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Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Water Quality Program Capital Budget Manager (WMS2) within the Water Quality 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 two days per week is required in the office.
Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline: Apply by August 10, 2026
Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.
In-person interviews are planned for September 1, 2026.
Duties
The Water Quality Program runs a portfolio of over $1 billion in financing for water quality infrastructure that supports quality habitat, recreation, and a strong economy. You will play a critical role in obtaining funding and ensuring these programs are sustainable. You will regularly advise program and agency managers in forecasting potential issues, examining challenges, identifying solutions, projecting consequences of actions, and implementing actions to support agency and program goals. Your skills will directly impact business outcomes for the program and the agency. You will be responsible for ensuring accurate and timely reporting on capital budget activities.
What you will do:
- Strategic Leadership. Design a long-range strategic capital budget plan; anticipate and identify financial problems; create solutions; make critical independent, strategic financial decisions; develop financial contingency plans.
- Inform statewide budget processes. Guide development of program capital budget requests and fiscal notes. Prepare, coordinate, and provide Water Quality capital budget information, materials and analysis.
- Manage capital budgets for the Water Quality Program's unique activities, functions and sections statewide: project trends in revenues and expenditures; monitor and report out on revenue and expenditures; oversee development of spending plans; recommend appropriate funding for pass-through grants and loans, staffing and other expenditures.
- Advise the Water Quality Program Manager and Chief Financial Officer of the accuracy and appropriateness of capital budget related actions and documents, such as grants, loans, contracts and personnel actions.
- Interpret capital budget policies and procedures for staff and managers; recommend policy and procedure changes; advise executive and program management and staff, representatives of other agencies, and various committees regarding implementation of policies, procedures and legislation.
Qualifications
For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.
Required Qualifications:
Seven (7) years of experience and/or education as described below:
- Experience in public sector budget management, fiscal or grant management, accounting, or related work. This may include:
+ Strategic Resource Management – Ability to prioritize and allocate financial resources to ensure alignment with organizational strategic goals.
+ Persuasive Communication – Ability to convey complex financial or operational issues in a clear and compelling way to support understanding and informed decision-making.
+ Funding Analysis and Innovation – Ability to identify and evaluate new funding opportunities to mitigate risks and recommend effective, sustainable solutions.
+ Team Leadership – Ability to lead and develop budget or accounting staff to build a high-performing, collaborative team.
+ Policy and Compliance Oversight – Ability to ensure adherence to budget-related policies and procedures to maintain accuracy, accountability, and compliance.
+ Grant and Contract Management – Ability to manage grants or contracts to ensure compliance with requirements and achieve intended program outcomes.
- Education involving a major study in accounting, finance, economics, statistics, business, public administration, or closely allied 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 or above.
Desired Qualifications:
- 5 years of experience in Washington State Agency fiscal management.
- Experience using Washington State grant and finance tools and systems.
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 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
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 David Giglio at dgig461@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 Water Quality Program
The mission of the Water Quality Program is to ensure that all aquatic life and communities in the watershed experience cool, clean water to refresh and sustain us in a changing climate. You will contribute to Ecology’s and Water Quality's missions by developing and implementing the Capital Program budget. You will coordinate closely with the Financial Management Section Manager, along with Water Quality Program Management Team, to create implementation plans for capital budget pass through funding. You will approve expenditures in accordance with the agreed upon implementation plan. You will provide accurate information, timely analysis and informed recommendations for maximizing use of resources. You will provide professionally sound guidance, consultation and advice at an advanced level of expertise for which the impact of the positions consultative and advisory work is highly consequential to the agency's effectiveness.
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.
LI-Hybrid
Description
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Water Quality Program Capital Budget Manager (WMS2) within the Water Quality 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 two days per week is required in the office.
Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline: Apply by August 10, 2026
Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.
In-person interviews are planned for September 1, 2026.
Duties
The Water Quality Program runs a portfolio of over $1 billion in financing for water quality infrastructure that supports quality habitat, recreation, and a strong economy. You will play a critical role in obtaining funding and ensuring these programs are sustainable. You will regularly advise program and agency managers in forecasting potential issues, examining challenges, identifying solutions, projecting consequences of actions, and implementing actions to support agency and program goals. Your skills will directly impact business outcomes for the program and the agency. You will be responsible for ensuring accurate and timely reporting on capital budget activities.
