Job Description

Salary : $58,584.00 - $78,912.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-CPR5321-03796
Department: Dept. of Ecology
Division: Climate Pollution Reduction Program
Opening Date: 05/11/2026
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 Cap-and-Invest Offsets & Tribal Grants Specialist (Environmental Specialist 3) within the Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP) .
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. You may telework most of your work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by May 18, 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 Cap-and-Invest Offsets & Tribal Grants Specialist, you will serve as a program specialist supporting key elements of Washington's Climate Commitment Act (CCA). You will support the administration of state-funded Tribal grants that build Tribal capacity and support Tribal environmental work, while also assisting with the management of the Cap-and-Invest offset program. You will contribute to Tribal grant application and award processes, provide ongoing communications and assistance to grantees, and help ensure accurate tracking, reporting, and program documentation. In addition, you will support the review and organization of offset project materials and help maintain the integrity, transparency, and accessibility of the State's offset program. This work plays a vital role in advancing environmental justice, strengthening government-to-government relationships, and supporting the success of Washington's climate policies.
What you will do:

• Support the administration of state-funded Tribal grants by assisting with application review, award processes, and applicant technical assistance.
• Help develop grant guidelines, evaluation criteria, and application processes that align with environmental justice commitments under the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act and Climate Commitment Act (CCA).
• Review, process, and track grant applications, agreements, amendments, payment requests, and progress reports using approved systems and databases.
• Coordinate and participate in grant evaluation panels, ensuring fair and well-documented review and award recommendations.
• Provide ongoing communication, outreach, and support to Tribal grant staff to ensure successful implementation of grant-funded activities.
• Maintain accurate grant program data and contribute to required reporting for budget equity and HEAL Act compliance.
• Assist with reviewing and organizing documents related to offset project listing, data reporting, and requests for offset credit issuance.
• Support evaluation of offset credit issuance and Direct Environmental Benefits (DEBs) designation requests, preparing recommendations for program leadership.
• Maintain records, webpages, and communications related to offset registries, project verifiers, credit issuance, and program updates.
• Serve as a point of contact for inquiries from Tribes, market participants, and the public, providing timely and accurate technical and administrative information.

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


Required Qualifications:
Six years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Experience performing environmental-based work, OR work related to duties of this position, that includes one or more of the following:
  • Grant Administration - Experience in administering grants, contracts, or public funding programs to ensure compliant, accurate, and timely processing of applications, agreements, payments, and performance tracking.
  • Regulatory & Program Implementation - Experience in interpreting and applying statutes, rules, and program policies to ensure consistent implementation, defensible funding decisions, and adherence to legal and administrative requirements.
  • Data Management & Reporting - Ability to manage and analyze data using database systems to ensure accurate recordkeeping, reliable reporting, informed decision-making, and protection of confidential information.
  • Communication with Interested Parties and Technical Assistance - Experience in providing technical assistance and communicating complex requirements to diverse interested parties to ensure transparency, equitable access, and effective program participation.
  • Experience working with Tribes and Tribal staff - Experience providing customer service to Tribal staff related to environmental programs, policies, or projects.
• Experience must include demonstrated competence in :
  • Program Administration - Detail-oriented administration of programs or processes that involve the creation, review, or management of documents and records.
  • Using critical / analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to make decisions or determine a course of action.
  • Reviewing / assessing information and data to draw conclusions and recommending decisions or actions.
  • Conducting research and performing data analysis on both qualitative and quantitative data.
• Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning, or an academic discipline related to the duties of the position.

Examples of how to qualify:

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

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• A background check will be conducted, which may include criminal record history, fingerprinting, and credit history. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the following policy areas: environmental grant program development and management, climate, carbon markets, offset project development, and energy.
• Experience engaging in communications with Tribal governments with lands in Washington.
• Experience with environmental justice data, methods, and analyses for environmental or government work
• Experience using GIS, data visualization software (Power BI, Tableau, R, or similar), and grant award tracking databases.

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 .
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 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 the following required documents :

• 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 Jordan Wildish at Jordan.Wildish@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 Climate Pollution Reduction Program

The Climate Pollution Reduction Program's (CPRP's) mission is to implement policies and programs to reduce carbon emissions in the state of Washington so that the state meets its statutory greenhouse gas emission limits. The CPRP focuses long term, requiring creative and strategic decision making for implementation to achieve broad statewide and interstate success reducing carbon emissions in the state of Washington so residents have a healthy environment and climate.
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


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 performing environmental-based work, OR work related to the duties of the position, that includes two or more of the following:
• Grant Administration - Experience in administering grants, contracts, or public funding programs to ensure compliant, accurate, and timely processing of applications, agreements, payments, and performance tracking.
• Regulatory & Program Implementation - Experience in interpreting and applying statutes, rules, and program policies to ensure consistent implementation, defensible funding decisions, and adherence to legal and administrative requirements.
• Data Management & Reporting - Ability to manage and analyze data using database systems to ensure accurate recordkeeping, reliable reporting, informed decision-making, and protection of confidential information.
• Communication with Interested Parties and Technical Assistance - Experience in providing technical assistance and communicating complex requirements to diverse interested parties to ensure transparency, equitable access, and effective program participation.
• Experience working with Tribes and Tribal staff - Experience providing customer service to Tribal staff related to environmental programs, policies, or projects.


