Remote Aquatic Ecologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $67,992.00 - $91,464.00 Annually
Location : Spokane County - Spokane, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-SEA5249-03887
Department: Dept. of Ecology
Division: Shorelands and Environmental Assistance
Opening Date: 05/12/2026
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 Shoreland, Wetland, Aquatic Resource Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4)within the Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) program.
Location:

• Eastern Region Office in Spokane, 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.
• This position requires frequent fieldwork.
• Schedules are dependent upon onboarding schedules, position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by May 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
This Shoreland, Wetland, and Aquatic Resource Specialist position serves as the Eastern Region's senior technical expert for evaluating projects that affect wetlands, shorelands, and state-regulated aquatic resources. In this role, you will independently apply Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, the Water Pollution Control Act (RCW 90.48), and the Shoreline Management Act (SMA) to ensure consistent, scientifically sound, and legally defensible project decisions. You will guide local governments, applicants, and partner agencies on complex regulatory requirements; conduct advanced field assessments; and lead enforcement for wetlands and RCW 90.48 violations across 13 counties.
You will also coordinate state-level review of shoreline and aquatic resource proposals, analyze SEPA/NEPA documents, and negotiate project modifications to achieve regulatory compliance and environmental protection. As the region's senior specialist, you will collaborate with tribes, federal agencies, local governments, and the Attorney General's Office to resolve conflicts, support enforcement actions, and ensure effective, coordinated implementation of statewide policies.
What you will do:
• Conduct senior-level review of wetland delineations, functional assessments, mitigation plans, ordinary high water mark (OHWM) determinations, and shoreline/aquatic resource proposals for accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate Ecology's permitting response for Section 401 Water Quality Certifications and for projects regulated under RCW 90.48 and the Shoreline Management Act.
• Lead investigations and enforcement actions for wetlands and state-regulated aquatic resource violations, preparing documentation and representing Ecology in hearings and legal proceedings.
• Provide expert technical assistance to local governments implementing Critical Areas Ordinances and Shoreline Master Programs, ensuring consistent interpretation and application of regulations.
• Review SEPA/NEPA documents and provide clear, well-supported comments on environmental impacts related to wetlands, water quality, and shorelines.
• Collaborate with applicants, tribes, federal and state agencies, and internal program staff to resolve technical issues and negotiate project changes that meet environmental and legal requirements.
• Maintain accurate project documentation in SPTS, ERTS, SEPA, and related databases, supporting compliance tracking and agency transparency.
Qualifications
For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our
Required Qualifications:
Nine (9) years of experience and/or education as described below:
Experience: professional level experience in wetland, riparian, and aquatic resource evaluation; shoreline and critical areas permitting; environmental compliance and enforcement; and providing technical assistance to local governments, applicants, and partner agencies.
Experience mentioned above must include demonstrated competencies in the following skill sets---
1. Wetland & Aquatic Resource Evaluation
Demonstrates the ability to accurately interpret and validate wetland delineations, rating forms, functional assessments, and mitigation proposals; applies ecological principles to evaluate resource conditions and project impacts.
2. Regulatory Permit Analysis
Applies regulatory knowledge and analytical skills to determine whether proposals comply with Section 401, RCW 90.48, the Shoreline Management Act, and local Critical Areas Ordinances; evaluates permit applications for completeness, accuracy, and technical adequacy.
3. Shoreline Boundary & Field Assessment
Performs independent field investigations to identify the ordinary high water mark (OHWM), assess shoreline and wetland site conditions, and collect reliable field data to support regulatory determinations and technical recommendations.
4. Compliance Assessment & Guidance
Identifies potential non-compliance with environmental regulations, gathers facts, evaluates evidence, and communicates clear, actionable guidance to applicants, landowners, and local governments to support voluntary compliance and corrective measures.
5. Enforcement Case Support
Prepares thorough documentation for enforcement actions, contributes to case strategy, and supports legal processes by providing technical expertise, clear written records, and effective communication with the Attorney General's Office and other partners.
6. Interagency & Environmental Review Coordination
Collaborates effectively with local governments, state and federal agencies, tribes, and applicants to support project review; analyzes environmental documents (SEPA/NEPA) and develops well-reasoned, evidence-based comments on potential impacts.
Education: involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other closely allied scientific 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 higher.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver license.
• Willingness and ability to occasionally work in excess of 40 hours per week and travel throughout the Eastern Region and less frequently across the state.

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 Jeremy Sikes 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 careers@ecy.wa.gov

About the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program
The mission of the SEA Program is to create community conservation partnerships to protect and restore our shorelands, wetlands, and floodplains.
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 , 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.
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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