Job Description

Posting number: 2026-SWROP1338-06394

Department: Dept. of Ecology

Division: Southwest Region Office

Job classification: ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER 5

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Environmental Services, Accounting and Finance, Public Health, Natural Resources, Sciences, Green-Collar/Environmental

Summary

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Regional Financial Services Manager (Environmental Planner 5) within the Southwest Region Office.

This is a project position that is currently funded through June 30, 2027.

Location:

• Southwest Region 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 (Monday-Wednesday preferred).
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by August 18, 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Examples of duties

The Regional Financial Services Manager is responsible for overseeing comprehensive financial management and grants and contracts services for the regions. In this role, you will oversee regional budgeting and financial planning, prepare and review budget materials, and advise on policy and legislative impacts. You will develop and administer grants and contracts, while managing agreement workflows, tracking, amendments, payments, and closeouts. Additionally, you will prepare required funding reports, ensure timely invoicing, monitor financial compliance and spending, and serve as a liaison to support accurate, timely processing of agreements and budget updates.

The near-term focus of this position will be supporting the Southwest and Northwest Region Directors on two exciting initiatives, with a long-term goal of providing broader support to all four of Ecology’s regions with similar projects:

• The Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project is one of the largest urban estuary restoration projects in the country. The restoration project is 260 acres, at the mouth of the Deschutes River which is at the footsteps of the State Capital. Ecology’s Southwest Region is the lead on this multi-benefit project that includes strong partnership collaboration with the Squaxin Island Tribe, City of Olympia, City of Tumwater, Thurston County, Port of Olympia, LOTT Clean Water Alliance, the Department of Enterprise Services, and Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. The project is estimated to complete 100% design by June 30, 2027, with construction 2027-2033.
• The Transboundary Flood initiative (TFI) uses a collaborative framework to identify and pursue actions to reduce flood risk and restore habitats. Repeated flooding from the Nooksack River in Whatcom County into the Sumas Prairie in British Columbia is a shared challenge on both sides of the US/Canada border. The State of Washington and the Province of British Columbia help to facilitate and coordinate the work of the Initiative. In Washington, this work includes Ecology’s financial support for the Whatcom County led Floodplain Integrated Planning process.

What you will do:

In addition to being part of the project teams supporting the overall management of the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project and Transboundary Flood Initiative, this position will have the following responsibilities:

• Coordinate with subject matter experts, Region Directors, and Financial Services to lead budgeting, reporting, long-range planning, and funding strategy development.
• Plan, prepare, and review budget materials, and advise on policy and legislative impacts.
• Provide recommendations to the agency’s Financial Services Budget Manager on budget actions and develop fiscal impact estimates.
• Develop and administer grants and contracts.
• Manage agreement workflows, tracking systems, amendments, payments, and closeouts.
• Ensure compliance with funding requirements, resolve audit issues, and provide technical support.
• Develop required funding reports and coordinate with relevant parties to ensure reports are collaborative, comprehensive, and submitted on time.
• Ensure timely reporting, invoicing, and financial updates.
• Lead the review and analysis of funding use to ensure compliance with award condition, accuracy of expenditures, and proper coding aligned with spending plans.
• Serve as a liaison to Ecology Financial Services and environmental programs, funding partners, and project managers to support timely agreement processing.
• Review grant and contract agreements for consistency.

As a project position, this role is currently funded through June 30, 2027, but may be extended based on future project funding and individual performance. Both initiatives are expected to continue beyond the current funding period.

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 the position, which include the following:

• Financial & Budget Management – Ability to manage budgets and long-term financial plans to keep the agency’s funding accurate, stable, and aligned with priorities.
• Communication – Ability to explain complex financial, policy, and agreement-related information in clear, understandable terms to help staff, leadership, and partners make informed decisions.
• Regulatory Knowledge – Ability to understand and apply state and federal rules, regulations, and funding requirements to ensure agreements, budgets, and program activities stay compliant.
• Computer Proficiency – Ability to create and use spreadsheets, databases, word-processing, as well as develop PowerPoint.
• Grant & Contract Development – Ability to develop and, administer grants and contracts to ensure clear, compliant, and effective agreements.
• Problem Solving – Ability to identify issues, analyze information, and develop practical solutions to keep agreements, budgets, and program activities on track.

Education involving a major study in business, financial management, public administration, accounting, environmental studies, natural resource management, 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.
• 4 years of experience AND a Ph.D.

Desired Qualifications:

• Capital budget and project management experience.
• Three years of experience in Washington State Agency fiscal management.
• Experience using Washington State grant and finance tools and systems.
• Experience managing projects with multiple funding sources, as well as receivable and payable contracting.

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.

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 Bobbak Talebi at Bobbak.Talebi@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 Southwest Region Office

The Department of Ecology's Southwest Region Office provides core environmental and natural resources services to the 12 counties of the Olympic Peninsula and Southwest Washington. The office is one of Ecology’s four regional offices and serves as the base of operations for staff from multiple environmental programs.

The Regional Financial Services Manager reports to the Southwest Region Director but is responsible for supporting all the Region Directors. This position provides services to project officers across the regions and coordinates with Ecology’s Financial Services and environmental programs. This role also involves working collaboratively with consultants, Tribes, local governments, state and federal agencies, and other funding organizations. More information about Ecology’s Regional Offices is available on our website.

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.

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.

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