Communications Manager (Communications Consultant 5)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Communications Manager (Communications Consultant 5) within the Spill Prevention, Preparedness, and Response program.

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 1-2 days a week is required to be in the office or as needed if a situation requires us to be in person. 
  
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline: 

• Apply by December 21, 2025.
• 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

In this role, you will serve as the communications manager for the Spill Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Program. You will handle both internal and external communications, and you are expected to be a strong writer—producing press releases, communication plans, speeches, presentations, talking points, and a variety of other documents. You should feel comfortable both in front of and behind the camera.

As part of Ecology’s Spills Program, you will help support a team that responds to more than 4,000 spills every year. Spills can happen at any time, and you play a vital role on a qualified team of response personnel. During emergency events, you are the “tip of the spear” for communication, serving as the lead Public Information Officer. You will be the voice of the incident, managing media calls, coordinating with partner agencies, and leading Joint Information Center operations.

This position is an excellent opportunity if you want to work with some of the best oil spill response teams in the country while stepping into a leadership role. When you’re not responding to spills, you will prepare for them and support the broader agency communications team, representing the Spills Program and assisting with agencywide communication needs.

You will be responsible for managing high-stakes, time-sensitive communication during environmental emergencies—often around the clock—while coordinating messaging across multiple agencies, jurisdictions, tribes, industry partners, and media outlets. These responsibilities require you to maintain accuracy under pressure, navigate political and public scrutiny, and lead effective communication efforts during major spill events.

What you will do:

• Develop and lead the Spills Program’s strategic communication strategies for executive leadership, the public, media, legislators, tribes, federal partners, and other interested parties.
• Serve as the primary media liaison and lead spokesperson for spill-related issues, including emergency response communications.
• Manage and coordinate the 24/7 after hours communications manager team, including scheduling, training, and supporting statewide spill response.
• Lead public information operations during spill incidents, serving as Public Information Officer or Joint Information Center Manager within the Incident Command System.
• Supervise and mentor the Communications Consultant 3, guiding web content, accessibility, analytics, outreach strategies, and workflows.
• Develop, write, edit, and review key communication products, including news releases, communication plans, talking points, speeches, digital media, and educational materials.
• Strategically leverage website and social media platforms to communicate spills information, agency initiatives, and preparedness activities.
• Represent the agency at public meetings, briefings, legislative hearings, and interagency coordination efforts, providing expert communication guidance.

This role qualifies for assignment pay during emergency incidents while working a spill response outside of normal work hours, you will be eligible for Responder Pay. Reimbursement for travel, training, and any required equipment. Required clothing and PPE will be provided by the Program/Agency. The individual will be appropriately compensated for all of these items.

Qualifications

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

Required Qualifications:

Eight (8) years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Experience in journalism, public relations/information, news media, digital/social media, marketing, digital accessibility or writing/editing. 
• Education involving a major study in journalism, communications, public relations, news media, digital/social media, English, marketing, humanities, or closely allied field. 

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Expertise in strategic communications, media relations, and crisis/emergency communication, particularly within government or environmental contexts.

• Ability to operate effectively within the Incident Command System, including serving as PIO or Joint Information Center lead during spills or drills.
• Strong writing and editing skills across multiple formats—news releases, speeches, web content, legislative materials, communication plans, and briefing documents.
• Proficiency with digital communication tools, including social media platforms, web content management, analytics, accessibility standards, and multimedia (video/audio).
• Strong relationship-building skills, with demonstrated ability to collaborate with executives, government partners, tribes, NGOs, industry, and the public.
• Excellent verbal communication and spokesperson abilities, including experience interacting with the news media and preparing others for interviews.
• Strategic thinking and organizational skills, including the ability to manage complex workloads, prioritize, and meet deadlines in stressful environments.
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect, including self-awareness, cultural competency, and inclusive communication practices.

Examples of how to qualify:

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

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• This position is part of the Spills Program Incident Management Team (IMT) and Crisis Management Team and is required to complete Incident Command System (ICS) training at the level of 100, 300, 700 and 800.

• ICS 100:https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c
  ICS 200:https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
  ICS 700:https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-700.b
  ICS 800:https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-800.

• You must maintain HAZWOPER certification annually and continual training as required by the Program as they come available.

• Obtain the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC card) which entails a detailed background check.

• Hold and maintain eligibility and certification to permit travel to and from Canada, including passport or Enhanced Driver’s License.

• Hold and maintain a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a motor vehicle.

• Position requires a willingness and ability to occasionally work in excess of 40 hours per week and travel statewide or out-of-state including after-hours inspections seven days a week.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in emergency response “crisis” communication, incident command system, and functioning of joint information centers involving multiple jurisdictions and entities. 
• Demonstrated public speaking acumen. 
• Leadership and supervisory experience, including coaching staff, facilitating cross-program teams, and coordinating multi-agency communications.
• Strategic communications experience in a government setting. 
• Strategic issues management and communications planning. 
• Experience in developing outreach and education plans/campaigns for community engagement. 

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.

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.

Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.

Equity: We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.

Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology’s work.

Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.

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
• Please attach any communication materials you have created such as press releases, media posts etc.

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 email Carlos Clements at: Carlos.Clements@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

The Spills Program’s mission is to protect, preserve, and restore Washington’s environment. Our vision is to create a zero spills world. 

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, 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.

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.

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