Job Description

Posting number: 2026-EXEC2612-07989

Department: Dept. of Ecology

Division: Executive

Job classification: EXEMPT BAND 4

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Administration, Environmental Services, Public Health, Management, Executive Management, Natural Resources, Sciences, Green-Collar/Environmental, Program Management

Summary

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring an Administrative Services Director (EMS Band 4) within the Executive Leadership Team.

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 three days per week is required in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by October 21, 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Examples of duties

We are looking for a leader ready to partner with a dedicated group of professionals in leading and creating transformational change across a multi-disciplinary team here at Washington Ecology.

In this role, you will serve as the Director of Ecology’s Administrative Services Division director overseeing key cross-agency operations including information and real property management, facilities operations and sustainability, risk and emergency management, records management, public disclosure, fleet and transportation services, continuity of operations, and agency security. You will translate organizational vision into effective, efficient, and optimized enterprise services that support the long-term strategic direction of the organization. You will provide strategic decision-making and deliver policies with broad agency-wide impacts that shape how Ecology manages its resources, assets, and information.

Responsibilities include:

• Planning, leading, organizing, and directing Ecology’s statewide administrative services, including facilities and real property management, risk management, emergency management and business continuity, fleet operations, security, records management, public disclosure, and cross-organizational administrative support functions.
• Developing long-term strategies and biennial facilities plans in coordination with the Office of Financial Management and the Department of Enterprise Services to ensure sustainable, compliant, and mission-aligned facility operations across all Ecology locations.
• Establishing and updating policies, procedures, and standards for administrative and operational services, including serving as the signatory authority for Ecology’s Policy Manual Chapter 14, Facilities and Vehicles.
• Managing and optimizing Ecology’s statewide real property portfolio, including approximately 500,000 square feet of owned and leased facilities and tenant services for state and federal entities.
• Overseeing agency security policies, practices, monitoring, and preparedness while chairing Ecology’s Security Committee and ensuring physical safety across facilities.
• Leading agency-wide emergency management and business continuity planning, including representing Ecology’s Director in statewide and enterprise-level emergency management, homeland security, continuity of operations, and disaster recovery efforts.
• Implementing and overseeing enterprise Electronic Content Management systems in partnership with Ecology’s Information Technology and Services Office to strengthen information governance and records integrity.
• Overseeing fleet operations as a shared service with the Department of Enterprise Services, ensuring vehicle safety, operational reliability, and accurate reporting of energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and zero-emission vehicle utilization.
• Serving as Ecology’s Risk Manager, including developing and maintaining risk policies, conducting agency-wide compliance monitoring, guiding risk financing decisions, and ensuring alignment with statewide risk requirements.
• Directing administrative services budgets, facility investments, procurement activities, and contracts—approving expenditures, leases, purchases, and personnel actions consistent with Ecology’s Signature and Authority Matrix.
• Hiring, mentoring, and developing administrative services leaders and staff while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, accountable, and high-performing division.
• Representing Ecology on statewide administrative, facility, fleet, emergency management, and risk management issues with OFM, DES, other state agencies, federal partners, and local jurisdictions.
• Serving as Executive Sponsor for the Fleet Management Advisory Committee and the Modern Work Environment Steering Committee.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for an experienced executive who can partner and collaborate effectively within complex governance structures and with scientific, regulatory, technical, and operational teams across the agency.

You will need to be able to:

• Conceptualize and implement long-range administrative strategy, anticipate emerging facility and operational needs, and guide Ecology through complex organizational and infrastructure planning.
• Communicate effectively with diverse partners across government, including OFM, DES, federal entities, local jurisdictions, and internal staff on high-impact administrative and facility issues.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of real property management, construction project practices, facility operations, procurement requirements, statewide administrative governance, risk finance principles, records and disclosure laws, and public-sector operational constraints.
• Recognize how facilities, security, risk management, records, transportation, and operational systems influence environmental programs, staff effectiveness, public service delivery, and the communities where Ecology owns or leases facilities—and identify what is needed to deliver durable, mission-aligned outcomes.
• Apply advanced management principles to balance complex priorities, optimize resources, develop staff, ensure compliance, and advance agency-wide operational readiness.

A Key Member of Ecology’s Executive Leadership Team

This position serves as a key member of Ecology’s Executive Leadership Team and plays a critical role in advancing the agency’s mission to protect, preserve, and enhance Washington’s environment for current and future generations.

It is essential that you consistently demonstrate the highest standards of personal, professional, and ethical conduct in support of transparent, accountable, and effective government.

This is a highly visible executive position with statewide impact. You will guide agency-wide administrative policy, represent Ecology on issues related to facilities, real property, fleet, emergency management, security, records governance, and operational resilience, and support executive decision-making through forward-looking administrative leadership. You will balance complex operational demands with long-term vision to build secure, resilient, efficient administrative systems that support staff and strengthen Ecology’s statewide mission.

