State of Washington

Salary : $82,872.00 - $111,504.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-TCP2008-03961
Department: Dept. of Ecology
Division: Toxics Cleanup
Opening Date: 05/08/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Program Strategic Planner (Environmental Planner 5)within the .
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 at least one day per week is required in the office, with additional days occasionally neededfor in-person meetings and activities.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by May 19, 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 Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP) is looking for a Program Strategic Planner to direct high-level, program-wide planning efforts, helpalign our work with agency priorities, and champion performance improvements. In this role, you will collaborate closely with program leadership, other planners, and partners across Ecology to translate broad strategic goals into clear, actionable plans. You will also play a central role in supporting appropriate and effective interactions with Tribal governments, serving as the program's primary contact for Tribal engagement coordination and supporting staff in their work with Tribal governments. Your work will ensure that TCP's planning efforts reflect strong relationships, sound data, anda forward-looking vision.
What you will do:

• Lead the development and updates of TCP's two- and five-year Strategic Plans, including identifying priorities, shaping strategies, and creating clear measures of success.
• Evaluate performance data, including performance measures, regulated customer survey results, and employee engagement feedback, to help improve program effectiveness.
• Represent the program on agency-wide strategic planning and performance teams, ensuring program perspectives are included and program staff are informed of agency expectations.
• Work closely with the Program Manager, and program leadership teams to develop program priorities, recommend policy or process changes, and support implementation of strategic initiatives.
• Partner with the program's Operations Planner to support continuous improvement efforts, leadership development, and culture-building across the program.
• Serve as the program's main contact for Tribal engagement efforts, helping staff follow appropriate protocols and supporting strong, respectful, government-to-government relationships.
• Guide and support the program's section planners by providing guidance, promoting consistent planning practices, and helping identify tools or processes that improve program operations.
• Facilitate leadership team meetings, planning discussions, and small-group working sessions, ensuring productive conversation, clear decisions, and follow-through.
• Support program leadership with special projects, briefings, meeting materials, communication products, and other assignments as needed.

Qualifications
For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our

Required Qualifications:

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

• Experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, cultural resources, project management and/or program development, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related experience.
• Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:
  • Strategic Planning & Systems Thinking - Ability to analyze complex environmental and organizational systems to develop strategic plans, set long-term priorities, and guide program direction.
  • Intergovernmental & Tribal Coordination - Ability to build and maintain effective, respectful working relationships with Tribal governments and governmental partners to ensure coordinated, culturally appropriate, and legally compliant program implementation.
  • Program & Performance Management - Ability to design and oversee program plans, performance measures, and reporting systems to evaluate effectiveness, track progress, and align activities with agency and program goals.
  • Policy Analysis & Risk Evaluation - Ability to interpret environmental policies, regulations, legislation, and program risks to identify gaps, recommend solutions, and support high-level decision-making.
  • Leadership & Facilitation - Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, facilitate planning processes, and guide staff and leadership groups to achieve consensus, resolve issues, and drive collaborative action.
  • Technical Planning Expertise - Experience with developing complex environmental or natural resource plans, project frameworks, and planning tools to support effective program implementation and meet strategic objectives.
• Education involving a major study in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related field.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 11 years of experience.
• 10 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 9 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate's degree).
• 8 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 7 years of experience AND a Bachelor's degree.
• 5 years of experience AND a Master's degree.
• 4 years of experience AND a Ph.D.
• 2 years of experience as an Environmental Planner 4, at the Department of Ecology.

