Environmental Engineer 2 (Lacey, WA)

Salary : $73,284.00 - $98,520.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-03202
Department: Parks and Recreation Commission
Opening Date: 06/25/2026
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
Washington State Parks and Recreation
Job Title: Environmental Engineer 2
Location: Lacey, WA
Closes: This posting is open until filled with a first review date of May 26th. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hire at any time after the first review. It is in the candidates' best interest to apply as soon as possible.

Note: Washington State has approved a 2% COLA salary increase effective July 1st, 2026. This recruitment is for one permanent, full-time, Environmental Engineer 2 for Parks Development- Facilities Programs located in Lacey, WA. In this role, you will provide professional environmental engineering services to the Agency under the general guidance/direction of Registered Professional Engineers. The position supports the planning, design, permitting, and construction of projects, with a primary focus on implementation of the Agency's ADA Remediation Plan and compliance with federal accessibility requirements.

What we're looking for
Our ideal candidate has a passion for environmental engineering and a heart for public service. We are looking for someone who enjoys working and collaborating within a multi-disciplinary team that consists of licensed engineers, architects, landscape architects, and planners designing and overseeing construction of repairs to and improvements for facilities across Washington State.
Telework: This position offers hybrid telework flexibility, if approved by the supervisor, though frequent in-office and on-site attendance is required to meet business needs. The default assigned work location of all Parks positions - both on-site and telework eligible positions - is within the State of Washington. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs.

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Provides independent, professional level recommendations concerning all aspects of engineering design, permitting, and construction under the general guidance of a licensed Professional Engineer.
• As a design engineer working in a collaborative team environment, responsible for preparation of engineering reports/studies, contract drawings, technical specifications, and cost estimates for a wide variety of capital development projects, including implementation of the ADA Remediation Plan, including:
  • Designanddevelopmentofaccessibilityimprovementstoremoveidentifiedbarriersincompliance with ADA standards, the ADA Remediation Plan, and settlement agreement requirements.
  • Integration of ADA compliance into capital project design, including accessible routes, parking, restrooms, campgrounds and public-use facilities.
  • Design of bio-engineered channel stabilization systems.
  • Design of buildings, retaining walls, piling, marine structures, and other park infrastructure.
  • Analysis/design of stormwater systems in accordance with state and local regulations.
  • Hydrologic and hydraulic modeling of watersheds and drainage systems.
  • Analysis and design of on-site sewage, sewer conveyance, and pumping systems.
  • Analysis and design of potable water systems, wells, treatment facilities, and reservoirs.
  • Design of roadways, parking areas, and trails, including ADA-compliant access features.

• Act as Field Engineer/Project Manager performing construction site inspections, making recommendations and/or design field engineered revisions as required, negotiating change orders, preparing contract payments, preparing contract closeout documentation, and handling first level contract disputes and claims.

• Travel to conduct field investigations as required to support engineering design and ADA remediation planning.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree* with a major study in one of the following engineering fields: sanitary, civil, geotechnical, water resource, environmental, or a closely related field. *Reliant work experience may substitute for education year for year up to 4 years.
• Two (2) years of civil/environmental engineering experience.
• Valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver's license.

PREFERRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• An Engineer-In-Training Certificate.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Technical Expertise in Environmental and Civil Engineering : demonstrates in-depth knowledge of environmental and civil engineering principles, practices, and codes, especially in the areas of stormwater, wastewater, potable water, and structural design.
• Project Management and Construction Oversight : manages project timelines, resources, and deliverables effectively; oversees construction activities and contractor performance to ensure project completion aligns with quality, time, and budget expectations.
• Collaboration and Team Leadership : works effectively in multidisciplinary teams; leads and supervises technical staff in both office and field settings to ensure project objectives are met.
• Communication and Stakeholder Engagement : clearly communicates technical information in both written and verbal formats; engages effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, contractors, and consultants.
• Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving : applies logical and innovative approaches to design challenges and construction issues; conducts field investigations and adjusts designs or approaches as needed.
• Take action to learn and grow: considering and incorporating new information and different perspectives.
• Ability to take action to meet the needs of others: collaborating with others to overcome challenges and find solutions.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
This position will work M-F 8:00 am to 5pm. This work is typically 85% office and 15% traveling or visiting the work sites, some overnight travel maybe required depending on the park locations. Field work may include rough terrain and enclosed spaces.

Supplemental Information

How to apply:
Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification.
To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach:

• Letter of Interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement.
• Current resume.

