Environmental Planner 3 *In-Training* (NW Region) Burlington, WA

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
Job Title: Environmental Planner 3 (In Training) Northwest Region
Location:Burlington, WA
Closes: First review of applications will be 5/07/26after that the applications will be review weekly. Therefore, you are encouraged to submit your application materials as soon as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a selection has been made.

*Please Note: This position may be filled at the EP1, EP2, or EP3 level depending on qualifications. If filled at the EP1 or EP2 level, the incumbent will advance to EP3 after satisfactory completion of the training requirements.
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This recruitment is for a full-time Environmental Planner 3 (EP3) position in the NW Region Environmental Program located in Burlington, Washington. The working hours are generally Monday- Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm (flex time available as agreed by the supervisor) with the option for hybrid telework within a commutable distance. The default assigned work location of all Parks positions – both on-site and telework eligible positions – is within the State of Washington.

This position may require you to travel as needed to accomplish assignments. The EP3 will work 80% in office and 20% in the field, which could include undeveloped areas of a park and rough terrain. This position will require you to travel including some overnight as needed to accomplish assignments.
The Environmental Planner 3 position acts as the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Responsible Official as legally defined under the State environmental Policy Act on behalf of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission in the Northwest Region and coordinates multiple projects with varying scopes of work in conjuncture with other Environmental Planners to ensure SEPA review has been adequately conducted throughout the region and state.

State Parks cares for Washington's most treasured lands, waters, and historic places. Further, we connect Washington Citizens to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences that enhance their lives. This position supports the mission by managing environmental regulatory compliance within Northwest Washington.

Join our positive and supportive team in our diverse and ever-changing work to help Parks accomplish valuable projects for access and recreation. Balancing an understanding of natural resource management and environmental implications and impacts, our Program provides input, review, and regulatory compliance for all projects within State Parks. We are looking for someone to share creative ideas and thoughtful solutions while enjoying the fulfillment working for State Parks brings.

Under the general supervision of the Environmental Program Manager, this position is designated as the environmental regulatory compliance point of contact (POC) for all Capital Program projects within Northwest Region and is responsible for assuring regulatory compliance has been met for all development and actions. Specifically, this position provides professional environmental services and functions associated with the Northwest Region team Capital Program and ensures agency compliance, in addition to SEPA, the Growth Management Act (GMA), the Shoreline Management Act (SMA),the Hydraulic Code, Endangered Species Acts (ESA), the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Forest Practice Act (FPA), Clean Water Act, Rivers and Harbors Act, and all other applicable environmental local, state, and federal laws. As such this position is responsible for maintaining and providing current, up-to-date knowledge of environmental laws, land use regulations, policies, planning principles, project work windows, environmental mitigation measures, proposed legislation, best management practices, current trends and technologies, potential issues related to development activities, and/or other relevant environmental data concerning all phases of natural resource development, maintenance, and restoration related to Washington State and their assigned region.

This position is responsible for managing multiple assigned projects. It involves attending shoreline hearings and related project meetings, including providing testimony and comments on behalf of the program and agency. This role provides environmental oversight as part of a multidisciplinary team and advocates for natural resources as they interact with agency projects. Additionally, the position offers mentorship and conducts peer reviews of the work performed by other environmental planners within the region.

Environmental planners collaborate closely to develop and coordinate review strategies for all non-Capital Program, region-specific projects, and non-project actions, ensuring a flexible, timely, and comprehensive environmental regulatory review process. The role offers expertise and consultation to staff across various programs and assists with planning and policy development for staff from other state agencies, government levels, or stakeholder organizations. The position involves interpreting and applying agency policies and Classification and Management Plans, analyzing trends, and maintaining effective relationships with government agency representatives. It also provides statewide support to other environmental planners responsible for environmental regulatory compliance throughout the agency and facilitates the presentation of complex project elements to the public for review and comment.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Manage regulatory compliance needs for all Parks proposals within the region, primarily those managed within the Capital Program, by overseeing all official environmental declarations and facilitating complex project environmental reviews/compliance. This includes all facets of environmental regulatory compliance associated with scoping, planning, permitting, contracting, construction/implementation, and evaluation of capital projects/proposals assigned to the region.
• Acts as the SEPA Responsible Official for SEPA threshold determinations and Categorical Exemptions.
• Field work to oversee, facilitate, and understand environmental elements of project implementation, including permit requirements, construction/implementation techniques, and Best Management Practices (BMP) usage.
• Initiate and attend meetings and represent the agency with federal, state, and local regulators and interest groups. Attend relevant training.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

*Please Note: This position may be filled at the EP1, EP2, or EP3 level depending on qualifications. If filled at the EP1 or EP2 level, the incumbent will advance to EP3 after satisfactory completion of the EP1 and EP2 training requirements.

Environmental Planner 1: Salary range $3,840 - $5,137

• Bachelor's degree* involving major study in environmental planning, environmental, physical, or natural sciences, or a closely related field.
• A valid driver's license.

