JOB DESCRIPTION

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project Planner (Environmental Planner 4) within the Southwest Region Office.

This is a 12-month project position with the possibility of extension based on available funding and performance.

Location:

• Southwest Region 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 three days per week is required in the office (Monday-Wednesday preferred).
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by March 26, 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 Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project offers a unique opportunity to join a team leading one of the largest urban estuary restoration efforts in the nation. This 260-acre restoration project sits at the mouth of the Deschutes River, at the doorstep of the State Capital. Ecology’s Southwest Region leads this multi-benefit initiative in close collaboration with the Squaxin Island Tribe, City of Olympia, City of Tumwater, Thurston County, Port of Olympia, LOTT Clean Water Alliance, the Department of Enterprise Services, and Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.

As the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project Planner, you will support the agency’s project management team, lead permit applications, coordinate with state, federal, and local agencies, and oversee tasks related to public outreach and community and partner engagement.

The project is estimated to complete 100% design by June 30, 2027, with construction anticipated from 2027 through 2033. Funding for this position is currently through June 30, 2027. However, it is eligible for extension depending on future project funding and individual performance.

What you will do:

• Support the overall management of the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project, and lead the following areas of the project:

Environmental Permitting and Design Coordination:

• Serve as the lead planner for environmental permitting for the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project, coordinating closely with the Southwest Region Planner and project leadership to align permitting, design, and implementation schedules.
• Lead environmental permitting processes for the project, including planning, sequencing, and tracking permit actions across multiple regulatory jurisdictions, and coordinating with state, federal and local permitting agencies.
• Provide direction, oversight, and technical review of environmental permit applications and supporting documentation prepared by consultants and project team members to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency with project objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Deliver senior staffing support for the project’s design phase, including participation in technical design meetings and interdisciplinary coordination with engineers, scientists, consultants, and external design partners.
• Review design concepts, plans, and technical materials to ensure alignment with permitting requirements and project goals.

Public Outreach and Community & Partner Engagement:

• Coordinate and oversee public outreach, education, and engagement activities for the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project, including the development and implementation of comprehensive outreach and engagement strategies that support project goals, timelines, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate engagement efforts with internal Ecology staff and leadership, project partners, consultants, and other organizations to ensure consistent and accurate messaging.
• Support the Region Director in coordinating elected official engagement and participation in outreach events.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for project-related public engagement, responding to inquiries and coordinating timely follow-up.
• Represent Ecology and the project at community events, interagency meetings, and public forums. This may include planning, organizing, and facilitating public meetings and events, workshops, or briefings for diverse audiences, as well as developing outreach materials.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Tribal governments, local jurisdictions, community organizations, environmental groups, business interests, and the general public.

BENEFITS

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