Desired Qualifications:

• Broad Knowledge of Environmental and Resource Planning Frameworks - Knowledge of planning principles and techniques; environmental laws, policies, and programs; governmental administrative structure at local and state levels; environmental, social and other problems affecting development of local and state environmental resource programs; methods and objectives of urban and natural resources planning.
• Advanced Program and Portfolio Management Experience - Experience planning, coordinating, and monitoring multiple complex initiatives or portfolios to ensure alignment across program, budget, and agency strategic priorities.
• Leading or Supporting Organizational Change Initiatives - Demonstrated ability to guide teams through changes in policy, process, or structure; support leadership development; and contribute to culture-building and staff engagement efforts.
• Facilitation of Cross-Program Leadership Teams - Experience planning and facilitating leadership-level meetings, coordinating and leading small groups, and creating a cooperative, productive environment to resolve problems or develop and implement plans.
• Program Implementation and Evaluation Expertise - Experience turning strategic objectives into actionable workplans; developing tools, templates, or processes to support implementation; and evaluating program progress to inform improvements.

If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.
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 .
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
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
• 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 Amanda Seider at Amanda.Seider@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 Toxics Cleanup Program
The Toxics Cleanup Program's (TCP) mission is to protect Washington's human health and environment by preventing and cleaning up pollution, supporting sustainable communities, and promoting natural resources for the benefit of current and future generations.

This position supports the program's mission by serving as the senior program planning consultant to the Program Manager. It is responsible for developing, maintaining, and updating the program's strategic plan, ensuring it remains aligned with emerging issues and that progress is closely tracked in coordination with program management and subject matter experts. Additionally, the Program Strategic Planner may provide direct, high-level support to the Program Manager in the development, analysis, evaluation, and monitoring of program strategic initiatives.

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 DEIRis 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), , 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 , 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.
#LI-Hybrid
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01

Have you ever worked for the Department of Ecology in any capacity including: Permanent, Non-permanent, Project, Intern, or Volunteer?

• Yes
• No

02

How did you hear about this job?

• Community Based Organization
• Community / Technical College
• Ecology Employee
• Ecology Recruiter
• Ecology Jobs Page
• Facebook
• Job Board
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Newspaper
• Other State Agency
• Other Website
• Professional Association
• Twitter
• University Job Board
• WorkSource
• Other

03

If you selected Community Based Organization, Community / Technical College, Job Board, Job Fair, LinkedIn Group, Newspaper, Other State Agency, Other Website, Professional Association, University Job Board, WorkSource, or Other, please share which one.
04

How many years of experience do you have in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, cultural resources, project management and/or program development, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related experience?
Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following:
• Strategic Planning & Systems Thinking - Ability to analyze complex environmental and organizational systems to develop strategic plans, set long term priorities, and guide program direction.
• Intergovernmental & Tribal Coordination - Ability to build and maintain effective, respectful working relationships with Tribal governments and governmental partners to ensure coordinated, culturally appropriate, and legally compliant program implementation.
• Program & Performance Management - Ability to design and oversee program plans, performance measures, and reporting systems to evaluate effectiveness, track progress, and align activities with agency and program goals.
• Policy Analysis & Risk Evaluation - Ability to interpret environmental policies, regulations, legislation, and program risks to identify gaps, recommend solutions, and support high level decision-making.
• Leadership & Facilitation - Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, facilitate planning processes, and guide staff and leadership groups to achieve consensus, resolve issues, and drive collaborative action.
• Technical Planning Expertise - Experience with developing complex environmental or natural resource plans, project frameworks, and planning tools to support effective program implementation and meet strategic objectives.
Please include any experience gained through employment, internships, and/or volunteer positions. Note that experience gained from academic coursework, class projects, or other degree requirements is assessed in later questions.

• Four years
• Five years
• Six years
• Seven years
• Eight years
• Nine years
• Ten years
• Eleven or more years
• Two years as an Environmental Planner 4, at the Department of Ecology.
• None of the above

05

Please provide additional details to support your response above. The following information is needed: position title(s), specific duties, and periods of employment. Make sure your response specifically addresses the qualification above. An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.
06

Please describe your experience with analyzing complex environmental or organizational systems to develop strategic plans, set long-term priorities, and guide program direction:

• None - I do not have experience with strategic planning or systems-level analysis.
• Foundational - I contribute basic input to strategic planning led by others.
• Intermediate - I develop components of a strategic plan and identify program level priorities.
• Advanced - I lead development of strategic plans and integrate data, risks, and program needs into actionable priorities.
• Expert - I lead complex, multi-program strategic planning efforts that shape long-term organizational direction.

