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Washington State Department of Ecology · 1 week ago

Wastewater Project and Financial Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4)

Lacey, WA

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

9+ years exp

The Washington State Department of Ecology is hiring a Wastewater Project and Financial Specialist to support communities in building resilient wastewater infrastructure. The role involves providing technical and financial assistance to funding recipients, managing funding agreements, and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure compliance and oversight for wastewater projects.

Environmental EngineeringNatural ResourcesWaste ManagementWater

Culture & Values

H1B Sponsor Likely

Responsibilities

Develop relationships with local, state, and federal partners, Tribes, and other eligible funding recipients to support wastewater infrastructure needs

Negotiate and write new funding agreements, in coordination with regional engineers and project managers

Serve as a senior financial manager on funding agreements for several large and complex wastewater projects across the state. Assess project compliance with funding agreement terms, funding program guidelines, agency policy, and state and federal funding program requirements through review and processing of quarterly progress reports, payment requests, backup documentation, project deliverables, and site visits throughout the project duration, specifically at critical milestone stages

Collaborate with colleagues in the Financial Management Section to promote funding opportunities through various workshops for funding applicants and recipients

Collaborate with Fiscal staff on annual development of grant and loan agreement template documents to ensure all state and federal conditions and requirements are accounted for

Review, analyze, and develop policies, procedures, and guidelines necessary to implement financial assistance programs with an emphasis on contract language, state and federal requirements, and fiscal accountability

In coordination with section supervisors and Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) planner, provide project level audit support and leadership related to financial management of projects, supporting education of state auditors and EPA staff, and providing information and follow-up as needed to meet audit and program performance review needs

Qualification

Financial ManagementGrant AdministrationRegulatory ExperienceTechnical Environmental KnowledgeData AnalysisResearch SkillsCritical ThinkingProblem SolvingCommunication Skills

Required

Nine (9) years of experience and/or education as described below:

Experience performing environmental-based work, OR work related to the essential functions and key activities of the position, that includes two or more of the following: Financial Management & Oversight - Review and monitor financial transactions, payment requests, and project budgets to ensure appropriate use of funds and adherence to financial guidelines

Regulatory & Policy Experience - Interpret and apply relevant laws, policies, and guidelines to ensure projects comply with funding requirements

Grant and Contract Administration - Manage the full lifecycle of grants and loans, including application, monitoring, and closeout to support successful project execution and reporting

Technical Environmental Experience - Understand basic water quality or wastewater treatment operations and nutrient reduction strategies to provide informed technical assistance and contextualize financial decisions

Experience 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

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

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license

Preferred

Experience working with municipalities, Tribes, or wastewater utilities

Experience with developing or managing data tracking systems

Experience or familiarity with water pollution control projects including wastewater treatment projects

Experience with project budgets and project financial management, contracts, and construction management are desired

Benefits

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

Combined Fund Drive

SmartHealth

Company

Washington State Department of Ecology

Working for Ecology offers great benefits — health care, retirement, vacation.

Founded in 1970

Olympia, Washington, USA

1001-5000 employees

https://ecology.wa.gov

H1B Sponsorship

Washington State Department of Ecology has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)

Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship

Represents job field similar to this job

Trends of Total Sponsorships

2020 (2)