SEA Program Grant and Loan Financial Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) (In Training)
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
Protecting Washington State's environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We have a culture that is invested in making a difference. If you want to join a team that is highly effective, collaborative, has leadership that embraces the value of people, Ecology is a good fit.
The Shorelands and Environmental Assistance (SEA) program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a SEA Program Grant & Loan Financial Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) (In-Training) position. This position will be located in our Headquarters Building in Lacey, WA.
The SEA Program Grant & Loan Financial Specialist serves as a Grant and Loan Financial Specialist providing technical assistance in the administration and management of shoreline grant and loan projects and interagency agreements and contracts. Financial assistance programs include, but are not limited to grants for updating or implementing Shoreline Master Programs; Floodplain by Design grants that address flood hazards while also improving environmental outcomes; Flood Control Assistance Account Program grants to address risks associated with flooding; funding for the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative; and Terry Husseman Account grant/loan programs to improve shoreline habitat.
We are looking for applicants experienced in administering state grants with good people skills and who enjoy working on a team.
As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment for current and future generations. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism and accountability.
To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.
Local efforts... Diverse people... Statewide impacts
Duties
Ecology's mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment, and promote the wise management of our air, land and water for the benefit of current and future generations. Our goals are to prevent pollution, clean up pollution, and support sustainable communities and natural resources.
The mission of the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program is to support community conservation efforts for our shorelands, wetlands, and floodplains.
The main focus of this position involves the financial management of state and federal grants and loans awarded to public entities, including local governments, special purpose districts, and others for shoreline, floodplain, and wetland projects.
Some of the key work activities of the SEA Program Grant & Loan Financial Specialist at the Environmental Specialist 4 level are:
Grants, Contracts, and Loans – Financial Management:
- Working independently under the direction of the SEA Policy & Operations Manager, this position serves as a financial manager on shoreline grant and loan projects and interagency agreements and contracts. Financial assistance programs include, but are not limited to, Shoreline Master Programs, Floodplain by Design, Flood Control Assistance Account Program, the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative, and Terry Husseman Account grant/loan programs.
- The position provides technical assistance and administrative guidance to grant/contract/loan recipients on grant and loan eligibility, administration, and record keeping requirements for diverse environmental projects. Assists grant and loan recipients with resolving audit questions and recommends course of action to resolve issues or meet contract requirements.
- Provides technical and administrative support to regional office project managers, and the funding recipient, during the development of individual grant agreements and amendments.
- Works with applicants and staff to work through the complexities of Ecology's grant management system.
- Provides quality assurance review of the negotiated project scope of work, budget, and special conditions to ensure grant and loan integrity, eligibility of costs, and statewide consistency in accordance with state and federal statutes and rules, SEA Program Funding Program policies and procedures, and grant and loan guidelines.
- Facilitates necessary grant and loan agreement approval/review and agreement signatures.
- Evaluates financial tracking data to determine technical compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Plans, facilitates, or represents the program in public meetings and workshops such as recipient training classes, and supports other program presentations as appropriate.
- Coordinates with Ecology's Public Information Office to develop legislative and congressional letters and public information announcements regarding grant awards.
Financial Project Administration:
- Reviews and certifies grant and loan payment requests for eligible costs in accordance with the grant or loan agreement state and federal statutes and rules, SEA Program Funding Program and Agency policies and procedures, and grant and loan guidelines. Participates with Ecology's fiscal office staff to document eligible project costs for reimbursement.
- Provides financial management assistance to grant and loan recipients on requirements contained in Administrative Requirements for Ecology Grants and Loans, Ecology Publication No. 91-18.
This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be September 4, 2019. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before September 3, 2019. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.
To broaden the candidate pool, we will consider candidates that qualify at the Environmental Specialist 3 or 4 levels. Please read the qualifications section below to learn more about this exciting career growth and in-training opportunity.
Please do NOT include your salary history.
Qualifications
The goal class for this position is an Environmental Specialist 4 (ES4). We will consider applicants who meet the requirements for the Environmental Specialist 3 or 4 levels. If the finalist meets the requirements for the ES3 level, they will be placed into a training program to become an ES4 within a specified period of time.
Required Qualifications:
At the Environmental Specialist 3 level: Pay Range 49 ($3774 - $4953 – monthly)
A Bachelor's degree involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field and two (2) years of professional-level experience in environmental analysis or control, or environmental planning.
OR
A Master's degree in one of the above fields and one (1) year of the required experience.
OR
A Ph.D. in one of the above fields.
Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education.
At the Environmental Specialist 4 level: Pay Range 55 ($4,378 - $5,741 – monthly)(Goal Class)
A Bachelor's degree involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field and five (5) years of professional-level experience in environmental analysis or control, or environmental planning which includes one (1) year equal to an Environmental Specialist 3 or above or two (2) years equal to an Environmental Specialist 2 or above.
OR
A Master's degree in one of the above fields and three (3) years of professional-level experience as required above which includes one (1) year equal to an Environmental Specialist 3 or above or two (2) years equal to an Environmental Specialist 2 or above.
OR
A Ph.D. in one of the above fields and two (2) years of professional-level experience as required above which includes one (1) year equal to an Environmental Specialist 3 or above or two (2) years equal to an Environmental Specialist 2 or above.
Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education.
Desired Qualifications:
- Skills with Microsoft Sharepoint®, Excel®, and Word®.
- Grant/loan and/or other related financial management experience.
Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment:
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Why work for Ecology?
Joining Ecology means becoming a part of a team committed to protecting and restoring Washington State's environment.
A career in public service allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping the health and financial security of you and your family a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to work/life balance.
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
Student debt and how working for Ecology can help
Employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.
*See the Benefits tab in this announcement for more information
Supplemental Information
Application Instructions:
Please include the following documents as an attachment to your application:
- A cover letter describing how your experience, skills and abilities meet the required qualifications of this position.
- A resume outlining your professional experience.
- Please do NOT include your salary history.
Please complete the applicant profile when applying for this position. Or, you may paste the text of your resume within the profile's resume text field.
Please read the supplemental questions carefully and answer completely. Incomplete responses, including "please see resume" may disqualify you from further consideration.
Department of Ecology employees, please make sure to answer the agency-wide questions regarding permanent status as a classified employee within the Washington General Service or Washington Management Service. Do not forget to select Department of Ecology as a response to question 2, and type your personnel ID number for question 3. If you are not sure of your status or do not know your personnel ID number, please contact Human Resources at (360) 407-6186.
Other Information:
If you need assistance applying for this job, please call Human Resources at (360) 407-6186 or e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not call this number or send an email to this address to follow-up the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile's main page.
If you have specific questions about the position, please email Tim Gates at: tgat461@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Tim to inquire about the status of your application.
The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.
This position is included in the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) union bargaining unit for the Department of Ecology.
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 or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 407-6186. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.