Program Budget Manager (WMS Band 2)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Program Budget Manager (WMS Band 2) within the Nuclear Waste 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.
• A minimum of one day per week is required in the office. 
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline: 

• Apply by February 26, 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 February 26, 2025, may not be considered.

This position actively manages the Nuclear Waste Program’s (NWP) budget and finances. The program is responsible for regulating the cleanup of the Hanford Nuclear reservation and regulating treatment, storage, and disposal of radioactive mixed wastes Statewide. As part of the planning and budget team, this position works closely with the program planner and works in conjunction with the agency’s Financial Services Division that is responsible for assuring sound financial management and to provide centralized financial support in budget, accounting, contracts, purchasing, and inventory.

As the Program Budget Manager, you will serve as the Nuclear Waste Program’s primary point of contact on all budget and financial matters involving the Chief Financial Officer, Agency Budget Director, Budget Policy Manager, Budget Office Staff, Fiscal Manager, Fiscal Office Staff, other programs, the Office of Financial Management (OFM), legislative staff, and other state and federal agencies. You will be responsible for providing professional guidance, consultation, and advice for the ongoing management of the program’s budget. This includes managing budget activities within the program and ensuring budget planning is integrated with program and agency strategic planning and performance measurement through consultation and advice to the Deputy Program Manager (DPM), Program Manager (PM), the management team, and the planning and budget team.

What you will do:

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

Required Qualifications:

Seven years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Experience in public sector budget management, fiscal management, accounting or related work, which includes knowledge and proficiency with computers including spreadsheets, database, word-processing and PowerPoint programs. 
  • The experience above may include some or all of the following:
    • Communicating complex budget or financial issues.
    • Seeking new funding opportunities, understanding risks, and proposing solutions.
    • Ensuring staff and other team members follow budget-related policies and procedures.
    • Managing grants or contracts.
    • Developing long range and strategic budget options and financial contingency plans.
    • Designing strategic budget plans, anticipating and identifying financial concerns, seeking solutions, developing strategies to minimize budget inefficiencies, makes critical independent strategic financial decisions, and make recommendations.
    • Preparing budget, decision packages, and allotment requests and justifications.
    • Planning, developing, and maintaining budget allocation models and biennial spending plans.
    • Analyzing statewide historical spending trends and various other data to prepare budgets and to justify funding requests.
    • Leadership and organization skills to train, lead, and coordinate the managers of the program’s multiple business areas.
  • Education involving a major study in accounting, finance, business, public administration, economics, statistics or a related field.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 7 years of experience.
• 6 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 5 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 4 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 3 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• 1 year of experience AND a Master’s degree or above.

Required knowledge and proficiencies:

• Knowledge and proficiency with computers, including spreadsheet, database, word processing, and PowerPoint programs.

• Excellent leadership and organization skills to train, lead, and coordinate the managers of the program’s multiple business areas.

• Strong oral and written communications skills with ability to effectively communicate complex information of a detailed and technical nature to diverse audiences, across a broad spectrum of professional, managerial, and administrative levels within the agency. Communicate effectively with the public and with all levels of local, state, federal, and tribal governments, including executive management, legislators, and staff in both formal and informal settings.

• Ability to provide leadership on formulation and resolution of financial issues and related matters for program and agency initiatives and challenges.

• Knowledge of advanced principles and technologies of state budget and accounting, business and economics, finance, government operations, and organizational development.

• Detailed and broad-based knowledge of statistics; state and federal environmental laws, regulations, and policies; and how they impact specific funds and operations.

• Ability to manage, influence, and guide numerous and diverse concurrent functions and activities within strict operational time constraints.

• Ability to develop and maintain a knowledge base, including a deep understanding of Ecology programs, authorities, and resources and a creativity that facilitates high level problem-solving. Demonstrate leadership to achieve consistent outcomes that address a client’s needs, while achieving the Agency’s mission.

• Ability to develop innovative ideas that provide solutions to all types of workplace challenges. Display balanced thinking that combines tactical and strategic approaches, producing decisions that withstand “the test of time.”

• Use knowledge and understanding of the organizational and political climate to make decisions and take actions that recognize, appreciate, and value diverse interests and contribute effectively to organizational goals. Make timely decisions without sacrificing quality even under ambiguous circumstances or when data is limited.

• Earn trust, respect, and confidence of co-workers and clients through consistent honesty, forthrightness, and professionalism in all interactions. Show fairness and objectivity at all times, ensuring that professional judgment, rather than personal opinion, is the basis for Agency decisions. Lead by example and set standards for professional behavior.

• Performance and Accountability: Create and nurture a performance-based culture that supports efforts to accomplish the organizational mission and goals. Influence others within the organization to be motivated and committed to furthering the organization’s objectives.

• Convey clear, timely, persuasive messages to positively influence stakeholder relationships, creating commitment and support for agency policies and objectives. Recognize the legitimacy of different perspectives, refrain from value judgments, and communicate openly and honestly.

• The Nuclear Waste Program Budget Manager is required to travel infrequently about once a quarter to the Richland Field Office in Richland, WA.
• Headquarters functions include those associated with interaction with agency budget, fiscal, performance, and process improvement staff. Richland functions include those associated with program budget management, program planning, performance measurement, program process improvement, and interaction with Program Management, Leadership, and staff at all levels.

Desired Qualifications:

• Five years’ experience in Washington State Agency budget management. 
• Experience using Washington State budget and accounting systems and tools.

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.

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.

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 Edward Holbrook at Edward.Holbrook@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 Nuclear Waste Program

The Nuclear Waste Program (NWP) is responsible for regulating the cleanup of the Hanford Nuclear reservation and regulating treatment, storage, and disposal of radioactive mixed wastes Statewide. The agency’s Financial Services Division is responsible for assuring sound financial management and to provide centralized financial support in budget, accounting, contracts, purchasing, and inventory. The budget manager will work closely on program and agency priorities with the Nuclear Waste Program and Financial Services Division.

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, our Working at Ecology page, check out our Strategic Plan, and follow, like, or visit 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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Salary : $91,773 - $117,266