07

Please describe your experience with building and maintaining effective working relationships with Tribal governments and intergovernmental partners to ensure coordinated and culturally respectful program engagement:

• None - I have not engaged with Tribal governments or intergovernmental partners.
• Foundational - I have some exposure to government-to-government or multi-agency processes as a participant.
• Intermediate - I independently coordinate with Tribal or intergovernmental partners on routine matters.
• Advanced - I lead coordination with Tribal or intergovernmental partners, resolve complex issues, ensure appropriate protocols are followed, and build sustained collaborative relationships.
• Expert - I represent programs at leadership levels, lead high stakes or sensitive government to government coordination, and strengthen long term intergovernmental partnerships.

08

Please describe your experience with designing, overseeing, and evaluating program plans, performance measures, and reporting systems to track progress and align work with strategic priorities:

• None - I have not participated in program planning or performance measurement.
• Foundational - I contribute data or input to performance reports or planning tasks.
• Intermediate - I develop program plans or performance measures and track and report on progress.
• Advanced - I lead program-level performance management processes, integrate metrics into decision-making, and ensure alignment with strategic goals.
• Expert - I design or oversee organization wide performance management frameworks, lead cross-program planning, and advise leadership on program evaluation and improvement.

09

How would you describe your experience with interpreting environmental policies, regulations, and program risks to identify gaps and recommend effective solutions:

• None - I have not conducted policy or risk analysis.
• Foundational - I review and summarize policy or regulatory information.
• Intermediate - I analyze policies or risks and identify issues or gaps.
• Advanced - I conduct complex policy and risk analyses, evaluate implications across programs or systems, and develop well-supported recommendations that guide leadership decisions.
• Expert - I lead multi program policy analysis efforts, anticipate emerging risks, and provide authoritative guidance that shapes policy direction.

10

How would you describe your experience with leading teams, facilitating planning processes, and guiding groups toward decisions and coordinated action:

• None - I have not lead groups or facilitated planning processes.
• Foundational - I lead small tasks or participate in facilitated meetings.
• Intermediate - I facilitate meetings or lead teams in achieving defined goals.
• Advanced - I lead complex or sensitive group processes, facilitate structured decision-making, resolve divergent viewpoints, and drive alignment across teams or programs.
• Expert - I design and lead high impact planning, alignment, or decision making processes at the program or organization level and influence leadership direction.

11

How would you describe your experience developing complex environmental or natural resource plans, planning tools, or frameworks to support program implementation:

• None - I have not developed environmental or natural resource plans or planning tools.
• Foundational - I support planning tasks or contribute basic components to plans.
• Intermediate - I develop planning documents, tools, or analyses independently.
• Advanced - I lead development of complex environmental or natural resource plans, integrate technical inputs, and ensure alignment with program needs.
• Expert - I design and oversee multi-program or multi-year planning frameworks and provide technical planning guidance to others.

12

What is your level of education?

• 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits
• 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (AA degree)
• 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Ph.D.
• None of the above

13

If you have college credits or a degree, please list your major(s) or field(s) of study and any degree(s) earned. If you don't have this education, put N/A.
14

The State of Washington and the Department of Ecology, play a vital role in fostering a Diverse, Equitable, Inclusive, and Respectful (DEIR) workplace and contributing to equitable outcomes for the communities we serve. We view DEIR 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. We believe it is everyone's job to contribute to a DEIR workplace. Please tell us, what does it mean for you to have a commitment to DEIR in the workplace? What steps or actions have you taken to demonstrate your commitment previously?
15

Are you able to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

16

I understand that Ecol

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Company Information

State of Washington
Quincy,WA