Senior Shoreline Vulnerability Specialist (Environmental Specialist 5)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Senior Shoreline Vulnerability Specialist (Environmental Specialist 5) 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.
• You may telework most of your work time, with required fieldwork and occasional in-office time, and one day per week in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon onboarding schedules, position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by January 5, 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

In this role, you will serve as the program expert on shoreline vulnerability and climate-related shoreline hazards under the direction of the Coastal, Floodplains and Shoreline Management Section Manager. You will provide technical leadership and guidance on shoreline hazard and vulnerability assessments, including developing and applying analytical tools, data, and methodologies. You will support the integration of sea level rise and climate vulnerability information into shoreline master programs, policies, and regulations, and provide technical assistance to SEA Program staff and local government partners. You will collaborate with internal and external partners to advance climate adaptation planning and improve shoreline hazard data, helping communities proactively build resilience to climate impacts.

What you will do:

• Serve as a program expert on shoreline vulnerability assessment study design, application, and interpretation.
• Lead initiatives to identify and acquire data and information needed to integrate fluvial hazard models with coastal flood models and land use data to conduct shoreline vulnerability assessments.
• Work with national scientific experts to modify or develop tools for shoreline hazard, sensitivity and vulnerability spatial mapping.
• Develop and implement internal and external guidance and trainings to local governments, consultants, contractors, and partner agencies.
• Participate on advisory and technical groups, interagency work groups, or other forums related to identify climate change risks to shorelines, community adaptation strategies and shoreline master program amendments.

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

Ten (10) years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Experience in environmental analysis or control, or environmental planning.
• Education involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field

Experience mentioned above must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets---

1. Technical Environmental/Climate Analysis

Experience or skills in evaluating shoreline or climate-related hazards, conducting environmental or spatial analysis, or working with scientific data and models to assess exposure, sensitivity, or vulnerability.

2. Critical Thinking & Data Interpretation

Ability to review information, analyze data, draw logical conclusions, and make informed recommendations.

3. Technical Assistance & Expert Guidance

Experience providing scientific or technical advice to partners (e.g., local governments, Tribes, internal staff) or participating on technical/advisory groups.

4. Communication & Training

Ability to present technical concepts clearly, develop training materials, or communicate complex environmental information to diverse audiences.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 10 years of experience.
• 9 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 8 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 7 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 6 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• 4 years of experience AND a Master’s degree or higher.
• 3 years of experience AND a Ph.D. or higher

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Able to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in application of shoreline climate impact hazard and vulnerability models.
• Experience in spatial analysis and mapping of shoreline hazards such as sea level rise, coastal flooding, erosion, ground water intrusion, fluvial and pluvial flooding, and channel migration. 
• Experience with and understanding of land use and environmental protection policy and regulatory structure in Washington State under the state’s Shoreline Management Act (Chapter 90.58 RCW).
• Familiarity with climate adaption planning, strategies, and actions.
• Familiarity with hydrologic modeling, surface water hydrology, and fluvial processes in the Pacific Northwest. 
• Experience working with local governments and Tribes.

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.

 
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. 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 orcareers@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 Arati Kaza at  Arati.Kaza@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 atcareers@ecy.wa.gov

About 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 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 Incentives(Download PDF reader), 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.