Watershed Management Section Manager; WMS

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

Watershed Management Section Manager (WMS2) within the Water Quality Program.

• 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 two days per week are required in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

• Apply by February 1, 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.

In this position, you will supervise three very diverse work units that provide environmental and policy services and regulatory decisions to protect water quality across the state. You will support the Program's work in the areas of establishing and implementing surface and ground water quality standards, developing total maximum daily loads, and implementing the state's strategy for controlling nonpoint source pollution, which includes agriculture and forestry.

You will also oversee the direct implementation of two regulatory programs for underground injection control authorizations and state clean water act certifications of all hydropower facilities in the state. In carrying out these responsibilities, you will ensure adequate laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines exist. You will represent the program and agency before elected bodies, the Pollution Control Hearings board, local, state, federal, and Tribal governmental agencies, interest groups, news media, and the general public.

As the section manager, you will manage the section budget, approve expenditures, and oversee the management of staff. You will function as a member of the Water Quality Program management team by assigning and managing resources, sponsoring program initiatives, and recommending and approving policies pertaining to personnel, budget, and environmental management.

• Directly supervise three unit managers, an administrative assistant, and three high level program planners and make workload decisions affecting the entire program.
• Submit the agency list of impaired waters to the EPA to fulfill federal Clean Water Act responsibilities.
• Recommend agency rule revisions (Washington Administrative Code) for surface water quality standards, water quality standards, and Underground Injection Control.
• Provide direction and approve on TMDLs and other water quality improvement plans.
• Provide oversight on nonpoint source grants.
• Provide direction on key legislation and major shifts in budget, staffing or organization.

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

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

• Experience in environmental analysis, control, or planning. Experience must include at least 5 years of supervisory experience.
• Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or natural science, engineering, planning, business administration, 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.
• 2 years of experience AND a Ph.D.

• Leadership and management skills that promote a productive and supportive work environment.
• Demonstrated skills in working on complex public policies.
• Knowledge of environmental laws and regulations.

If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the…