As a key member of Ecology's Executive Leadership Team, you will:

• Serve as a trusted leader and advisor on cross-agency management and operational strategy, including but not limited to asset and real property management, emergency preparedness, risk management practices, security policy, and records governance.
• Advise the Director and Deputy Directors on administrative strategy and investments, policy development, enterprise risk, and operational readiness.
• Collaborate across programs to align administrative priorities with Ecology’s environmental mission, scientific needs, regulatory responsibilities, and operational goals.
• Represent the Director and agency on statewide administrative, facility, security, and risk management issues.
• Foster a diverse, equitable, inclusive, respectful, and high-performing workplace that supports learning, accountability, transparency, and staff engagement.

This position is an Exempt Management Service (EMS) Band IV position. The minimum and maximum salary for EMS Band IV positions is $100,692 - $173,472.

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

Demonstrated expertise in business administration, workforce administration, facilities, records, security, risk and emergency readiness, natural science, environmental studies, engineering, public administration, planning public policy, political science, law, or other related qualifying discipline. This expertise can be demonstrated through professional degrees and/or professional and lived experience, as listed below.

• Demonstrated professional level management experience which includes:
• Strategic Planning and Direction Setting – Proven track record conceptualizing and articulating long-range organizational direction and developing and implementing annual and biennial strategic plans that strengthen agency operations and guide future administrative priorities.
• Judgment and Decision Making – Demonstrated competence making high-impact operational and policy decisions to promote agency effectiveness, legal compliance, and operational continuity.
• Communication and Collaboration –Proven experience conveying complex administrative, policy, or facilities matters to audiences from various backgrounds to ensure shared understanding and informed decisions.
• Inter-Governmental and Legislative Engagement – Demonstrated ability to interpret and respond to legislative and inter-governmental processes to ensure administrative strategies align with external requirements and governmental expectations.
• Negotiation and Consensus Building – Proven track record facilitating agreement among groups from various backgrounds, who may have differing or competing interests, to reach workable administrative, operational, or policy outcomes that support organizational goals.
• Risk and Emergency Management – Demonstrated ability to develop and implement comprehensive risk management, emergency preparedness, and business continuity frameworks to safeguard agency operations and assets.
• Administrative Policy and Program Oversight – Demonstrated proficiency in establishing, implementing, and evaluating administrative policies, procedures, and services to promote operational efficiency and organizational accountability.
• Budget Development and Fiscal Administration – Proven track record with developing and administering complex budgets to support strategic priorities and ensure effective financial stewardship.
• Records, Disclosure, and Content Management Systems – Demonstrated ability to oversee records governance and management, public disclosure processes, and enterprise electronic content management systems to ensure legal compliance, information integrity, and efficient enterprise-wide data practices to strengthen compliance and service delivery.
• Fleet, Facilities, and Environmental Operations Management – Demonstrated proficiency with overseeing agency vehicle fleet operations, construction and facility maintenance activities, and environmental reporting systems to ensure safe, compliant, cost-effective facility performance and accurate documentation that supports responsible resource stewardship.

Desired Qualifications:

• Desired Education:
• Involving a major study in public affairs or administration, business administration, environmental management, natural sciences, natural resources, environmental sciences, physical sciences, engineering, planning, or other related field.
• Desired Experience:
• Successful record of accomplishment working with state, city, county and federal government agencies.
• Serving as a supervisor.
• Leading or managing in a large organization or significant public resources.
• Working in, or collaborating with, state government.
• Managing high-risk or high-impact administrative functions.
• Working with or applying policy decisions and advising senior leaders on resource allocation and operational issues.
• Experience with regulatory or compliance issues such as torts or other legal frameworks.
• Desired Competencies:
• Strategic Change Management – Ability to guide complex organizational change to improve systems, processes, and agency-wide operations.
• Innovation and Process Improvement – Skilled with identifying opportunities to modernize administrative services and implement more efficient, cost-effective, or sustainable practices.
• Complex Project and Program Management – Ability to oversee major, multi-phase administrative or facilities projects to ensure they are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Data-Driven Management – Skilled with using operational data, metrics, and analytical tools to inform administrative decisions and resource planning.
• Legislative and Regulatory Awareness – Skilled with interpreting evolving rules, legislation, and requirements to anticipate impacts on administrative services and adjust agency practices accordingly.

If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.

Supplemental information

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.

Our Commitment to DEIR

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.

Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.

Equity: We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.

Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology’s work.

Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.

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.

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 or careers@ecy.wa.gov
• 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 Jake Barkman at Jake.Barkman@ecy.wa.gov
• 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 careers@ecy.wa.gov

About the Administrative Services Division (ASD)

The mission of the Administrative Services Division (ASD) is to support Ecology’s workforce in fulfilling its mission to protect Washington’s environment. ASD does this by maintaining Ecology’s physical assets, providing safe and secure workplaces, managing agency records, and ensuring timely public access to those records. In addition, ASD serves as the agency’s risk manager and provides emergency management and continuity of operations support.

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.

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.

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