Washington State ESD
Communications Manager (Communications Consultant 5)
Washington State ESD, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
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 required to be in the office or as needed.
Schedules are dependent on position needs and subject to change.
Application Timeline:
Apply by December 21, 2025.
This position will remain open until filled. Applications after the date may not be considered.
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 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. During emergency events, you are the “tip of the spear” for communication, serving as the lead Public Information Officer (PIO). 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.
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
in a field such as journalism, communications, public relations, news media, digital/social media, English, marketing, humanities, or a 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 the Public Information Officer 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 year of experience AND a Ph.D.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
This position is part of the Spills Program Incident Management Team and Crisis Management Team and is required to complete Incident Command System (ICS) training at the levels 100, 300, 700, and 800.
ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 training must be completed.
You must maintain HAZWOPER certification annually and undergo continual training as required.
Must pass a background check to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
Hold and maintain eligibility and certification to 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 willingness to work overtime, statewide or out‑of‑state travel, 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.
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 professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.
We believe 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 and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds 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.
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.
Questions
For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, email Carlos Clements at Carlos.Clements@ecy.wa.gov.
For assistance applying, inquiries about application status, request for full position description, or other questions, contact the Recruitment Team at careers@ecy.wa.gov.
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 position is 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
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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 required to be in the office or as needed.
Schedules are dependent on position needs and subject to change.
Application Timeline:
Apply by December 21, 2025.
This position will remain open until filled. Applications after the date may not be considered.
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 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. During emergency events, you are the “tip of the spear” for communication, serving as the lead Public Information Officer (PIO). 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.
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
in a field such as journalism, communications, public relations, news media, digital/social media, English, marketing, humanities, or a 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 the Public Information Officer 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 year of experience AND a Ph.D.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
This position is part of the Spills Program Incident Management Team and Crisis Management Team and is required to complete Incident Command System (ICS) training at the levels 100, 300, 700, and 800.
ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 training must be completed.
You must maintain HAZWOPER certification annually and undergo continual training as required.
Must pass a background check to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
Hold and maintain eligibility and certification to 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 willingness to work overtime, statewide or out‑of‑state travel, 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.
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 professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.
We believe 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 and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds 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.
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.
Questions
For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, email Carlos Clements at Carlos.Clements@ecy.wa.gov.
For assistance applying, inquiries about application status, request for full position description, or other questions, contact the Recruitment Team at careers@ecy.wa.gov.
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 position is 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
#J-18808-Ljbffr