State of Washington

Compensation

Full Description

Description Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen The Department of Ecology is hiring an Executive Assistant (Administrative Assistant 5) within the Government Relations Office and the Office of Equity & Environmental Justice. Location: • Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA. • Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station. Schedule • This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options. • A minimum of three days per week is required in the office. • Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change. Salary • The high end of the salary range listed above ($80,820 per year) is Step M, typically a longevity step. Employees cannot get to Step M upon initial hire. • All employees will progress to Step M six years after being assigned to Step L in their permanent salary range. For this position, Step A is $60,132 per year and Step L is $78,912 per year. Application Timeline • Apply by February 03, 2026 • This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after the date above may not be considered. Duties As the Executive Assistant, you will play a pivotal role in supporting two high-profile areas of Ecology - the Office of Equity & Environmental Justice (OEEJ) and Governmental Relations (GR). You will provide confidential, high-level administrative and executive support to both the OEEJ Program Manager and the GR Director. The work is dynamic, fast-paced, and at the center of agency leadership, requiring exceptional judgment, communication, and organizational skills. This is an ideal position for someone who enjoys variety, thrives in a collaborative and mission-driven environment, and takes pride in ensuring smooth operations at the executive level. What You Will Do • Provide confidential executive administrative support to the OEEJ Program Manager and GR Director, including managing a high volume of communication and scheduling that is often time sensitive, subject to rapid changes, and often requires discretion. • Coordinate and communicate with internal leadership, legislators, and external partners, demonstrating sound judgment, responsiveness, and professionalism in all interactions. • Serve as the HR liaison for both OEEJ and GR, coordinating personnel actions, onboarding, and performance management documentation. • Prepare, route, and track correspondence, contracts, and HR documents, exercising delegated signature authority. • Coordinate travel, timesheets, purchasing, and expense approvals for both OEEJ and GR leadership. • Track and report Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) lobbying activities for both programs, ensuring compliance and accuracy. • Support program-wide administrative systems and records management, ensuring processes are efficient and compliant with agency standards. • Represent both programs on Ecology’s Senior Administrative Leadership Team, helping align administrative practices across the agency. Qualifications For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website. Required Qualifications Education and Experience Applicants may qualify based on a combination of education and experience. Formal education is not required for this position; however, education may be substituted for some or all of the required experience when it provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the role. Six Years Of Experience And/or Education As Described Below • Experience providing administrative, clerical, or secretarial support, which may include direct support to senior leaders or executives, in an office environment. Experience Must Include • Knowledge of government organization, operations, and administrative processes. • Experience managing executive inboxes, calendars, coordinating meetings, preparing correspondence and briefing materials, and handling confidential or sensitive information with discretion. • Experience using Microsoft Teams, One Drive, Word, Excel, SharePoint, PowerPoint, and Outlook. • Education involving a major study in business administration, public administration, management, communications, English, office administration, human resources, or other fields closely related to the work of this position. Examples Of How To Qualify • 6 years of experience. • 5 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits. • 4 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree). • 3 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits. • 2 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree. • 2 years of experience as an Administrative Assistant 3, at the Department of Ecology. • 1 year of experience as an Administrative Assistant 4, at the Department of Ecology. Desired Qualifications • Understanding and practice of written, verbal, and listening communication skills that are respectful, accessible, and inclusive to engage and reach a diversity of audiences and situations. If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles. 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 www.uscis.gov. 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 that explains why you are interested in this position and how your skills and experience directly relate to the key duties and responsibilities of 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 Recruitment website. 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 360-407-6186 or careers@ecy.wa.gov • If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384. Questions? • For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Millie Piazza at Millie.Piazza@ecy.wa.gov or Carrie Sessions at Carrie.Sessions@ecy.wa.gov • 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 careers@ecy.wa.gov About The Programs Office of Equity and Environmental Justice (OEEJ) Mission: To eliminate environmental and health disparities for communities most at risk from pollution and other environmental impacts through fair and just practices that support the well-being and resilience of Ecology’s workforce and the people of Washington. Governmental Relations (GR) Program Mission: To support Ecology’s mission by leading the agency’s legislative, rulemaking, and policy coordination, ensuring clear communication and alignment between Ecology, state leadership, and the public. 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 DEIR is 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), 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 *Click here for more information To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, 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. Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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 Parental Leave 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 providing administrative, clerical, or secretarial support, which may include direct support to senior leaders or executives, in an office environment? 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 years • Six or more years • Two years of experience as an Administrative Assistant 3 at the Department of Ecology • One year of experience as an Administrative Assistant 4 at the Department of Ecology • None of the above 05 In 100 words or fewer, please describe your overall experience providing administrative support to executive or senior-level managers. Include the types of leaders you supported, the scope of your responsibilities, and how your work contributed to organizational efficiency or leadership effectiveness. An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration. 06 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 07 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. 08 Describe your experience working with or within a government or public-sector agency. In your response, please address all of the following (Limit response to 150 words): • The type and level of government (e.g., federal, state, local, or quasi-governmental) • Your role and responsibilities • The specific administrative processes you supported (e.g., procurement or contracting, budget or fiscal documentation, executive or legislative correspondence, records management, travel authorization, personnel actions, executive email and scheduling) • Your role in navigating formal workflows, recruitment, or confidentiality considerations 09 Responsibilities Please indicate which of the following government administrative processes you have been responsible for in a professional role (select all that apply): • Procurement, purchasing, and contracting workflows, and associated financial documentation • Executive, legislative, or formal external correspondence • Records management, public disclosure, or retention requirements • Travel authorization, reimbursements, or expense reconciliation • Personnel and HR actions • Inter-agency coordination or formal approvals • High-volume executive email management and complex calendar scheduling • None of the above 10 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? 11 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