Salary : $67,992.00 - $91,464.00 Annually Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA Job Type: Full Time - Permanent Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid Job Number: 2025-AQ5290-05821 Department: Dept. of Ecology Division: Air Quality Opening Date: 08/22/2025 Closing Date: Continuous Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step DescriptionKeeping Washington Clean and Evergreen The Air Quality programwithin the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Clean Transportation Grants Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) position. 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.
- Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline:
- Apply by September 3, 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 date above may not be considered.
Duties What makes this role unique? Diesel fumes alone account for 70 percent of the state's airborne cancer risk. Zero Emissions student transportation grants play a pivotal role in curtailing greenhouse gases and shielding children from hazardous diesel emissions on their way to and from school. In this role, you will plan and implement grants primarily geared towards electrifying school buses with a focus on providing charging infrastructure technical assistance and supporting planning and implementation. What you will do:
- Plan and implement projects to reduce diesel emissions from vehicles and equipment.
- Provide technical assistance and long-term planning support to grant applicants and grant recipients for fleet electrification with a focus on charging/refueling infrastructure.
- Evaluate emerging issues related to zero emission vehicle fueling infrastructure and make recommendations to management.
- Provide input and expertise on zero emission fueling infrastructure projects, budget decision packages, and agency request legislation.
- Coordinate with other air pollution reduction grant programs, including VW Settlement grants, to improve consistency in requirements, scoring criteria, and evaluation, as appropriate.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications: Years of required experience indicated below are full-time equivalent years. Full-time equivalent experience means that any experience where working hours were less than 40 hours per week will be prorated in order to meet the equivalency of full-time. We would calculate this by looking at the total hours worked per week, divide this by 40, and then multiply by the total number of months worked. Examples of the proration calculations are:
- 30 hours worked per week for 20 months: (30/40) x 20 months = 15 months full-time equivalent
- 20 hours worked per week for 12 months: (20/40) x 12 months = 6 months full-time equivalent
Experience for both required and desired qualifications can be gained through various combinations of formal professional employment, education, and volunteer experience. See below for how you may qualify. Nine years of experience and education performing environmental-based work, OR work which includes two or more of the following:
- Experience developing or managing grants, contracts, or loans
- Experience interpreting policy and providing technical assistance
- Experience overseeing contractor or consultant services for compliance and performance
- Experience negotiating agreements and/or drafting and editing contract language
- Experience interpreting and explaining environmental regulations and requirements
- Experience with Electric Vehicles (EV) and EV charging technology, charging infrastructure installation projects, utility infrastructure planning or implementation, land use planning or land use permitting, or other related fields.
- Project management experience
- Experience in analyzing and synthesizing complex information, including environmental regulations, program guidance, and technical documents, and applying findings to decision-making and program implementation
- Familiarity with environmental justice concepts and practice
Experience also must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:
- 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.
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.
- 2 years of experience AND a Ph.D.
Desired Qualifications:
- Expert-level knowledge of the following policy areas: air quality, transportation decarbonization and emissions reduction, fleet charging infrastructure planning, climate, and energy.
- Experience incorporating environmental justice considerations into environmental or government work
- Experience working with people on complex or controversial environmental issues.
- Advanced research skills to collect, synthesize, and evaluate information, including documentation of sources.
- Government to Government consultation and/or experience working with Tribes
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. 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 Supplemental Information 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-###-#### or
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-###-####.
Questions?
- If you have specific questions about the position, please email Pete Siefer at: Please do not contact Pete to inquire about the status of your application.
- 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 Air Quality Program (AQP) The Air Quality Program's mission is to protect and improve air quality in Washington. AQP, the Environmental Protection Agency, Tribes, and local clean air agencies maintain a network of air monitoring stations to measure air pollution in Washington. Using continuous monitoring data, we let you know when air pollution reaches unhealthy levels. Based on this near-real-time air quality information, you can change your daily activities to reduce the amount of air pollution you're exposed to. The ambient air monitoring data this position collects and analyzes are essential to the Air Quality Program's efforts to:
- Determine if air quality is meeting federal standards
- Forecast air quality
- Make daily burn decisions and curtailment calls
- Assist with permitting activities
- Evaluate the effectiveness of air pollution control programs
- Evaluate the effects of air pollution on public health
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. #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 07-21-2025 01 How did you hear about this job posting?
- 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
- www.careers.wa.gov
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 or WorkSource location then 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?
04 How many years of experience do you have performing environmental-based work, OR work that includes two or more of the following: •Experience developing or managing grants, contracts, or loans •Experience interpreting policy and providing technical assistance •Experience overseeing contractor or consultant services for compliance and performance •Experience negotiating agreements and/or drafting and editing contract language •Experience interpreting and explaining environmental regulations and requirements •Experience with Electric Vehicles (EV) and EV charging technology, charging infrastructure installation projects, utility infrastructure planning or implementation, land use planning or land use permitting, or other related fields. •Project management experience •Experience in analyzing and synthesizing complex information, including environmental regulations, program guidance, and technical documents, and applying findings to decision-making and program implementation •Familiarity with environmental justice concepts and practice.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.
- I have at least one year of experience.
- I have at least two years of experience.
- I have at least three years of experience.
- I have at least four years of experience.
- I have at least five years of experience.
- I have at least six years of experience.
- I have at least seven years of experience.
- I have at least eight years of experience.
- I have at least nine years of experience.
- None of the above statements apply.
05 Please provide additional information 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 in an environmental related field?
- I have 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
- I have 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (AA degree).
- I have 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
- I have a Bachelor's degree.
- I have a Master's degree.
- I have a Ph.D.
- None of the above statements apply.
07 If you indicated in the previous question that you have a degree, please indicate your degree and major study. If you don't have a degree, 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).
Required Question
