Floodplains by Design Lead Planner (Environmental Planner 4)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Floodplains by Design Lead Planner (Environmental Planner 4) within the Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) 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.
• Regular attendance at an Ecology office, including time spent at the HQ building in Lacey, for team meetings and similar activities is expected.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Please Note: This is a project position that is funded until December 31, 2027.  This funding is likely to be renewed for the next bi-annual budget cycle.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by June 7, 2026 
• Applications

  submitted after the date above may be reviewed only if additional qualified

  applicants are needed.

Duties

Ecology’s statewide Floodplain Management Team is growing, and we are excited to invite candidates to apply for the new Floodplains by Design Lead Planner position. This is a unique opportunity to lead planning, policy coordination, and day-to-day administration of our award winning Floodplains by Design (FbD) grant program, a major component of the umbrella FbD initiative that is shaping the future direction of integrated floodplain management in Washington. 

You will have significant internal responsibilities for FbD grant program operations and for ensuring we deliver outstanding service to our partners and customers. 

You will work at the intersection of state, Tribal, federal, local, and nongovernmental partners, coordinating closely with Ecology’s nongovernmental (NGO) backbone partner, Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF), to ensure the FbD grant program remains effective, responsive, and aligned with the goals of the FbD initiative.

Within Ecology, you will provide authoritative recommendations on FbD grant program operations, including developing tools and processes that support program consistency, adaptive management, and informed executive decision-making.  You will help guide the work of regional staff who serve as project managers for individual FbD grants; track and report on FbD grant program spending and accomplishments; and work with senior staff and leaders to develop and advance funding strategies and major policy initiatives. 

What you will do:

• Lead Ecology’s engagement on FbD grant program activities with the FbD NGO backbone partner, and coordinate with Tribes, local governments, state and federal agencies, and other partners to support collaborative decision-making, program alignment, and advancement of shared FbD grant program outcomes.

• Develop and refine statewide grant program procedures, tools, and tracking systems; review and approve grant agreements; and support consistent implementation by coaching, advising, and coordinating with Ecology’s grant and financial management staff.

• Represent the FbD grant program on internal and interagency work groups, facilitating information exchange; resolving policy or implementation issues; and ensuring program decisions are communicated effectively to partners and leadership.

• Provide authoritative analysis and recommendations on funding strategies, grant program policies, process improvements, and long-range planning needs to inform Ecology leadership and budget development.

• Support and advise broader FbD initiative activities—such as Steering Group and Action Group meetings—and keep internal staff and external partners informed of FbD grant program plans, schedules, and emerging issues.

• Manage grant program records and information in accordance with agency requirements, and perform additional duties as assigned to support SEA Program priorities.

Qualifications

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

Required Qualifications:

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

Experience: Professional experience in managing multi-partner environmental or community-based grant programs; coordinating with diverse governmental and nongovernmental partners; developing and implementing program processes; leading policy-related planning efforts; and preparing or reviewing program-related recommendations, analyses, or documentation

Experience described above must include demonstrated ability in the following skill sets:

1. Program & Policy Implementation
Ability to carry out complex environmental or planning program responsibilities, align operations with defined policy direction, and ensure consistent and effective program delivery.

2. Grant Administration & Process Management
Skill in updating, developing, and applying established grant program processes and procedures; coordinating grant program operations; reviewing agreements for accuracy and consistency; and using tracking tools to support reporting, evaluation, and adaptive program management.

3. Partnership Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement
Ability to work collaboratively and constructively with Tribes, local governments, federal and state agencies, NGOs, and technical partners to exchange information; coordinate activities and assist with developing, implementing, and evaluating progress made towards achieving shared planning and/or policy goals.

4. Communication & Facilitation
Skill in clearly conveying technical information, facilitating discussions to gather input or guide decisions, and presenting well-reasoned recommendations verbally and in writing.

5. Analytical & Strategic Thinking
Ability to identify trends, interpret data or policy information, evaluate options, and recommend approaches for program improvements, statewide consistency, or long-range planning.

6. Coaching & Technical Guidance
Skill in providing direction, mentoring, or process guidance to project managers or planning staff to support consistent implementation of program procedures and improve overall program effectiveness.

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, hazard mitigation, or closely related field

A Bachelor’s degree in the above fields counts for 4 years and a Master’s degree in the above fields counts for 6 years.

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.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Must possess and maintain a valid driver license.                                                                                                                  

Desired Qualifications: 

• Experience working on integrated floodplain management, watershed restoration, and/or flood hazard mitigation programs or projects.
• Experience administering an entire grant program (as distinguished from managing individual grants).
• Experience leading or supporting process improvement initiatives or similar efforts.
• Ability to think strategically, maintain strong attention to detail, and work collaboratively.
• Ability to navigate comfortably between routine administrative tasks and creative, visioning-oriented work.

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 Mary Huff at  Mary.Huff@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 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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