems, and processes are harmonized across the three Puget Sound strategic initiatives.
Build relations with Tribes, environmental and community organizations, and the public, and create opportunities for them to interact, participate in, or provide input for implementation.
Work closely with our interagency partners, experts, and other interested parties to ensure that implementation is coordinated, technically sound, and represents shared priorities for the Puget Sound recovery community.
Marine Water Quality Implementation Lead
Guide and facilitate the strategic implementation of the Marine Water Quality Implementation Strategy.
Represent the Marine Water Quality Implementation Strategy at public meetings; present progress and program goals, communicate effectively, and collaborate with other Ecology programs and state agencies to deliver effective, timely, and consistent information.
Build relations with Tribes, environmental and community organizations, and the public, and create opportunities for them to interact, participate in, or provide input for implementation.
Work with the other Implementation Strategy Leads in other state agencies (for example, Shellfish and Habitat Strategies) to identify key implementation actions within their respective implementation strategies that could have the dual benefit of meeting their objectives and the objectives in the Marine Water Quality Implementation Strategy.
Run workgroups that provide a wide range of input to better inform the Puget Sound Investment Strategy with a focus on actions to improve marine water quality.
Develop future subaward grant solicitation opportunities that make progress toward Marine Water Quality Investment Plan priorities, particularly focused on nutrients and phosphorous issues that degrade marine dissolved oxygen.
Qualifications
For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website .
Required Qualifications:
Nine (9) years of experience and/or education as described below:
Experience in: land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related experience.
Education involving a major study in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely 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 or higher.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience in water quality (freshwater and/or marine), wastewater, stormwater, aquatic ecology, chemistry, and the Clean Water Act.
Familiarity with Puget Sound recovery.
Successfully implementing projects that involve collaboration with cross disciplinary teams, including state and local governments, the public, and environmental justice communities.
Experience in group facilitation and project management.
If you are excited about either role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.
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.
Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.
Equity: We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.
Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology’s work.
Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.
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 either or both positions
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 or careers@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 Leslie Connelly at Leslie.Connelly@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 at careers@ecy.wa.gov
About the Water Quality Program
The mission of the Water Quality Program is to ensure that all aquatic life, and communities in the watershed, experience cool, clean water to refresh and sustain us in a changing climate. This position is within the Science, Policy and Emerging Issues Section within the Water Quality Program. Our section manages research projects, stormwater programs, and EPA grants on behalf of the program and the agency. You will join a team that also supports the Stormwater Work Group, Stormwater Action Monitoring Program, 6PPDQ stormwater research, and the Columbia River Toxics Reduction Lead.
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 , 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.
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring two positions: Stormwater Strategic Implementation Lead (Environmental Planner 4) and Marine Water Quality Implementation Lead (Environmental Planner 4) within the Water Quality Program . Applicants interested in one or both positions are encouraged to apply.
These are project positions that are funded until June 30, 2028 and are highly likely to be extended pending award of additional funding from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Puget Sound Recovery National Program Office.
Location:
Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA .
Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.
Schedule:
Both positions are eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
A minimum of one day every other week is required in the office. You may telework most of your work time, with occasional in-person meetings and activities.
Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline:
Apply by June 22, 2026
Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.
Duties
As the Stormwater Strategic Implementation Lead , you will be responsible for guiding the overall implementation and management of the Puget Sound Stormwater Strategic Initiative, which is investing $35 million over five years from the Environmental Protection Agency, with possible additional funding in the future. In this role, you will provide critical coordination within Ecology and across partner agencies to ensure the initiative operates smoothly and achieves targeted outcomes. You will provide high-profile environmental planning expertise to support the implementation of policies and short-term actions addressing wastewater, stormwater and toxics threats to Puget Sound. You will serve as a key point of coordination to keep work on track with the timelines and deliverables outlined in the cooperative agreement between Ecology and the Environmental Protection Agency.