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
• Two years
• Three years
• Four years
• Five years
• Six 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


How would you describe your experience administering grants, contracts, or other public funding programs, including reviewing applications, processing agreements and payments, and tracking performance or deliverables:

• None - I have not performed grant or public funding administration tasks.
• Foundational - I have provided limited support (e.g., data entry, routing, filing, simple reviews) for grants or funding programs.
• Intermediate - I have independently performed routine tasks such as reviewing applications, processing payments, and tracking deliverables with established procedures.
• Advanced - I have administered multiple grants or funding programs with varying requirements, ensuring timely, compliant, and accurate processing; may have provided applicant technical assistance.
• Expert - I have served as a subject matter expert for grant or funding administration, developed or improved processes or guidelines, or provided leadership or guidance to others.

07


Please describe your experience interpreting and applying statutes, rules, policies, and program guidance to support program implementation and defensible decision-making:

• None - I have not used or interpreted regulatory or policy requirements in my work.
• Foundational - I have applied simple program policies or procedures with oversight.
• Intermediate - I have interpreted and applied program policies or rules to make decisions or recommendations with some complexity.
• Advanced - I have regularly interpreted multiple layers of statutes, rules, and guidance and applied them to complex or unique situations; may have advised others.
• Expert - I have served as a program or policy expert, developed program procedures or guidance, or consulted on regulatory interpretation for others.

08


Please describe your ability to manage, analyze, and track program data in database systems, including maintaining accurate records, producing reports, and protecting confidential information:

• None - I have no experience managing or analyzing program data.
• Foundational - I have entered and retrieved data in databases or spreadsheets with oversight.
• Intermediate - I have independently managed program records, generated routine reports, and ensured data accuracy using established systems or tools.
• Advanced - I have analyzed program data to support decisions, resolved data quality issues, produced complex reports, or overseen data management processes.
• Expert - I have led efforts to design, improve, or administer program data systems or reporting tools, or served as the data subject matter expert.

09


Please describe your experience providing technical assistance and communicating complex program or regulatory requirements to diverse audiences, including applicants, partners, or the public:

• None - I have no experience explaining technical or regulatory information to others.
• Foundational - I have provided simple information or routine customer service using prepared materials.
• Intermediate - I have independently explained program requirements to interested parties and responded to questions about processes, timelines, or compliance, or similar information.
• Advanced - I have provided tailored technical assistance to diverse or specialized audiences, translated complex requirements into clear guidance, or conducted outreach or training.
• Expert - I have served as a primary program representative, developed communication materials or training, or led outreach efforts for complex programs.

10


How would you describe your experience working with Tribal governments or Tribal staff on environmental programs, policies, projects, or related government-to-government interactions:

• None - I have not worked with Tribes or Tribal staff.
• Foundational - I have had occasional interactions with Tribal staff or attended meetings that included Tribal representatives.
• Intermediate - I have worked directly with Tribal partners on environmental or program-related tasks, responding to questions and supporting information exchange.
• Advanced - I have collaborated regularly with Tribes or Tribal program staff, provided technical assistance, or supported Tribal involvement in state programs.
• Expert - I have extensive experience partnering with Tribes, supporting government-to-government relations, or serving as a primary point of contact on programs affecting Tribes.

11


Please describe your experience with detail-oriented administration of programs or processes that involve the creation, review, or management of documents and records:

• None - I have no program administration experience.
• Foundational - I have performed basic administrative tasks such as filing, document routing, or preparing simple materials.
• Intermediate - I have independently managed administrative processes that require accuracy and consistency, such as tracking records or processing documents.
• Advanced - I have overseen or improved program administrative processes, ensured accuracy and compliance, and coordinated work across multiple tasks or stakeholders.
• Expert - I have served as a program administration expert, led process development or optimization, or trained others in complex document and records management systems.

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


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

• Yes
• No

15


I understand that Ecology does not use the E-Verify system and is unable to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).

• Yes
• No

16


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?
Required Question

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Part time, Work experience placement, Internship, Work at office, Remote work, Flexible hours, Shift work, 1 day per week

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