Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen. The Department of Ecology is hiring a National Estuary Program Project Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) within the Water Quality Program. This is a project position that is funded until June 30, 2028. This funding is highly likely to be renewed for the next bi-annual budget cycle. 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. You may telework most of your work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities. Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change. Application Timeline: Apply by April 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. Duties You will have the opportunity to collaborate with, and learn from, a dynamic team of environmental professionals that are focused on Puget Sound recovery efforts. The type of projects that are funded with National Estuary Program (NEP) financial assistance are planning and direct implementation of stormwater best management practices, as well as research directed towards understanding emerging contaminants of concern. You will collaborate with Ecology’s NEP planners, as well as other state agency participants in planning efforts for Puget Sound recovery, and will provide direct assistance to funding recipients to ensure that projects provide the maximum water quality value. What you will do:Provide ongoing financial oversight of NEP-funded projects by reviewing payment request for eligible costs in compliance with state and federal requirements. Negotiate and write new funding agreements. Proactively identify issues with project scope, schedules, or budgets that could affect project implementation. Coordinate with subject matter experts to ensure quality assurance requirements are met. Maintain tracking data for all active projects, including status, budget expended/remaining, and other information as needed for planners and management. Work within a team environment to identify emerging issues that influence NEP project prioritization. Provide training and technical assistance to teammates, and internal and external partners. Qualifications For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website. Required Qualifications:Nine (9) years of experience and/or education as described below:Experience in performing environmental-based work, OR work related to the essential functions and key activities of the position, that includes one or more of the following:Financial Management – Ability to manage project funds and financial information to ensure expenditures are accurate, allowable, and compliant with agreements and regulations. Project Oversight – Ability to monitor and guide projects to ensure they are implemented effectively, meet objectives, and achieve intended outcomes. Technical Guidance – Ability to provide clear technical and administrative guidance to support project planning, implementation, and program administration. Communication – Ability to convey program requirements, expectations, and results clearly to partners and the public through meetings, workshops, and trainings. Policy Support – Ability to apply and provide input on policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure consistent and effective program management. Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:Using critical / analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to make decisions or determine a course of action. Reviewing / assessing information and data to draw conclusions and recommending decisions or actions. Conducting research and performing data analysis on both qualitative and quantitative data. Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning, or a related field. Examples of how to qualify:9 years of experience . years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits . 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 . years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree . years of experience AND a Master’s degree . years of experience AND a PhD. Desired Qualifications:Experience administering grants. Experience with stormwater related work. Experience developing or managing data tracking systems. If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. 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