Climate Pollution Reduction Program Contracts and Grants Specialist; Environmental Specialist

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Program Grants and Contracts Specialist (Environmental Specialist
4) within the Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP).

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options
• A minimum of one day per week is required in the office

• Apply by March 22, 2026
• This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after the date above may not be considered

The Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP) is seeking a highly organized and collaborative Program Grants and Contracts Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will lead the development, negotiation, and management of complex grant and contract agreements that support Washington’s climate initiatives. You will serve as the budget lead for Tribal grants and manage all CPRP contracts, including those supporting Cap-and-Invest, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Clean Fuel Standards, and Information Technology projects.

Your work will involve overseeing the full grant lifecycle, from coordinating application processes and drafting agreements to reviewing reimbursement requests, tracking progress, and completing closeouts. In addition, you’ll provide guidance and training to grant recipients, Tribal partners, and program staff, while ensuring financial, program, and policy compliance. As the CPRP procurement coordinator, you’ll also direct competitive procurement processes, working closely with Ecology’s contracts office and technical subject matter experts to draft procurement documents, conducting evaluations and debriefs, and write contracts for the successful bidder.

If you find satisfaction in managing complex projects, solving problems, and working closely with others to make a positive impact, we encourage you to apply!

• Negotiate, implement, and monitor CPRP grant and contract agreements, ensuring terms meet program needs and comply with state, federal, and agency requirements
• Coordinate the full grant application, review, award, and closeout processes for assigned programs, resolving issues and supporting recipients to ensure equitable, timely, and efficient administration
• Review and process grant reimbursement requests, payment approvals, and contract amendments, ensuring eligibility, accuracy, and alignment with agreement terms, audit requirements, and agency policy
• Provide technical assistance and training to project managers, grant recipients, and Tribal partners on grant administration, contract procedures, and use of the Ecology Administration of Grants and Loans (EAGL) system
• Monitor and track the status of CPRP grants and contracts, deliverables, and deadlines using internal tracking systems, and assist with financial reconciliation and reporting for budget and audit purposes
• Manage the competitive procurement processes for CPRP, including developing solicitations, facilitating evaluations, and finalizing contracts
• Represent CPRP in agency-wide grant, contract, and procurement work groups, contributing to policy updates, system improvements, and program planning efforts

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

• Experience performing environmental-based work, or work related to the duties of the position, which must include managing the full lifecycle of contracts and grants, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, organizational policies, and funding requirements. Candidates should possess a track record of success in analytical thinking, communication, and managing complex projects, all essential for effective funding oversight and risk reduction.
• Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:
  • Negotiating, preparing, and managing complex contracts and grant agreements, ensuring compliance with applicable policies and timely execution of payments and closeouts.
  • Conducting detailed reviews and oversight of grant activities to ensure technical and regulatory compliance, while resolving eligibility issues and maintaining accurate records for audit and reporting purposes.
  • Providing training and technical guidance to staff and grant recipients, supporting their understanding of systems and policies through coordinated educational efforts and cross-agency collaboration.
  • Using critical / analytical thinking and problem‑solving skills to make decisions or determine a course of action.
  • Reviewing / assessing information and data to draw conclusions and recommending decisions or actions.
  • Conducting research and performing data analysis on both qualitative and quantitative data.
• Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science…