WA Dept of Ecology - Water Quality Activities and Municipal Wastewater Grants and Loans Special[...]

Job Summary $72,816.00 – $97,956.00 Annually King County – Shoreline, WA Full Time – Permanent Flexible/Hybrid Remote Employment Job Number: 2026-WQ40424877-04595 Department: Dept. of Ecology Division: Water Quality Positions Water Quality Activities Grants and Loans Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) Municipal Wastewater Grant and Loan Project Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) Schedule and Location Location: Northwest Region Office in Shoreline, WA. 5% premium pay due to location in King County. Upon hire, must reside within commutable distance from duty station. Eligible for telework and flexible schedule options. A minimum of three days per week in the office is required for the first six months; in‑office time is negotiable thereafter. Schedules are subject to change based on position needs. Duties In the Water Quality Activities Grants and Loans Specialist position: On behalf of Ecology, you will manage grants and loans funding stormwater and nonpoint projects that improve water quality in streams and lakes in the Northwest Region. You will be part of dynamic, project‑specific teams that collaborate with local municipalities, Tribes, conservation districts, and nonprofit organizations during all phases of the grant/loan. You will work independently and with your teams to: Provide technical environmental support and administrative guidance to grant/loan recipients in the planning, design, construction, and/or implementation phases of funded projects. Apply your knowledge about approaches that improve water quality. Learn first‑hand from grant applicants and recipients about implementing water quality projects. What you will do: Manage grants and loans in accordance with agreement terms, state and federal statutes, rules, and Program & Ecology policies and procedures. Evaluate funding proposals and develop grant/loan agreements for the funded projects. Coordinate internally with other Water Quality Program staff to ensure successful implementation of the funded projects. Apply current science of stormwater and nonpoint specialty‑area topics, as applicable to grants and proposals. Communicate both verbally and in writing with individuals, agencies, local governments, Tribes, and the public. Actively participate in and contribute to internal workgroup efforts to improve and streamline program processes, develop program guidance, fill knowledge gaps, and train new staff. Present grant/loan guideline information, both virtually and at local workshops and other outreach opportunities. In the Municipal Wastewater Grant and Loan Project Specialist position: You will collaborate with public works professionals, engineers and financial planners to develop and oversee grant and loan projects for wastewater facility improvements that will benefit water quality in Washington state. You will help us to provide financial assistance for: Wastewater system planning. Designing new or expanded wastewater collection and treatment facilities. Constructing new or expanded wastewater facilities. What you will do: Reviewing and evaluating municipal wastewater facility grant and loan applications. Assisting grant and loan applicants and recipients prepare environmental, cultural resource, and environmental justice review documents. Negotiating and managing clear project scope of work, budgets and timelines for project deliverables. Tracking compliance with grant and loan agreement requirements. Tracking project performance and ensuring that recipients achieve expected outcomes by negotiated completion dates. Reviewing and certifying grant and loan payment requests and Progress Reports to verify work complies with the agreement and applicable statutes, rules, policies and procedures. Providing technical assistance to potential applicants and recipients helping them understand our funding program, policies, procedures, and tools. Qualifications Required Qualifications: Nine (9) years of experience and/or education as described below Experience performing environmental‑based work, or work related to the essential functions and key activities of the position, that includes two or more of the following: Grant and Loan Project Management – Experience managing funding agreements to ensure projects are completed successfully and meet program requirements. Regulatory Review – Experience applying regulatory requirements to ensure projects comply with state and federal laws. Infrastructure and Systems Understanding – Ability to assess public infrastructure projects to determine their needs, feasibility, and expected benefits. Communication and Partner Support – Ability to clearly convey information and work with partners to resolve issues and support informed decisions. Program Coordination – Ability to coordinate work across programs, units, and partners to ensure consistent decisions and smooth project delivery. Data, Documentation, and Analysis – Ability to review and track project information to support accurate oversight and decisions. Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning, or an academic discipline related to the duties of the position. 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. Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. Desired Qualifications: Experience reviewing and understanding complex technical documents. Experience working with complex water quality‑related statutes, regulations, and permits. Experience applying negotiation and conflict resolution skills. Experience implementing stormwater infrastructure and/or nonpoint restoration projects. Experience in planning, contract management, and/or grant and loan management for public works improvement projects. 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 position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative. #J-18808-Ljbffr regional associations information network