The Water Quality Program is responsible for regulating discharges of pollutants to surface and ground waters by writing and managing permits, enforcing water quality laws, developing water quality standards and identifying waterbodies that fail to meet those standards, and providing technical and financial assistance to appropriate entities to help them protect and restore Washington’s waters.
The Southwest Regional Office, along with the other regional offices, assist in the development of work priorities, policies, and products, but ultimately are lead for on the ground implementation of our work and collaboration with our permitted communities as well as our local governments, living communities, and broader state citizens affected by our work to protect and restore our state’s waters.
The Watershed Resources Unit is responsible for managing, directing, and administering all activities related to municipal and construction stormwater permits, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission hydropower certifications, and designated non-point water quality pollution activities within the Water Quality Section of the Southwest Region.
As an agency, we invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.
To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.
DutiesAgency Mission: Ecology’s mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington’s land, air and water for current and future generations.
Program Mission: The mission of the Water Quality Program is to protect and restore Washington’s waters to sustain healthy watersheds and communities. Our work ensures that beneficial uses are achieved including recreational and business activities, supplies for clean drinking water, and the protection of fish, shellfish, wildlife and public health.
The staff in the Watershed Resources Unit:
- Manage permits
- Conduct site inspections
- Manage millions of dollars of grants
- Engage with landowners to improve water quality
In this position you will:
- Support and supervise the 11 Unit staff, which includes environmental specialists and environmental planners.
- Plan, lead, organize, and direct the work of the unit.
- Provide leadership for the implementation of municipal and construction stormwater programs, non-point compliance and enforcement, and related water quality issues.
- Develop and implement the unit’s strategic plan and policy for stormwater and non-point complaint response activities.
- Coordinate with regional and headquarters managers to encourage consistency and communication related to water quality issues.
We’re looking for a leader who will:
- Lead with empathy, transparency, and humility.
- Build a cohesive team that has a strong sense of purpose.
- Communicate with emotional intelligence.
- Facilitate change and growth.
- Empower staff to participate in decisions that affect their work.
- Facilitate collaboration that emphasizes how each person’s professional opinion complements others in the group.
- Maintain a sense of humor and positivity in serious work.
- Build strong relationships.
- Keep commitments and help others stay accountable.
- Acknowledge when something doesn’t go well and support staff in continually improving.
This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be on March 27, 2020. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before March 26, 2020. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.
Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree in natural, environmental, or physical sciences, engineering, planning, or closely related field AND five years of professional level work experience in water quality management, environmental sciences or related field.
Additional qualifying experience in natural, environmental, or physical sciences, engineering, planning, or closely related may substitute year for year for education.
OR
A Master’s degree in natural, environmental, or physical sciences, engineering, planning, or closely related field AND four years of professional level work experience in water quality management, environmental sciences or related field.
OR
A Ph.D. in natural, environmental, or physical sciences, engineering, planning, or closely related field AND three years of professional level work experience in water quality management, environmental sciences or related field.
Desired Qualifications
Education or experience in management and supervision.
Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment
Must obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license