Water Quality Permit Administrator; Environmental Specialist

Water Quality Permit Administrator (Environmental Specialist
1)

Join to apply for the Water Quality Permit Administrator (Environmental Specialist
1) role at Washington State Department of Ecology.

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Water Quality Permit Administrator (Environmental Specialist
1) within the Water Quality Program.

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.
• Must live within commutable distance from duty station.

• Eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• Minimum three days per week required in the office.
• Schedules subject to change.

• Apply by January 21, 2026.
• Position will remain open until filled; may close at any time.

You will work with our General Permits Unit to manage and maintain permit data while providing technical assistance to customers.

• Administer documents by tracking, entering data, ensuring proper records retention, and organizing files.
• Review and comment on draft documents for consistency with other permit documents.
• Notify and coordinate with permit managers when project tasks are complete to keep projects on schedule.
• Prepare routine correspondence, draft documents, and reports.
• Provide administrative technical assistance to customers.
• Review compliance and enforcement documentation for completeness and consistency when applicable.
• Edit documents for accessibility and work with subject matter experts to analyze and summarize Environmental Justice information on our facilities.
• Enter information into the permit and enforcement tracking tools; help improve the tracking tools over time.

For detailed information on experience and responses, visit our Recruitment website.

• Four (4) years of experience and/or education as described below.
• Experience performing environmental-based work or work related to the essential functions and key activities of the position, that includes two or more of the following:
  • Data and System Administration – manage and maintain program databases, tracking systems, and SharePoint sites.
  • Document Processing and Quality Assurance – review, prepare, and process documents, fact sheets, and reports.
  • Reporting and Tracking – compile, review, and produce routine tracking reports.
  • Technical Assistance and Customer Support – explain procedures, system requirements, and reporting tools to permit tees.
• Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:
  • Critical/analytical thinking and problem-solving to make decisions.
  • Reviewing/assessing information to draw conclusions and recommend actions.
  • Conducting research and performing data analysis on qualitative and quantitative data.
• Education with a major in environmental, physical, or natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning; or a related discipline.

• 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.
• No experience AND a Bachelor’s degree or above.

• Effective communication, written and verbal.
• Basic computer skills, including database management.
• Experience working with customers internally and externally.

Ecology does not use the E‑Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing professional goals and protecting the environment.

Ecology seeks diverse applicants. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged 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.

• Please contact us at 360‑407‑6186…