Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project Planner (Environmental Planner 4)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project Planner (Environmental Planner 4) within the Southwest Region Office.

This is a 12-month project position with the possibility of extension based on available funding and performance. 

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 March 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

The Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project offers a unique opportunity to join a team leading one of the largest urban estuary restoration efforts in the nation. This 260-acre restoration project sits at the mouth of the Deschutes River, at the doorstep of the State Capital. Ecology’s Southwest Region leads this multi-benefit initiative in close 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.

As the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project Planner, you will support the agency’s project management team, lead permit applications, coordinate with state, federal, and local agencies, and oversee tasks related to public outreach and community and partner engagement.

The project is estimated to complete 100% design by June 30, 2027, with construction anticipated from 2027 through 2033. Funding for this position is currently through June 30, 2027. However, it is eligible for extension depending on future project funding and individual performance.

What you will do:

• Support the overall management of the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project, and lead the following areas of the project:

Environmental Permitting and Design Coordination:

• Serve as the lead planner for environmental permitting for the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project, coordinating closely with the Southwest Region Planner and project leadership to align permitting, design, and implementation schedules.

• Lead environmental permitting processes for the project, including planning, sequencing, and tracking permit actions across multiple regulatory jurisdictions, and coordinating with state, federal and local permitting agencies.

• Provide direction, oversight, and technical review of environmental permit applications and supporting documentation prepared by consultants and project team members to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency with project objectives and regulatory requirements.

• Deliver senior staffing support for the project’s design phase, including participation in technical design meetings and interdisciplinary coordination with engineers, scientists, consultants, and external design partners.

• Review design concepts, plans, and technical materials to ensure alignment with permitting requirements and project goals.

Public Outreach and Community & Partner Engagement:

• Coordinate and oversee public outreach, education, and engagement activities for the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project, including the development and implementation of comprehensive outreach and engagement strategies that support project goals, timelines, and regulatory requirements.

• Coordinate engagement efforts with internal Ecology staff and leadership, project partners, consultants, and other organizations to ensure consistent and accurate messaging.

• Support the Region Director in coordinating elected official engagement and participation in outreach events.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for project-related public engagement, responding to inquiries and coordinating timely follow-up.

• Represent Ecology and the project at community events, interagency meetings, and public forums. This may include planning, organizing, and facilitating public meetings and events, workshops, or briefings for diverse audiences, as well as developing outreach materials.

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Tribal governments, local jurisdictions, community organizations, environmental groups, business interests, and the general public.

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 land use, urban, regional, environmental science, or natural resource planning, and/or program development.
• Education involving a major study in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, environmental science, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related field.

Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:

• Project Management – Ability to manage and coordinate daily project activities to keep work on schedule, within scope, and aligned with regulatory requirements and organizational priorities.

• Environmental Permitting – Ability to plan, coordinate, and track permitting processes across multiple agencies to obtain required approvals and maintain compliance with environmental laws and regulations.

• Regulatory Compliance – Ability to apply environmental laws, regulations, and policies to project planning and implementation to reduce risk and ensure legal compliance.

• Technical Review and Coordination – Ability to review technical plans and work collaboratively with subject matter experts to ensure project designs meet regulatory requirements and project goals.

• Public Engagement – Ability to plan and carry out public outreach activities and serve as a primary point of contact to ensure clear communication, timely responses, and meaningful community involvement.

Examples 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.
• 2 years of experience AND a Ph.D.

Desired Qualifications:

• Public Sector Resource or Planning Experience – Ability to apply knowledge of state, federal, local or Tribal resource management or planning practices to support program goals and regulatory responsibilities.

• Work Group Facilitation – Ability to organize, facilitate, or lead professional work groups to advance tasks, support collaboration, and achieve shared objectives.

• Interagency and Multi-Jurisdictional Coordination – Ability to work effectively within interagency coalitions or multi-jurisdictional planning efforts to support coordinated decision-making and aligned outcomes.

• Analytical Writing – Ability to prepare clear, well-organized reports and papers that communicate complex information effectively to the intended audience.

If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every 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. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.

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

Ecology’s Southwest & Olympic Regional Office (SWRO) serves Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Mason, Lewis, Pacific, Pierce, Skamania, Thurston, and Wahkiakum Counties and partners with 14 Tribal nations. SWRO is co-located at Ecology’s Lacey headquarters building, and also operates a Vancouver Field Office (VFO), with more than 180 staff providing environmental and administrative services across the region.

The Senior Planner will be part of the SWRO administration team, which provides regional support including communications, safety, and project coordination. While this position is dedicated to the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project, it will collaborate closely with staff across the region’s programs. The position reports directly to the Region Director and receives task assignments and direction from the Region Planner. Success in this role depends on strong internal and external partnerships, collaboration, and relationship-building.

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 Incentives, 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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