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State of Washington · 2 weeks ago

Wastewater Project and Financial Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4)

Walla Walla, WA

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

9+ years exp

The State of Washington's Department of Ecology is hiring a Wastewater Project and Financial Specialist within the Water Quality Program. This role involves providing technical and financial assistance for wastewater infrastructure projects, managing funding agreements, and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.

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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 Management & OversightGrantContract AdministrationRegulatory & Policy ExperienceTechnical Environmental ExperienceData 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