CZMA Federal Consistency Lead (Environmental Specialist 4)(Internal Only)

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 two days per month is required in the office. Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change. Application Timeline: Apply by November 5, 2026, Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties: This CZMA Federal Consistency Lead position offers an opportunity to serve as Ecology's primary expert responsible for implementing Washington's Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) federal consistency provisions. In this role, you will independently evaluate complex, high-profile federal permit actions and federal activities that may affect Washington's coastal and marine resources, ensuring they align with Washington's enforceable policies and environmental standards. You will guide interdisciplinary review efforts, coordinate closely with internal technical specialists and multiple levels of government, and provide recommendations that influence state decisions on significant coastal infrastructure, restoration, energy, and transportation projects. You will also shape the operation and advancement of Ecology's federal consistency program—maintaining key program documents, conducting policy analysis, supporting alignment with federal requirements, and representing Ecology in discussions with federal agencies and regional partners. Through this work, you will strengthen Ecology's role in coastal resource protection, contribute to statewide policy consistency, and support continuous improvements in how complex federal actions are reviewed and evaluated.

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 related to the duties of this position, which includes the following:1. Coastal Project Review : Ability to independently evaluate projects for consistency with environmental policies, interpret technical materials, and assess potential effects on coastal and marine resources.2. Environmental Policy Application : Ability to apply state and federal environmental laws, regulations, and program standards to complex permit actions and federal activities.3. Interagency Coordination : Skill in working effectively with federal, state, local government representatives and internal programs to gather input, resolve issues, and advance review processes.4. Technical Writing : Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and defensible decision documents, reports, and correspondence that reflect scientific and regulatory analysis.5. Formal Communication : Ability to communicate technical or policy information verbally in settings such as meetings, hearings, or project briefings.6. Field Evaluation : Ability to conduct site visits in varied environmental conditions and interpret on-site conditions relevant to coastal resource impacts and compliance with consistency determinations.

Education: involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other closely allied field 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.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license.

Desired Qualifications: Working knowledge of the Coastal Zone Management Act, Ecology's Coastal Zone Management Program and Enforceable Policies. Working knowledge of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permits program, Section 404 and Section 10 Permitting. Demonstrated understanding of project management for complex projects that require multi agency and program coordination. Demonstrated ability to understand environmental legislation and regulations at the federal, state, and local level. Demonstrated ability to apply negotiation and conflict resolution skills.