As the Marine Water Quality Implementation Lead , you will be responsible for guiding and implementing the Marine Water Quality Implementation Strategy, one of three water-quality focused strategies funded through the Environmental Protection Agency as part of the Puget Sound Stormwater Strategic Initiative. In this role, you will provide critical planning and coordination to identify and implement actions that improve marine water quality in Puget Sound. You will also support a subaward grant program by providing technical oversight and developing future subaward funding opportunities that support marine water quality investment priorities. This work involves close collaboration within Ecology and with other state agencies, the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies, as well as local governments, Tribes, academics, and other interested partners.
Both positions work closely with the Stormwater Strategic Initiative team lead, other team members, and partner state agencies involved in the Habitat and Shellfish Strategic Initiatives. Both roles are responsible for overall coordination, planning, and implementation of investment strategies that will improve Puget Sound’s water quality and contribute to its long-term health.
What you will do:
Stormwater Strategic Implementation Lead
Serve as the Implementation Lead for the Puget Sound Stormwater Strategic Initiative.
Work with other project staff to coordinate updates to the three implementation strategies: freshwater quality, toxics in fish, and marine water quality.
Assist project staff with removing barriers to success: troubleshoot, identify resource needs, identify and resolve policy barriers, fill critical information gaps, or improve the processes used to implement the Stormwater Strategic Initiative.
Coordinate closely with the Habitat and Shellfish Strategic Initiatives to ensure that timelines, systems, and processes are harmonized across the three Puget Sound strategic initiatives.
Build relations with Tribes, environmental and community organizations, and the public, and create opportunities for them to interact, participate in, or provide input for implementation.
Work closely with our interagency partners, experts, and other interested parties to ensure that implementation is coordinated, technically sound, and represents shared priorities for the Puget Sound recovery community.
Marine Water Quality Implementation Lead
Guide and facilitate the strategic implementation of the Marine Water Quality Implementation Strategy.
Represent the Marine Water Quality Implementation Strategy at public meetings; present progress and program goals, communicate effectively, and collaborate with other Ecology programs and state agencies to deliver effective, timely, and consistent information.
Build relations with Tribes, environmental and community organizations, and the public, and create opportunities for them to interact, participate in, or provide input for implementation.
Work with the other Implementation Strategy Leads in other state agencies (for example, Shellfish and Habitat Strategies) to identify key implementation actions within their respective implementation strategies that could have the dual benefit of meeting their objectives and the objectives in the Marine Water Quality Implementation Strategy.
Run workgroups that provide a wide range of input to better inform the Puget Sound Investment Strategy with a focus on actions to improve marine water quality.
Develop future subaward grant solicitation opportunities that make progress toward Marine Water Quality Investment Plan priorities, particularly focused on nutrients and phosphorous issues that degrade marine dissolved oxygen.
Qualifications
For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website .
Required Qualifications:
Nine (9) years of experience and/or education as described below:
Experience in: land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related experience.
Education involving a major study in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely 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 or higher.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience in water quality (freshwater and/or marine), wastewater, stormwater, aquatic ecology, chemistry, and the Clean Water Act.
Familiarity with Puget Sound recovery.
Successfully implementing projects that involve collaboration with cross disciplinary teams, including state and local governments, the public, and environmental justice communities.
Experience in group facilitation and project management.
If you are excited about either role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.
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.
Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.
Equity: We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.
Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology’s work.
Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.
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 either or both positions
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 or careers@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 Leslie Connelly at Leslie.Connelly@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 at careers@ecy.wa.gov
About the Water Quality Program
The mission of the Water Quality Program is to ensure that all aquatic life, and communities in the watershed, experience cool, clean water to refresh and sustain us in a changing climate. This position is within the Science, Policy and Emerging Issues Section within the Water Quality Program. Our section manages research projects, stormwater programs, and EPA grants on behalf of the program and the agency. You will join a team that also supports the Stormwater Work Group, Stormwater Action Monitoring Program, 6PPDQ stormwater research, and the Columbia River Toxics Reduction Lead.
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 , 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.
