Well Log Database Manager and Permitting Specialist (Environmental Specialist 2)

Salary : $54,132.00 - $72,744.00 Annually
Location : King County - Shoreline, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-WR0418-05073
Department: Dept. of Ecology
Division: Water Resources
Opening Date: 06/30/2026
Closing Date: 7/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description

The salary listed above includes the scheduled 2% general salary increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Well Log Database Manager and Permitting Specialist (Environmental Specialist 2)within the
Location:

• Northwest Region Office in Shoreline, WA.
• The salary listed includes 5% premium pay due to the position location in King County.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule:

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• During initial onboarding and training, a minimum of three days per week will be required in the office. Upon completion, a minimum of one day per week will be required in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Duties
In this role, you will provide critical support to the Program and Region by ensuring that well log information is accurately imaged and entered into a publicly accessible well log database. You will also work with permittees to ensure compliance with permitting requirements and deadlines are met, and assist the permitting unit with various review and development steps. You will help maintain multiple databases with well log information and water right information, as well as use mapping tools such as ArcGIS, to ensure accurate and complete information is available to the public. You will also provide customer service and technical assistance related to water availability, well construction regulations, and permitting processes by phone, email, and in-person.
What you will do:

• Review, interpret, and verify well reports for accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Independently maintain well log data in the Water Resources Program database and ensure new well reports are scanned and entered in a timely manner.
• Work directly with the well drilling community and licensees to:
  • Promote timely well log submissions
  • Identify well log submittal efficiencies and improvements
  • Create training materials to adopt identified process improvements (e.g., electronic well log submission)
• Independently provide verbal and written well related technical assistance to the public, including realtors, landowners, other state and local governments, and Tribal governments.
• Oversee permit maintenance activities, including reminding permittees of forthcoming permit deadlines and providing technical assistance on permit extensions, assignments, etc.
• Interpret and explain laws and regulations on water resource management to assure regulatory compliance.
• Accurately and promptly communicate information related to water rights, water supply and availability, and water resources laws and regulation to water right applicants, consultants, and other members of the public on the phone, in-person, and through electronic communication.
• Conduct water rights-related property research for the public and provide technical assistance on how the public can use available external public databases. Use available databases and mapping software to respond to requests from the public.

Qualifications
For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our

Required Qualifications:

• Five years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:
  
  • Demonstrated ability to verify accuracy and completeness of technical reports, legal documents, and permit materials; strong attention to detail; consistency in peer review.
  • Demonstrated ability to enter, edit, and maintain records in program databases; perform imaging/scanning and indexing; apply basic data QA/QC; manage workloads to keep data current.
  • Beginner to intermediate level ability to produce water right maps, locate features, perform property research, and visualize data using GIS tools (e.g., ArcGIS or equivalent).
  • Proven track record providing accurate, timely, and professional support to diverse audiences (e.g. public, realtors, consultants, licensees, Tribal/local/state partners), across phone, email, and in meetings.
  • Proven ability to build working relationships with the well drilling community; develop concise training materials; facilitate adoption of process improvements (e.g., e-submittal).
  • Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, track work-related schedules, achievement of timeliness standard and workload organization management skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage electronic/paper files and email per retention requirements; ensure records are accurate, retrievable, and support public records requests; maintain confidentiality.
• Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning, geography, GIS, or closely related field.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 5 years of experience.
• 4 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 3 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate's degree).
• 2 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 1 year of experience AND a Bachelor's degree.
• 0 years of experience AND a Master's degree or higher.

Desired Qualifications:

• Interest in and knowledge about water resources.

If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.
Supplemental Information
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 .

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 or
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-.

Questions?

• For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Jay Cook at
• 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

About theWater Resources Program
The mission of the Water Resources Program is to manage water resources to benefit all Washingtonians and to protect the natural environment for current and future generations.
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.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology's work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.
We believe that DEIRis both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.
Ecology employees may be eligible for the following: Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), , 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 *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

#LI-DNP
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 01-07-2026
01

How did you hear about this job?

• 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
• Other

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, WorkSource, or Other, 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?

• Yes
• No

04

How many years of experience do you have related to the duties of this position?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.

• One year
• Two years
• Three years
• Four years
• Five or more years
• None of the above

05

What is your level of education?

• 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits
• 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (AA degree)
• 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Ph.D.
• None of the above

06

If you have college credits or a degree, please list your major(s) or field(s) of study and any degree(s) earned. If you don't have this education, put N/A.
07

How would you rate your ability to review technical reports, legal documents, and permit materials for accuracy, completeness, and consistency, including conducting high-quality peer reviews?

• None - No experience reviewing technical, legal, or permit documents for accuracy or completeness.
• Foundational - Basic awareness of review steps; limited exposure to checking documents for obvious errors.
• Intermediate - Can review documents with some guidance; able to identify issues in accuracy and completeness with growing consistency.
• Advanced - Independently conducts thorough, consistent reviews of technical/legal materials; reliably identifies and corrects errors.
• Expert - Considered a subject matter authority in document review; leads or mentors others in review standards and practices.

