Shoreland, Wetland, Aquatic Resource Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Shoreland Wetland Aquatic Resource Specialist(Environmental Specialist 4)within theShorelands & Environmental Assistance(SEA)program.

Schedule:

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• This position requires frequent fieldwork.
• Schedules are dependent upon onboarding schedules position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by May 26 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.

What you will do:

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

Required Qualifications:

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

Experience:professional level experience in wetland riparian and aquatic resource evaluation; shoreline and critical areas permitting; environmental compliance and enforcement; and providing technical assistance to local governments applicants and partner agencies.

Experience mentioned above must include demonstrated competencies in the following skill sets---

1. Wetland & Aquatic Resource Evaluation
Demonstrates the ability to accurately interpret and validate wetland delineations rating forms functional assessments and mitigation proposals; applies ecological principles to evaluate resource conditions and project impacts.

2. Regulatory Permit Analysis

Applies regulatory knowledge and analytical skills to determine whether proposals comply with Section 401 RCW 90.48 the Shoreline Management Act and local Critical Areas Ordinances; evaluates permit applications for completeness accuracy and technical adequacy.

3. Shoreline Boundary & Field Assessment
Performs independent field investigations to identify the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) assess shoreline and wetland site conditions and collect reliable field data to support regulatory determinations and technical recommendations.

4. Compliance Assessment & Guidance
Identifies potential non-compliance with environmental regulations gathers facts evaluates evidence and communicates clear actionable guidance to applicants landowners and local governments to support voluntary compliance and corrective measures.

5. Enforcement Case Support
Prepares thorough documentation for enforcement actions contributes to case strategy and supports legal processes by providing technical expertise clear written records and effective communication with the Attorney Generals Office and other partners.

6. Interagency & Environmental Review Coordination
Collaborates effectively with local governments state and federal agencies tribes and applicants to support project review; analyzes environmental documents (SEPA/NEPA) and develops well-reasoned evidence-based comments on potential impacts.

Education:involving major study in environmental physical or one of the natural sciences environmental planning or other closely allied scientific 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.
• 3 years of experience AND a Masters degree or higher.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

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.

Our Commitment to DEIR

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 that DEIRis 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.

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 contact Jeremy Sikesat
• 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 Shorelands and Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program

The mission of the SEA Program is to create community conservation partnerships to protect and restore our shorelands wetlands and floodplains.

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.

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 ForgivenessTuition Waiver Long Term Disability&Life InsuranceDeferred Compensation ProgramsDependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA)Employee Assistance ProgramCommute Trip Reduction Incentives(Download PDF reader)Combined 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.

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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