This recruitment is open only to current Department of Ecology employees, including those on temporary or project assignments, and Ecology's Washington Conservation Corps members.Keeping Washington Clean and EvergreenThe Department of Ecology is hiring a CZMA Federal Consistency Lead (Environmental Specialist 4)(Internal Only)within the Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) program.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 5, 2026,Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.This CZMA Federal Consistency Lead position offers an opportunity to serve as Ecology’s primary expert responsible for implementing Washington’s Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) federal consistency provisions. In this role, you will independently evaluate complex, high-profile federal permit actions and federal activities that may affect Washington’s coastal and marine resources, ensuring they align with Washington’s enforceable policies and environmental standards. You will guide interdisciplinary review efforts, coordinate closely with internal technical specialists and multiple levels of government, and provide recommendations that influence state decisions on significant coastal infrastructure, restoration, energy, and transportation projects.You will also shape the operation and advancement of Ecology’s federal consistency program—maintaining key program documents, conducting policy analysis, supporting alignment with federal requirements, and representing Ecology in discussions with federal agencies and regional partners. Through this work, you will strengthen Ecology’s role in coastal resource protection, contribute to statewide policy consistency, and support continuous improvements in how complex federal actions are reviewed and evaluated.What you will do:• Serve as Ecology’s lead reviewer for federal permits and federal activities requiring CZMA federal consistency, independently evaluating complex projects for alignment with Washington’s enforceable policies and environmental standards.• Lead interdisciplinary review teams, coordinating with internal technical experts and other government entities to assess potential impacts on Washington’s coastal and marine resources.• Prepare clear, legally defensible draft and final federal consistency decisions, including technical analyses, findings, and recommendations for agency leadership.• Conduct site visits before, during, or after construction to evaluate project conditions and verify adherence to approved federal consistency determinations.• Represent Ecology in appeal proceedings before the Pollution Control Hearings Board, providing expert testimony and supporting the defensibility of state-issued decisions.• Serve as Ecology’s primary liaison with NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management, maintaining program documents, reviewing changes to enforceable policies, and preparing federally required reports.• Coordinate with federal consistency counterparts in other coastal states, advancing consistent interpretation of federal requirements and sharing best practices.• Provide technical and policy guidance to federal permit managers, regional Ecology offices, and internal programs on the application of CZMA requirements and Washington’s enforceable policies.• Support program operations by developing and updating guidance, procedures, and informational materials for federal consistency applicants and internal staff.• Assist the section manager in evaluating and improving business processes, identifying opportunities to streamline workload distribution, review timelines, and program efficiency.• Build and maintain productive working relationships with federal, state, local, and Tribal governments to improve early coordination and enhance project outcomes in Washington’s coastal zone.• Contribute to agencywide efforts through meetings, presentations, and collaboration that support transparency, consistent policy application, and effective environmental review.• Ensure accurate, well-organized records and documentation that meet agency retention requirements and enable responsive public disclosure.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 related to the duties of this position, which includes the following:1. Coastal Project Review: Ability to independently evaluate projects for consistency with environmental policies, interpret technical materials, and assess potential effects on coastal and marine resources.2. Environmental Policy Application: Ability to apply state and federal environmental laws, regulations, and program standards to complex permit actions and federal activities.3. Interagency Coordination: Skill in working effectively with federal, state, local government representatives and internal programs to gather input, resolve issues, and advance review processes.4. Technical Writing: Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and defensible decision documents, reports, and correspondence that reflect scientific and regulatory analysis.5. Formal Communication: Ability to communicate technical or policy information verbally in settings such as meetings, hearings, or project briefings.6. Field Evaluation: Ability to conduct site visits in varied environmental conditions and interpret on-site conditions relevant to coastal resource impacts and compliance with consistency determinations.Education: involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other closely allied fieldExamples 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. Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license.Desired Qualifications:Working knowledge of the Coastal Zone Management Act, Ecology’s Coastal Zone Management Program and Enforceable Policies.Working knowledge of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permits program, Section 404 and Section 10 Permitting.Demonstrated understanding of project management for complex projects that require multi agency and program coordination.Demonstrated ability to understand environmental legislation and regulations at the federal, state, and local level.Demonstrated ability to apply negotiation and conflict resolution skills.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 ProcessEcology 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 ApplyClick “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 ResumeBecause 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 Loree' Randall at  [email protected] 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] 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 EcologyAs 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 informationTo 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.Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.   Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.#LI-DNI