Statewide Wetlands Permitting Implementation Lead (Environmental Planner 5)(Internal Only)

About the Department

Location

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA .
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule

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

Application Timeline

• Apply by November 6, 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Position Duties

• This Statewide Wetlands Permitting Implementation Lead position offers a unique opportunity to guide Ecology’s statewide implementation of wetlands permitting, compliance, and policy development within the Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program. In this role, you will provide senior-level leadership and technical direction for the State Waters Alteration Permit and related wetlands protection frameworks, ensuring clear, consistent, and effective permitting practices across Washington. You will serve as Ecology’s principal wetlands permitting and compliance expert, shaping regulatory approaches, advancing statewide consistency, and representing the agency in high-profile policy, legal, and interagency forums. You will also lead the development of new statewide policies, procedures, guidance, and training that strengthen the clarity and accessibility of wetlands permitting. You will coordinate complex, sensitive permitting and compliance efforts—often involving multiple programs, jurisdictions, and environmental laws—while advising agency leadership on legislative proposals, regulatory issues, and long-range planning needs. As a member of the Wetlands Section leadership team, you will contribute to program-level planning, budget discussions, and strategic initiatives that advance Ecology’s mission and support wetlands protection statewide. In addition, you will supervise a team of professional staff who manage day-to-day administrative orders, State Waters Alteration permits, and wetlands compliance processes, ensuring consistent application of policy, high-quality technical work, and coordinated service delivery across headquarters and regional offices. What you will do: • Provide statewide leadership for Ecology’s Wetlands Permitting and Compliance work, setting strategic direction and ensuring consistent interpretation and application of the State Waters Alteration Permit and related regulatory frameworks. • Serve as Ecology’s principal planning consultant for wetlands permitting, advising senior management on emerging issues, policy development needs, complex compliance matters, and legislative proposals. • Lead cross-program, interagency, and governmental coordination on major wetlands permitting and compliance topics, representing Ecology in high-visibility regulatory, policy, and legal discussions. • Develop statewide guidance, procedures, tools, and training to improve clarity, transparency, and accessibility of wetlands permitting and compliance processes across the agency and among partner organizations. • Oversee and guide complex or sensitive permitting decisions and compliance actions, including those that involve multiple programs, legal considerations, or major environmental issues. • Lead the development, analysis, and presentation of legislative proposals, including drafting bill language, preparing testimony, and advising leadership on potential impacts to wetlands permitting and compliance. • Coordinate and advise on the implementation of major regulatory frameworks influencing wetlands management, including the Washington Wetlands Program Plan, the Shoreline Management Act, the Wetland Mitigation Banking Act, and the Water Pollution Control Act. • Assemble and direct multi-disciplinary teams to resolve major policy issues, develop new procedures, and launch statewide implementation strategies for wetlands permitting, compliance, and mitigation processes. • Provide policy direction and senior-level consultation to staff and managers statewide, ensuring alignment across programs and regions on wetlands permitting and compliance practices. • Supervise 2–4 professional staff responsible for administrative orders, permit processing, and wetlands compliance activities, including assigning work, coaching, mentoring, and evaluating performance. • Ensure high-quality permit reviews, compliance documentation, and policy deliverables by guiding staff in applying regulatory requirements, scientific analyses, and program priorities consistently. • Develop team-level work plans, operational procedures, and performance expectations that align with SEA Program priorities and support effective statewide implementation of wetlands permitting. • Provide training and workshops for headquarters and regional staff, building statewide capacity in permit administration, compliance procedures, data systems, and emerging wetlands policy topics. • Represent Ecology in interagency forums, technical workgroups, and coordination efforts with Tribes, federal agencies, local governments, and community groups engaged in wetlands management and protection. • Contribute to program-level planning and strategic decision-making, including input on budget needs, resource allocation, and long-term priorities related to wetlands permitting and compliance. • Communicate complex permitting and policy concepts clearly to staff, leadership, other agencies, and external parties, supporting informed decision-making and consistent statewide implementation.
• This Statewide Wetlands Permitting Implementation Lead position offers a unique opportunity to guide Ecology’s statewide implementation of wetlands permitting, compliance, and policy development within the Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program. In this role, you will provide senior-level leadership and technical direction for the State Waters Alteration Permit and related wetlands protection frameworks, ensuring clear, consistent, and effective permitting practices across Washington. You will serve as Ecology’s principal wetlands permitting and compliance expert, shaping regulatory approaches, advancing statewide consistency, and representing the agency in high-profile policy, legal, and interagency forums.

