What are the responsibilities and job description for the Nooksack Basin Specialist (Environmental Specialist 3) (In-Training) position at State of Washington Dept. of Ecology?
Description
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Nooksack Basin Specialist (Environmental Specialist 3) (In-Training) within the Water Resources Program.
Location:
- Bellingham Field Office in Bellingham, 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 four days per week are required in the office.
- Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline:
- Apply by April 29, 2025
- 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
As the Nooksack Basin Specialist, you will play a crucial role in Water Resources Inventory Area (WRIA) 1 water right adjudications, which are complex, large-scale legal proceedings involving thousands of property and water right records. In this role, you will engage with the public to provide technical assistance on the requirements for submitting court claims, as well as address questions about adjudications and water rights, which are often unique and can be politically contentious.
Your responsibilities will also include reviewing incoming court claim filings, conducting research and water right reviews, and providing findings for the court. Additionally, you will handle the processing and permitting of water right applications, with opportunities for field work, particularly during the summer months. Throughout your work in this role, you’ll collaborate closely with a fantastic team of Water Resources staff.
What you will do:
- Communicate with water right applicants, the public, local governments, Tribal agencies, and state and federal entities, providing technical recommendations and direction on water right statutes, regulations, and policies.
- Interact with the public to answer questions about adjudication, court claim filings, and water rights.
- Process water right applications, conduct pre-application consultations, and perform office and field investigations. Research and examine water right information and guide applicants through the process.
- Prepare written Reports of Examination which result in agency actions for decisions on water right applications and permits.
- Review incoming court claim filings and input information into Washington Adjudication Information System, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
- Develop and prepare technical materials, including maps, to support permit decision-making.
Qualifications
This position offers an in-training plan and may be filled at the Environmental Specialist (ES) 2 or 3 level, depending on your qualifications. If you qualify at the ES2 level and are hired, you will progress through an in-training plan to become an ES3 within a specified time period.
For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.
Required Qualifications:
At the Environmental Specialist 2 level (In-Training)
Five (5) years of experience and/or education as described below:
-
Experience performing environmental-based work, OR work related to the essential functions and key activities of the position, that includes all of the following:
-
Two (2) or more years demonstrated experience interacting with the public in difficult situations, examples of which may include:
- Responding to inquiries or requests for assistance requiring specific situational knowledge or background.
- Interacting with and assisting customers or the public to help advance understanding of a topic or issue.
- Familiarity navigating and use of technical software.
-
Two (2) or more years demonstrated experience interacting with the public in difficult situations, examples of which may include:
Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:
- Ability to convey complex concepts in simple terms, both in writing and verbally, with training.
- Using critical / analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to make decisions or determine a course of action.
- Reviewing / assessing information and data to draw conclusions and recommending decisions or actions.
- Conducting research and performing data analysis on both qualitative and quantitative data.
- Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning; or closely related field.
Examples of how to qualify:
- 5 years of experience.
- 4 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
- 3 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
- 2 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
- 1 year of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
- No experience AND a Master’s degree or higher.
At the Environmental Specialist 3 level (Goal Class)
Six (6) years of experience and/or education as described below:
-
Experience performing environmental-based work, OR work related to the essential functions and key activities of the position, that includes all of the following:
-
Demonstrated competence interpreting and explaining complicated or difficult to understand information, examples of which may include:
- Responding to inquiries requiring a high degree of technical scientific background and understanding.
- Responding to inquiries from customers or the public that require interpretation of rules and guidelines.
- Experience navigating within GIS software (which can be gained through experience, coursework, or other avenues).
-
Demonstrated competence interpreting and explaining complicated or difficult to understand information, examples of which may include:
Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:
- Ability to convey complex concepts in simple terms, both in writing and verbally, with training.
- Using critical / analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to make decisions or determine a course of action.
- Reviewing / assessing information and data to draw conclusions and recommending decisions or actions.
- Conducting research and performing data analysis on both qualitative and quantitative data.
Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning; or closely related field.
Examples of how to qualify:
- 6 years of experience.
- 5 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
- 4 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
- 3 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
- 2 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
- No experience AND a Master’s degree or higher.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience with Microsoft Excel.
- Knowledge of water rights laws.
- Experience navigating within GIS software (which can be gained through experience, coursework, or other avenues) (ES2 level).
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.
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 Kasey Cykler at Kasey.Cykler@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 Water Resources Program
The mission of the Water Resources program is to manage water resources to meet the needs of people and the natural environment, in partnership with Washington's communities. This position is in the Adjudications Support Unit within the Northwest Region Section.
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.
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Salary : $3,910 - $5,241