Environmental Planner 2: Salary range $4,771- $6,414

• Bachelor's degree* involving major study in environmental planning, environmental, physical, or natural sciences, or a closely related field.
• One (1) year of experience as an Environmental Planner 1 or other equivalent professional experience with environmental regulations and permitting.
• A valid driver's license.

Environmental Planner 3: Salary range $5,666 - $7,622

• Bachelor's degree* involving major study in environmental planning, environmental, physical, or natural sciences, or a closely related field.
• One (1) year of experience as an Environmental Planner 2 or two (2) years of other equivalent professional experience with environmental regulations and permitting.
• A valid driver's license.

* Professional experience may substitute for education year for year.

**Professional level experience is work that requires consistent exercise of independent judgment and requires advanced knowledge. It may also include practical experience performed during graduate school. This does not include experience as an assistant or technician. However, may include practical experience performed during graduate school.


DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of:
  • Experience acting as SEPA responsible official.
  • Knowledge of planning principles, techniques, current trends, environmental laws, policies and programs, concerning all phases of State resource development; governmental administrative structure at local and State levels; environmental social and other problems affecting development of local and State resources; methods and objectives of urban regional and natural resources planning.
  • A master's degree involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental planning or other closely allied field.

Core Competencies:
Environmental Regulatory Expertise & Compliance Management:Demonstrates advanced knowledge of environmental laws and regulations, including SEPA, GMA, SMA, ESA, NHPA, Clean Water Act, and related policies. Ensures full regulatory compliance across all phases of capital and non-capital projects by interpreting statutes, applying agency policies, and overseeing environmental review processes, permitting, and mitigation measures.

Project Management & Environmental Review Coordination:Effectively manages multiple complex projects simultaneously, coordinating environmental compliance from project scoping through implementation and evaluation. Leads SEPA review processes, prepares environmental determinations, and ensures timely, accurate, and defensible documentation while aligning with program goals and regulatory requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement & Interagency Collaboration:Builds and maintains productive working relationships with federal, state, and local agencies, tribal governments, and stakeholder groups. Represents the agency in public meetings, hearings, and consultations, providing clear communication, expert testimony, and collaborative problem-solving to support project success and regulatory alignment.

Technical Analysis & Environmental Planning:Applies strong analytical skills to assess environmental impacts, interpret land use regulations, and evaluate project proposals. Utilizes current best management practices (BMPs), scientific data, and planning principles to inform decision-making, identify risks, and develop effective mitigation strategies.

Leadership, Mentorship & Professional Guidance:Provides leadership within a multidisciplinary team by mentoring environmental planners, conducting peer reviews, and offering technical guidance. Supports statewide consistency in environmental compliance efforts and contributes to policy development, training, and continuous improvement of environmental review processes.

The Ability to take Action to Learn and Grow:Increasing and developing knowledge, skills, and abilities. Taking responsibility for learning and adapting, rather than relying on others to fill gaps.

The Ability to take Action to Meet the Needs of Others:Asking questions to understand and meet the needs of others. Collaborating with others to overcome challenges and find solutions.

HOW TO APPLY
To ensure consideration, please complete the online job application and profile atwww.careers.wa.gov.

You must attach in your application the following:

• Letter of Interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement.
• Current resume.
• Three professional references.

All requested materials must be submitted. Incomplete or late application materials will not be accepted. Failure to follow application process may disqualify you from further consideration.

Please read the supplemental questions carefully and answer completely. Incomplete responses, including "please see resume" may disqualify you from further consideration.

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the application questions. Answers will be verified and documentation may be required. Responses not supported in your application will disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment.

*This job announcement may be used to fill other positions of the same classification if vacant in the next 60 days.

This position is included in the non-supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information:https://wfse.org/.

Want to join a great organization? State parks connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provides memorable recreational and educational experiences that enhance their lives, this is a mission like no other state agency.We are looking for someone who enjoys working and collaborating within a multi-disciplinary team.Welistento customers and team members to understand what they need and expect. We promote creativity, learning and improvement to meet those needs and adapt to the ever-changing environment. Wemeasureour results andseek feedbackto improve our deliverables. For more information on Washington State Parks, click here.

Diversity Policy Statement:
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build a workplace culture that is welcoming and inclusive in which all employees feel respected and empowered to bring their unique ideas to the agency. At State Parks, we believe that embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences is essential to growing a strong workforce. We encourage applicants underrepresented in natural resources and outdoor recreation fields to apply, including but not limited to women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, persons over 40 years of age, and individuals who identify as a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at (360) 902-8565. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

For information about recruitment and the hiring process, please contact Wendy Vandel at Wendy.vandel@parks.wa.gov or call (360) 902-8688.

For information about the position and job duties, please contact Chris Gourley at Chris.Gourley@parks.wa.govor (360) 902-8632.

All applicants with a legal right to workin the United States are encouraged to apply.

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