To take advantage of veteran preference , please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
• For more information on Veteran's Preference and instructions on how to check your eligibility, click

**All requested materials must be submitted. Incomplete or late application materials will not be accepted. Failure to follow the application process may disqualify you from further consideration. **

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers to the application questions. Answers will be verified, and documentation may be required. Responses not supported in your application will disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment.

This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Once the listed positions are filled, this recruitment announcement may also be used to fill additional positions for up to sixty (60) days. For more information:
About Parks:
Want to join a great organization? The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages one of the largest, most diverse and most beautiful parks systems in the country. With more than 120,000 acres, the system includes 124 developed parks, including 19 marine parks, 11 historical parks, 35 heritage sites, 13 interpretive centers and approximately 500 miles of long-distance recreation trails. Parks is staffed with nearly 1,000 employees (summers), who are some of the most passionate employees you'll find anywhere. For more information on Washington State Parks, click .
Diversity Policy Statement:
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build a workplace culture that is welcoming and inclusive in which all employees feel respected and empowered to bring their unique ideas to the agency. At State Parks, we believe that embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences is essential to growing a strong workforce. We encourage applicants underrepresented in natural resources and outdoor recreation fields to apply, including but not limited to women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, persons over 40 years of age, and individuals who identify as a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at View phone number on us.fitly.work. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or View phone number on us.fitly.work.

For information about recruitment and the hiring process, please contact Wendy Vandel at or call View phone number on us.fitly.work.
For information about this position, please contact Azeem Hoosein at or View phone number on us.fitly.work.
All applicants with a in the United States are encouraged to apply.

to receive a list of new job postings at Parks.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01

Briefly describe why this position interests you and why you would be an asset to Washington State Parks. Additionally, please explain which of the listed competencies in the job posting, you would bring to this position?
02

Do you have a Bachelor's degree with a major study in one of the following engineering fields: sanitary, civil, geotechnical, water resource, environmental, or a closely related field?

• Yes
• No
• I have relevant work experience that will substitute for education.

03

Do you have at least two (2) years of civil/environmental engineering experience?

• Yes
• No

04

Please list when and where you received your civil/environmental engineering experience. If this does not apply, enter "N/A".
05

Do you have a valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver's license?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have an engineer-in-training (EIT) certificate? If you answered yes, please attach a copy of your engineer-in-training (EIT) certificate.

• Yes
• No
• No but willing to obtain.

07

Which best describes your experience designing roadways, parking lots, and trails, including ADA-compliant access features?

• I have none of this experience.
• I have 12 months or less of this experience.
• I have 1 - 2 years of this experience.
• I have 2 - 3 years of this experience.
• I have 3 years or more of this experience.

08

Which best describes your experience analyzing and designing potable water systems, wells, treatment facilities, and reservoirs?

• I have none of this experience.
• I have 12 months or less of this experience.
• I have 1 - 2 years of this experience.
• I have 2 - 3 years of this experience.
• I have 3 years or more of this experience.

09

Which best describes your experience analyzing and designing sewer systems and pumping stations?

• I have none of this experience.
• I have 12 months or less of this experience.
• I have 1 - 2 years of this experience.
• I have 2 - 3 years of this experience.
• I have over 3 years of this experience.

10

Which best describes your experience designing buildings, retaining walls, and other park structures?

• I have none of this experience.
• I have 12 months or less of this experience.
• I have 1 - 2 years of this experience.
• I have 2 - 3 years of this experience.
• I have over 3 years of this experience.

11

Which best describes your experience analyzing and designing small and large on-site sewage systems?

• I have none of this experience.
• I have 12 months or less of this experience.
• I have 1 - 2 years of this experience.
• I have 2 - 3 years of this experience.
• I have 3 years or more of this experience.

12

Which best describes your experience with hydrologic and hydraulic modeling of watersheds and sizing of drainage features?

• I have none of this experience.
• I have 12 months or less of this experience.
• I have 1 - 2 years of this experience.
• I have 2 - 3 years of this experience.
• I have 3 years or more of this experience.

13

Which best describes your experience analyzing and designing surface water drainage and treatment features in accordance with county and state level regulations?

• I have none of this experience.
• I have 12 months or less of this experience.
• I have 1 - 2 years of this experience.
• I have 2 - 3 years of this experience.
• I have 3 years or more of this experience.

14

Please describe your experience working in a collaborative team environment, responsible for preparation of engineering reports/studies, contract drawings, technical specifications, and cost estimates for a wide variety of capital development projects, including implementation of the ADA Remediation Plan.
Required Question