Water Rights Customer Service Specialist (Environmental Specialist 2) (In-Training)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Water Rights Customer Service Specialist (Environmental Specialist 2) within the Water Resources Program.

Location:

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

Schedule: This position is required to work in the office five days per week and is not eligible for telework.

• Upon completion of initial onboarding and training, the ability to telework up to two days per month may be available upon coordination with immediate supervisor.

Application Timeline: 

• Apply by June 10, 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may be reviewed only if additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties

As the Central Region's Water Resources (WR) Customer Service Specialist, you will serve as the face and voice of the section, contributing meaningfully to needs across the region by addressing complex questions about water supply and use, as well as connecting customers with the appropriate services. You will also take part in a team that issues superseding documents, meeting strategic production targets. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working with a wide range of personalities, continuous learning, and a rapid, diverse workload. 

What you will do:

• Answer and/or address customer requests as presented via phone call, in-person, and email, regarding water rights at the Central Regional Office. 
• Deliver respectful, accurate, and solution-focused customer service to external customers and internal staff by actively listening to and identifying customer needs and using Program expertise to assist customers. 
• Advise external customers on agency forms, materials, and processes, ensuring they understand next steps and available resources for effective resolution. 
• Inform section leadership of ongoing and emerging customer service concerns.
• Using existing permitting decisions, draft superseding permits and certificates using Program templates, guidance, and best practices to help the section maintain up-to-date water right records. 
• Seasonally, compare instream flow requirements with actual stream flows; track the information during the period required and update curtailment and drought hotlines as needed.

Qualifications

This position offers an in-training plan and may be filled at the Environmental Specialist 1 or 2 level, depending on your qualifications. If you qualify at the ES1 level and are hired, you will progress through an in-training plan to become an ES2 within a specified time period.

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

Required Qualifications:

At the Environmental Specialist 1 level (In-Training)

Pay Range 40, $3,581 - $4,771 monthly

Four years of experience and/or education as listed below:

• Experience: related to the duties of the positions which demonstrates the following skills:
  • Customer Centered Service & Compassionate Communication - Ability to engage customers with welcoming, respectful interactions using active listening to convey repetitive, challenging, or disappointing information with clarity and empathy. Ability to explain requirements, forms, steps, and procedures clearly to help customers understand expectations and successfully comply.
    
  • Professional Writing & Documentation - Ability to produce clear, accurate, and accessible written materials to maintain high-quality documentation and records.
    
  • Time Management & Organization - Ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing deadlines, and maintain organized records to deliver timely and reliable service. Exercise sound judgment and apply expertise appropriately to resolve issues effectively and seek supervisory guidance when needed.
    
  • Collaboration & Team Support - Ability to build respectful partnerships, share information, and participate in team efforts to support smooth and effective program operations.
    
  • Inquiry Triage & Routing - Ability to identify issues needing advanced expertise and coordinate with supervisors and senior staff to ensure customers are routed appropriately for timely, accurate service.
    
  • Digital Systems Fluency & Continuous Learning - Ability to navigate multiple digital systems and adapt to ongoing system or process changes to maintain effective and efficient daily operations.
    
  • Data Review, Reporting & Technical Document Preparation - Ability to review and summarize data and prepare standardized technical documents to ensure consistency, clarity, and accuracy.
• Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning, geography, GIS, or closely related field.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 4 years of experience.
• 3 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 2 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 1 year of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 0 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.

At the Environmental Specialist 2 level (Goal Class)

Pay Range 47, $4,216 - $5,666 monthly

Five years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Experience: related to the duties of the positions which demonstrates the following skills:
  • Customer Centered Service & Compassionate Communication - Ability to engage customers with welcoming, respectful interactions using active listening to convey repetitive, challenging, or disappointing information with clarity and empathy. Ability to explain requirements, forms, steps, and procedures clearly to help customers understand expectations and successfully comply.
    
  • Professional Writing & Documentation - Ability to produce clear, accurate, and accessible written materials to maintain high-quality documentation and records.
    
  • Time Management & Organization - Ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing deadlines, and maintain organized records to deliver timely and reliable service. Exercise sound judgment and apply expertise appropriately to resolve issues effectively and seek supervisory guidance when needed.
    
  • Collaboration & Team Support - Ability to build respectful partnerships, share information, and participate in team efforts to support smooth and effective program operations.
    
  • Inquiry Triage & Routing - Ability to identify issues needing advanced expertise and coordinate with supervisors and senior staff to ensure customers are routed appropriately for timely, accurate service.
    
  • Digital Systems Fluency & Continuous Learning - Ability to navigate multiple digital systems and adapt to ongoing system or process changes to maintain effective and efficient daily operations.
    
  • Data Review, Reporting & Technical Document Preparation - Ability to review and summarize data and prepare standardized technical documents to ensure consistency, clarity, and accuracy.
• Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning, geography, GIS, or closely related field.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 5 years of experience.
• 4 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 3 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 2 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 1 year of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• 0 years of experience AND a Master’s degree.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bilingual Proficiency in English and Spanish: Ability to read, write, and speak fluently in both languages
• Data Systems & GIS Basics: Ability to retrieve, update, and verify information in agency databases and GIS tools to maintain complete and accurate records.
• Information Management: Research, Logging & Tracking: Ability to gather information from multiple sources and accurately log and track inquiries or data to support accountability, reporting, and operational or seasonal updates.
• Regulatory & Policy Application: Ability to understand and apply relevant laws, rules, and policies to provide accurate guidance and program information.

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 Jolee Edgar at Jolee.Edgar@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.

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