Padilla Bay Operations Manager (Natural Resource Specialist 4) (Internal Only)

State of Washington
State of Washington

Operations

Mt Vernon, WA, USA

Posted on Jun 17, 2026

Description

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



Please Note: This recruitment is open to current Department of Ecology employees and Ecology's Washington Conservation Corps members only. This includes employees working on temporary and project assignments at the Department of Ecology.


Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen



The Department of Ecology is hiring a Padilla Bay Operations Manager (Natural Resource Specialist 4) (Internal Only) within the Shorelands & Environmental Assistance Program.


Location:

  • This position will be located in our Padilla Bay Office in Mount Vernon, WA.
  • Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule:

  • This position is NOT eligible for telework.

Application Timeline:

  • Apply by June 23, 2026

Duties

This Padilla Bay Operations Manager position provides a unique opportunity to lead the operational, facilities, and natural resource management functions that support the mission of the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (PBNERR). In this role, you will oversee day-to-day and long-term stewardship of the Reserve’s natural resource areas, including its main campus, restoration sites, and supporting acreage. You will guide and support staff, WCC members and crews, contractors, and volunteers who carry out natural resource projects, habitat restoration work, and campus maintenance activities that enable research, education, and community programs to thrive.

You will also serve as the Reserve’s lead for fleet, facilities, and operational systems—ensuring that vehicles, vessels, equipment, mechanical systems, buildings, and grounds are safe, functional, and maintained to a high professional standard. As a core member of Padilla Bay’s operational leadership, you will coordinate public works needs, manage small works contracts, oversee operational budgets, support safe field practices, and lead development of maintenance plans, inventories, and safety procedures. In this highly visible operational role, you will represent Padilla Bay in coordination with the Administrative Services Division, DES, the Safety Office, and other intra- and inter-agency partners to advance stewardship, safe operations, and effective campus management.

What you will do:

• Lead daily and long-term operational management of Padilla Bay’s natural resource areas, ensuring safe, compliant, and effective support for environmental, research, educational, and recreational activities.
• Oversee and guide natural resource and habitat restoration projects, serving as technical lead for WCC crews, staff, and contractors, and ensuring best management practices are followed.
• Provide logistical leadership for field operations and resource management work, maintaining tools, equipment, vehicles, and specialized machinery in safe, reliable operating condition.
• Develop, maintain, and manage inventories, records, and operational databases to track supplies, equipment life cycles, and staff needs; approve or deny field-related purchase requests.
• Serve as fleet and facilities manager for the Reserve, overseeing vehicles, vessels, tractor and utility vehicles, buildings, grounds, mechanical systems, laboratory equipment, generators, elevators/lifts, and other infrastructure essential to campus operations.
• Initiate and manage Public Works Requests, small works contracts, contractor oversight, and facility-related agreements, ensuring compliance with contract terms, facility management requirements, and performance standards.
• Establish and lead the Padilla Bay Operations Maintenance Plan, ensuring reliable operation of HVAC, fire suppression and alarm systems, filtration systems, safety equipment, and other campus infrastructure.
• Coordinate closely with the Administrative Services Division and Agency Transportation Officer on facilities planning, fleet issues, safety compliance, and 6- and 10-year infrastructure planning efforts.
• Supervise the seasonal Park Aide and provide leadership to WCC members, crews, Ecology staff, contractors, and volunteers contributing to operations, stewardship, or facilities work at the Reserve.
• Monitor field, facility, and safety requirements; ensure compliance with inspections, certifications, permits, and operational safety regulations; and promote sustainable practices across operations.
• Develop project budgets and cost estimates for maintenance, restoration, and construction projects; manage the Reserve’s annual operations budget and make purchasing and spending decisions aligned with program priorities.
• Act as a liaison to intra- and inter-agency partners—including ASD, DES, and the Safety Office—representing Padilla Bay’s operational needs and coordinating support for campus systems, maintenance, and public works activities.
• Support water quality field operations, vessel work, and dive operations as qualified; provide backup to the Vessel and Dive Operations Lead for specialized equipment needs.

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

Seven (7) years of experience and/or education described as below

Experience: coordinating or performing operational, facility, mechanical, and fleet support for natural resource management or other similar programs; maintaining safe and functional vehicles, equipment, and facilities; supporting natural resource field projects; and overseeing infrastructure, tools, and resources necessary for environmental or educational program activities

Experience mentioned above must include demonstrated competencies in the following skill sets —

  1. Natural Resource Field & Operations Support
    Ability to perform and support natural resource field work and ensure operational readiness of tools, equipment, facilities, and infrastructure used for environmental, conservation, and educational programs.
  2. Mechanical, Fleet & Equipment Maintenance
    Ability to perform hands-on maintenance and repair of fleet vehicles, small-motor equipment, and specialty equipment such as tractors, trailers, vessels, and field tools. Includes troubleshooting mechanical issues, conducting preventive maintenance, completing minor repairs, and ensuring safe and functional operation of all equipment and vehicles.
  3. Facilities & Campus Systems Maintenance
    Ability to perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on building systems, grounds, and campus infrastructure. Includes basic building trades knowledge and experience at the journey level or above, estimating labor/materials for minor building alterations, and maintaining safe and functional facilities across a multi-building campus.
  4. Safety & Compliance Leadership
    Ability to implement and maintain safety procedures, conduct inspections, resolve hazards, update safety documentation, and train staff and volunteers in safe equipment use, field practices, and facility operations.
  5. Project Management & Support
    Ability to lead and coordinate natural resource, maintenance, and minor construction projects, including scoping, estimating, scheduling, contractor oversight, and ensuring quality, performance, and safety standards are met.
  6. Independent Decision-Making & Prioritization
    Ability to make sound operational decisions, prioritize competing demands, and independently manage a wide range of field, facility, and mechanical responsibilities.
  7. Collaboration & Service Orientation
    Ability to build effective working relationships and provide high-quality operational support to staff, WCC crews, partners, and contractors. Demonstrates strong customer service and effective communication with technical and non-technical audiences.

Education: Involving major study in forestry, agriculture, aquaculture, geology, biological science, environmental science, real estate, land use or environmental planning, public policy, recreation, or related natural science field.

Examples of how to qualify:

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

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience with small engine and vehicle maintenance
  • Experience with environmental restoration and recreational enhancement projects.
  • Operational experience with large equipment and work vehicles

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.

Our Commitment to DEIR

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.


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 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 Jude Apple at Jude.Apple@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 Shorelands and Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program

The mission of the SEA Program is to create community conservation partnerships to protect and restore our shorelands, wetlands, and floodplains.

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.

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 *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.


See more open positions at State of Washington