Southwest Region Section Manager (WMS Band 2)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Southwest RegionSection Manager (WMS Band 2) within theWater Resources Program.

Location:

• Southwest Region Office (SWRO) in Lacey WA.
• Upon hire you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule:

• This position is eligible for telework and certain flexible schedule options.
• A minimum of two days per week is required in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by December 14 2025
• 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.

As the Section Manager for Water Resources you will lead regional water management efforts across 12 counties in Southwest Washington encompassing the Southern Puget Sound Pacific Coast and Olympic Peninsula. You will serve as a key decision-maker in a region where many watersheds are governed by instream flow rules and limited new water allocations. You will interpret complex laws and policies to make defensible decisions that safeguard community well-being support economic stability and protect vital natural resources.

You will oversee a diverse team of 12 professionalsincluding permit writers hydrogeologists compliance and enforcement staff and administrative supportto ensure that water allocation regulation conservation and protection activities align with state laws policies and the Water Resources Program mission. Success in this role requires building strong relationships with municipalities tribal governments farmers landowners and other water users and partners.

What you will do:

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

Required Qualifications:

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

• Experience working in public administration or natural resources management which must include at least five years of experience leading people.
  Experience must include:
  • Proven Leadership Experience Five years of demonstrated experience planning directing and evaluating the work of professional staff including mentoring and performance management to achieve organizational goals.
    
  • Knowledge of Natural Resource Regulatory Frameworks Understanding of natural resources management and environmental regulation with experience making complex permitting and compliance decisions.
    
  • Advanced Decision-Making and Policy Judgment Ability to make sound precedent-setting decisions balancing technical legal and public interests in high-impact politically sensitive situations.
    
  • Communication and Collaboration Skilled in communicating complex information clearly to diverse audiences and fostering effective partnerships with leadership stakeholders and external agencies.
• Educationinvolving a major study in public administration public policy business administration environmental management natural sciences natural resources environmental sciences physical sciences engineering planning or other 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 (Associates degree).
• 6 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 5 years of experience AND a Bachelors degree or above.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge and understanding of state water resources laws and issues.

If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job descriptionwe 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 Department of Ecology we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.

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.

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.

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 or
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-.

Questions

• For specific questions about the position location options schedule or duties please contactRia Berns at
• 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

About the Water ResourcesProgram

The mission of the Water Resources Program is to manage water resources to benefit all Washingtonians and to protect the natural environment for current and future generations.

Our values are: Public service innovation teamwork equity and excellence.

Read about our Strategic Plan here WRP Strategic Plan

About the Department of Ecology

As the State of Washingtons environmental protection agency we are deeply committed to protecting preserving and enhancing Washingtons 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 invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership effective resource management teamwork professionalism and accountability.

Diversity Equity Inclusion and Respect (DEIR)are core values central to Ecologys 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 thatDEIRis 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.

Ecology employees may be eligible for the following:Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s)Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)Vacation Sick and other Leave11 Paid Holidays per yearPublic Service Loan ForgivenessTuition Waiver Long Term Disability&Life InsuranceDeferred Compensation ProgramsDependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA)Employee Assistance ProgramCommute Trip Reduction IncentivesCombined Fund DriveSmartHealth*Click here for more information

To learn more about Ecology please visit ourwebsite explore Working at Ecology check out ourStrategic Plan and connect with us onLinkedInFacebookInstagramYouTube or ourblog.

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.

Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency.

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