What you will do

• Provide statewide leadership for Ecology’s Wetlands Permitting and Compliance work, setting strategic direction and ensuring consistent interpretation and application of the State Waters Alteration Permit and related regulatory frameworks.
• Serve as Ecology’s principal planning consultant for wetlands permitting, advising senior management on emerging issues, policy development needs, complex compliance matters, and legislative proposals.
• Lead cross-program, interagency, and governmental coordination on major wetlands permitting and compliance topics, representing Ecology in high-visibility regulatory, policy, and legal discussions.
• Develop statewide guidance, procedures, tools, and training to improve clarity, transparency, and accessibility of wetlands permitting and compliance processes across the agency and among partner organizations.
• Oversee and guide complex or sensitive permitting decisions and compliance actions, including those that involve multiple programs, legal considerations, or major environmental issues.
• Lead the development, analysis, and presentation of legislative proposals, including drafting bill language, preparing testimony, and advising leadership on potential impacts to wetlands permitting and compliance.
• Coordinate and advise on the implementation of major regulatory frameworks influencing wetlands management, including the Washington Wetlands Program Plan, the Shoreline Management Act, the Wetland Mitigation Banking Act, and the Water Pollution Control Act.
• Assemble and direct multi-disciplinary teams to resolve major policy issues, develop new procedures, and launch statewide implementation strategies for wetlands permitting, compliance, and mitigation processes.
• Provide policy direction and senior-level consultation to staff and managers statewide, ensuring alignment across programs and regions on wetlands permitting and compliance practices.
• Supervise 2–4 professional staff responsible for administrative orders, permit processing, and wetlands compliance activities, including assigning work, coaching, mentoring, and evaluating performance.
• Ensure high-quality permit reviews, compliance documentation, and policy deliverables by guiding staff in applying regulatory requirements, scientific analyses, and program priorities consistently.
• Develop team-level work plans, operational procedures, and performance expectations that align with SEA Program priorities and support effective statewide implementation of wetlands permitting.
• Provide training and workshops for headquarters and regional staff, building statewide capacity in permit administration, compliance procedures, data systems, and emerging wetlands policy topics.
• Represent Ecology in interagency forums, technical workgroups, and coordination efforts with Tribes, federal agencies, local governments, and community groups engaged in wetlands management and protection.
• Contribute to program-level planning and strategic decision-making, including input on budget needs, resource allocation, and long-term priorities related to wetlands permitting and compliance.
• Communicate complex permitting and policy concepts clearly to staff, leadership, other agencies, and external parties, supporting informed decision-making and consistent statewide implementation.

Minimum Qualifications

• For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website . Required Qualifications: Eleven (11) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of this position, which includes the following: 1. Wetlands Regulatory Framework : Ability to interpret and apply state and federal laws related to wetlands permitting and compliance, including the State Waters Alteration Permit, the Shoreline Management Act, the Water Pollution Control Act, and the Wetland Mitigation Banking Act. 2. Environmental Policy Development : Experience developing, evaluating, and implementing policy, procedures, and regulatory guidance for complex environmental permitting programs. 3. Interagency Coordination : Skill in leading coordination efforts among multiple partners such as state and federal agencies, tribes, and local governments to ensure consistent statewide regulatory implementation. 4. Legislative and Legal Analysis : Ability to analyze proposed legislation, draft testimony, and provide expert consultation on legal and policy issues affecting wetlands permitting and compliance. 5. Program Leadership & Strategic Direction : Competence in setting statewide program priorities, guiding development of new permitting processes, and leading multidisciplinary teams addressing complex or sensitive environmental issues. 6. Supervisory & Staff Development : Experience managing staff workloads, evaluating performance, mentoring technical and planning staff, and ensuring consistent application of compliance and permitting procedures. Education: Involving a major study in in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related field. Examples of how to qualify: 11 years of experience. 10 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits. 9 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree). 8 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits. 7 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree. 5 years of experience AND a Master’s degree. Desired Qualifications: Knowledge of local, state and federal laws and regulations affecting wetlands, and water quality laws and issues. Ability to develop, mentor, work with, and direct staff in the completion of day-to-day work in a timely manner. Skills to strategically plan, schedule, and track monitoring project workloads to assure timely delivery of quality products to clients.
• Required Qualifications:

Eleven (11) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of this position, which includes the following

• 1. Wetlands Regulatory Framework : Ability to interpret and apply state and federal laws related to wetlands permitting and compliance, including the State Waters Alteration Permit, the Shoreline Management Act, the Water Pollution Control Act, and the Wetland Mitigation Banking Act.
• 2. Environmental Policy Development : Experience developing, evaluating, and implementing policy, procedures, and regulatory guidance for complex environmental permitting programs.
• 3. Interagency Coordination : Skill in leading coordination efforts among multiple partners such as state and federal agencies, tribes, and local governments to ensure consistent statewide regulatory implementation.
• 4. Legislative and Legal Analysis : Ability to analyze proposed legislation, draft testimony, and provide expert consultation on legal and policy issues affecting wetlands permitting and compliance.
• 5. Program Leadership & Strategic Direction : Competence in setting statewide program priorities, guiding development of new permitting processes, and leading multidisciplinary teams addressing complex or sensitive environmental issues.
• 6. Supervisory & Staff Development : Experience managing staff workloads, evaluating performance, mentoring technical and planning staff, and ensuring consistent application of compliance and permitting procedures.
• Education: Involving a major study in in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related field.
• Examples of how to qualify:
• 11 years of experience.
• 10 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 9 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 8 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 7 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• 5 years of experience AND a Master’s degree.
• Desired Qualifications:
• Knowledge of local, state and federal laws and regulations affecting wetlands, and water quality laws and issues.
• Ability to develop, mentor, work with, and direct staff in the completion of day-to-day work in a timely manner.
• Skills to strategically plan, schedule, and track monitoring project workloads to assure timely delivery of quality products to clients.

Other Qualifications

• 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 www.uscis.gov . 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. For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website. 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 360-407-6186 and select #2 for Recruitment or email [email protected] If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384. Questions? For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Wendy Peterman at [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 Washington’s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s 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 balance. We 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 Ecology's 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 DEIR is 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 Leave *, 11 Paid Holidays per year *, Public Service Loan Forgiveness , Tuition Waiver , Long Term Disability & Life Insurance , Deferred Compensation Programs , Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) , Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA) , Employee Assistance Program , Commute Trip Reduction Incentive , Combined Fund Drive , SmartHealth * Click here for more information To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website , explore Working at Ecology , check out our Strategic Plan , and connect with us on LinkedIn , Facebook , Instagram , YouTube , or our blog . 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. #LI-DNI
• 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 www.uscis.gov .
• 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.
• For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.
• 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?

Questions?

About the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program

Benefits

• 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 WAC 357-31-165 (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 WAC 357-31-165 (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 WAC 357-58-175 , 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 Parental Leave 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

Supplemental Questions