08

How would you rate your ability to accurately maintain program databases, including data entry, editing, QA/QC, imaging/scanning, indexing, and workload management to ensure data remains current?

• None - No experience with data entry systems or document imaging/indexing.
• Foundational - Basic familiarity with entering data or scanning documents; limited QA/QC exposure.
• Intermediate - Can maintain records and perform imaging/indexing with some oversight; applies routine QA/QC steps.
• Advanced - Independently maintains accurate, up to date databases; performs consistent QA/QC and manages workload effectively.
• Expert - Recognized resource for database accuracy and workflow efficiency; mentors others in best practices.

09

How would you rate your ability to use GIS tools to produce water right maps, locate spatial features, perform property research, and visualize geographic data?

• None - No exposure to GIS tools or mapping tasks.
• Foundational - Basic familiarity with GIS interfaces or simple mapping tasks; limited hands-on use.
• Intermediate - Able to perform standard mapping, feature location, and basic property research with some guidance; developing visualization skills.
• Advanced - Independently produces accurate maps and conducts property research; able to troubleshoot and visualize data effectively.
• Expert - Serves as a go to resource for GIS workflows; provides guidance, establishes standards, or mentors others.

10

How would you rate your ability to deliver accurate, timely, and professional customer service to diverse customers through multiple communication channels?

• None - No experience supporting external or diverse audiences.
• Foundational - Limited experience interacting with customers; basic awareness of professional communication expectations.
• Intermediate - Provides consistent customer support with some oversight; developing ability to tailor communication to audience needs.
• Advanced - Independently delivers high quality, timely, audience appropriate support across all channels.
• Expert - Recognized for excellence in customer communications; mentors others or leads improvements in service approaches.

11

How would you rate your ability to build relationships with external technical communities (e.g., well drillers), develop effective training materials, and support process improvement adoption?

• None - No experience engaging with technical communities or creating training materials.
• Foundational - Basic familiarity with partner engagement or training concepts; limited participation in process improvements.
• Intermediate - Can build working relationships and assist with training or process improvements with some guidance.
• Advanced - Independently maintains strong relationships, produces clear training materials, and effectively supports new process adoption.
• Expert - Recognized leader in partner engagement and training; shapes process improvement strategies and mentors others.

12

How would you rate your ability to plan and prioritize work, track schedules, meet deadlines, and organize workload effectively?

• None - No experience managing work schedules or deadlines.
• Foundational - Basic awareness of planning tools or workload organization; limited practice.
• Intermediate - Can plan and prioritize tasks with some oversight; usually meets deadlines.
• Advanced - Independently organizes workload, tracks schedules reliably, and consistently meets timeliness standards.
• Expert - Known for exceptional workload management; coaches others or improves scheduling/workflow systems.

13

How would you rate your ability to manage electronic and physical records according to retention requirements, ensuring accuracy, retrievability, readiness for public records requests, and confidentiality?

• None - No exposure to records management or retention requirements.
• Foundational - Basic familiarity with filing systems; limited awareness of retention or confidentiality standards.
• Intermediate - Can maintain organized records with some guidance; applies retention rules and confidentiality practices reliably.
• Advanced - Independently manages compliant, accurate, retrievable records that support public disclosure requests.
• Expert - Serves as a resource on records management standards; trains others or leads improvements in retention and confidentiality practices.

14

Please provide additional details to support your responses to questions 7 - 13 above. The following information is needed: specific duties or activities where skills were developed, and the capacity in which they were developed (education, employment, volunteer or lived experience).Make sure your response specifically addresses the qualification below:1. Demonstrated ability to verify accuracy and completeness of technical reports, legal documents, and permit materials; strong attention to detail; consistency in peer review.2. Demonstrated ability to enter, edit, and maintain records in program databases; perform imaging/scanning and indexing; apply basic data QA/QC; manage workloads to keep data current.3. Beginner to intermediate level ability to produce water right maps, locate features, perform property research, and visualize data using GIS tools (e.g., ArcGIS or equivalent).4. Proven track record providing accurate, timely, and professional support to diverse audiences (e.g. public, realtors, consultants, licensees, Tribal/local/state partners), across phone, email, and in meetings.5. Proven ability to build working relationships with the well drilling community; develop concise training materials; facilitate adoption of process improvements (e.g., e-submittal).6. Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, track work-related schedules, achievement of timeliness standard and workload organization management skills.7. Demonstrated ability to manage electronic/paper files and email per retention requirements; ensure records are accurate, retrievable, and support public records requests; maintain confidentiality.An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.
15

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?
16

I understand that Ecology does not use the E-Verify system and is unable to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).

• Yes
• No

Required Question