Assistant to the Water Quality Deputy Program Manager

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring an Assistant to the Water Quality Deputy Program Manager (Administrative Assistant 3)  within the Water Quality Program.

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 3-5 days per week is required in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline: 

• Apply by June 1, 2025
• 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 above date may not be considered.

Duties

Be a part of protecting Washington state’s water and support crucial protection efforts in this exciting administrative position! In this role, you will provide administrative support to the Deputy Program Manager and other program leaders within the Water Quality Program both at headquarters and at the region offices. You will organize leadership meetings and work on many different projects that help the Water Quality Program run smoothly. This is a great opportunity to utilize and expand your problem-solving, organization, communication, and teamwork skills as you begin or further a career in environmental protection. 
 
You will be joining a supportive team invested in your growth and success. Your work ensures the core administrative functions of the Water Quality program run effectively and efficiently. You will work with managers on a wide variety of topics and projects, building a diverse array of skills. Strong prioritization and multi-tasking skills will be crucial as you manage multiple projects simultaneously.

What you will do:

• Organize Water Quality program management team meetings and events, including scheduling, agenda development, logistics, notes, and information management.
• Provide high-level, confidential administrative support to the Deputy Program Manager through scheduling, delegating work, and special projects.
• Track personnel actions and ensure data systems are updated so that personnel records are complete, accurate, and timely. 
• Maintain the organizational chart for the Water Quality program.
• Assist in a wide range of routine administrative functions as well as providing support on special projects. 

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

Four (4) years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Experience in clerical, secretarial, bookkeeping, accounting, or general administrative office work.
• Education: A High School Diploma or equivalent OR formal college level education with a major study in business administration, public administration, environmental science or policy, or closely related field.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 4 years of experience AND High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 3 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 2 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 1 year of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• No experience AND a Bachelor’s degree or above.
• 1 year of experience as an Administrative Assistant 2, at the Department of Ecology.  

Desired Qualifications:

Good general office skills, which might include things like attention to detail, organizational skills, customer service, teamwork, writing, communication, and problem solving.

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 www.uscis.gov.

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 DEIR is 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 Recruitment website.

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 careers@ecy.wa.gov
• 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 Leslie.connelly@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 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.

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), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, 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 (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *Click here for more information 

To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, 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.

Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency.

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