EPA Grant Coordinator (Environmental Planner 4)

Salary : $75,108.00 - $100,980.00 Annually Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA Job Type: Full Time - Permanent Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid Job Number: 2026-WQ3931-00555 Department: Dept. of Ecology Division: Water Quality Opening Date: 01/26/2026 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 an EPA Grant Coordinator (Environmental Planner 4) 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 one day every other week is required in the office. • Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change. Application Timeline: • Apply by February 10, 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 As the EPA Grant Coordinator for Ecology's Water Quality Program, you will serve as the lead coordinator for grants awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You will coordinate with program staff on grant applications, prepare fiscal and performance reports, and ensure ongoing compliance with EPA grant requirements for Ecology and the Water Quality Program. This role is ideal for someone with strong attention to detail and experience developing and tracking complex project budgets, as well as managing grants and contracts. You will collaborate with planners, budget staff, and managers to coordinate reporting and tracking for three critical EPA grants: the Performance Partnership Grant (PPG), the Section 604(b) Water Quality Management Planning Grant, and the Section 319 Nonpoint Pollution Management Grant. You may also serve as a backup for other EPA grants managed by the Water Quality Program, such as the Columbia River Basin Restoration Funding Assistance Program - Toxic Reduction Lead and National Estuary Program Puget Sound Geographic Program Stormwater Strategic Initiative, as well as additional EPA grants awarded to the program. In this role, you will ensure compliance with EPA grant requirements through effective project and fiscal management, ensuring funds are expended in a timely and efficient manner, project schedules are met, and all expenditures are accurately tracked. You may also support lead planners by assisting with the development of core work deliverables, preparing presentations for EPA and others, and collaborating with external partners. What you will do: • Participate in grant planning and development by providing budgeting, financial, and technical support to lead planners and managers in Headquarters and Regional offices. • Serve as the primary point of contact for coordinating the Water Quality Program's tracking of grant activities. • Prepare EPA reports on the status of workplan activities; coordinate progress report development and submission; maintain fiscal and performance metric databases; and analyze performance metrics for inclusion in reports to EPA, and other funding entities. • Develop and submit grant applications to EPA, and strategically manage grant funds to ensure spending is on track and awards are fully spent before expiration. • Coordinate with other Ecology programs to track their portions of the grant responsibilities, deliverables, and spending. • Support tracking of subawards to external parties and documentation of matching fund requirements for EPA. Qualifications For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Required Qualifications: Nine (9) years of experience and/or education as described below: • Experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related experience. • 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: • 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 or above. • 1 year of experience as an Environmental Planner 3, at the Department of Ecology. Desired Qualifications: • Experience with applying for and managing EPA grant awards. 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 . 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. 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. 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 Leslie Connelly at • 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 [email protected] About the Water Quality Program The mission of the Water Quality Program is to ensure that all aquatic life, and communities in the watershed, experience cool, clean water to refresh and sustain us in a changing climate. This position is within the Policy and Emerging Issues Section within the Water Quality Program. Our section manages science projects, stormwater programs, and EPA grants on behalf of the program and the agency. You will join a team that supports the Stormwater Work Group, Stormwater Action Monitoring Program, 6PPDQ stormwater research, Columbia River Toxics Reduction Lead, and National Estuary Program Stormwater Strategic Initiative. 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), , 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 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 02 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. 03 Have you ever worked for the Department of Ecology in any capacity including: Permanent, Non-permanent, Project, Intern, or Volunteer? • Yes • No 04 How many years of experience do you have in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related field? 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. • One year or more years as an Environmental Planner 3, at the Department of Ecology • Two years • Three years • Four years • Five years • Six years • Seven years • Eight years • Nine or more years • 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 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 07 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. 08 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. What experiences have you had working with people whose backgrounds are very different from your own? What impact did those experiences have on how you worked? 09 I understand that Ecology does not use the E-Verify system and is unable to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). • Yes • No Required Question Apply tot his job Apply To this Job