What you will do:
- Strategic Leadership. Design a long-range strategic capital budget plan; anticipate and identify financial problems; create solutions; make critical independent, strategic financial decisions; develop financial contingency plans.
- Inform statewide budget processes. Guide development of program capital budget requests and fiscal notes. Prepare, coordinate, and provide Water Quality capital budget information, materials and analysis.
- Manage capital budgets for the Water Quality Program's unique activities, functions and sections statewide: project trends in revenues and expenditures; monitor and report out on revenue and expenditures; oversee development of spending plans; recommend appropriate funding for pass-through grants and loans, staffing and other expenditures.
- Advise the Water Quality Program Manager and Chief Financial Officer of the accuracy and appropriateness of capital budget related actions and documents, such as grants, loans, contracts and personnel actions.
- Interpret capital budget policies and procedures for staff and managers; recommend policy and procedure changes; advise executive and program management and staff, representatives of other agencies, and various committees regarding implementation of policies, procedures and legislation.
Qualifications
For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.
Required Qualifications:
Seven (7) years of experience and/or education as described below:
- Experience in public sector budget management, fiscal or grant management, accounting, or related work. This may include:
+ Strategic Resource Management – Ability to prioritize and allocate financial resources to ensure alignment with organizational strategic goals.
+ Persuasive Communication – Ability to convey complex financial or operational issues in a clear and compelling way to support understanding and informed decision-making.
+ Funding Analysis and Innovation – Ability to identify and evaluate new funding opportunities to mitigate risks and recommend effective, sustainable solutions.
+ Team Leadership – Ability to lead and develop budget or accounting staff to build a high-performing, collaborative team.
+ Policy and Compliance Oversight – Ability to ensure adherence to budget-related policies and procedures to maintain accuracy, accountability, and compliance.
+ Grant and Contract Management – Ability to manage grants or contracts to ensure compliance with requirements and achieve intended program outcomes.
- Education involving a major study in accounting, finance, economics, statistics, business, public administration, or closely allied 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 or above.
Desired Qualifications:
- 5 years of experience in Washington State Agency fiscal management.
- Experience using Washington State grant and finance tools and systems.
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 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
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 David Giglio at dgig461@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 Water Quality Program
The mission of the Water Quality Program is to ensure that all aquatic life and communities in the watershed experience cool, clean water to refresh and sustain us in a changing climate. You will contribute to Ecology’s and Water Quality's missions by developing and implementing the Capital Program budget. You will coordinate closely with the Financial Management Section Manager, along with Water Quality Program Management Team, to create implementation plans for capital budget pass through funding. You will approve expenditures in accordance with the agreed upon implementation plan. You will provide accurate information, timely analysis and informed recommendations for maximizing use of resources. You will provide professionally sound guidance, consultation and advice at an advanced level of expertise for which the impact of the positions consultative and advisory work is highly consequential to the agency's effectiveness.
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.
LI-Hybrid
See all 83+ H-1B Visa Budget Officer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Budget Officer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Budget Officer
Verify your degree field matches the role
USCIS requires a direct relationship between your degree and the Budget Officer position. A finance or accounting degree is the strongest fit. Economics or public administration works, but expect your employer's attorney to document the connection explicitly in the petition.
Pull prevailing wage data before negotiating
Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the DOL prevailing wage for your work location. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the Level I through Level IV rates for Budget Officer roles in your target city before any salary conversation.
Target cap-exempt employers to skip the lottery
Universities, nonprofit research organizations, and government-affiliated entities can file H-1B petitions outside the annual cap. Budget Officer positions exist at all three. Prioritizing these employers eliminates lottery risk entirely and lets you start sooner.
Use Migrate Mate to find active H-1B sponsors
Search Migrate Mate to filter Budget Officer openings by employers with verified LCA filing history for this occupation code. That filing history confirms the employer already knows the H-1B process, which shortens the sponsorship conversation significantly.
Confirm your occupation code with O*NET before applying
Budget Officers are classified under a specific Standard Occupational Classification code. Cross-check the job description against the O*NET profile to confirm the duties align. A mismatch between your job tasks and the SOC code is a common RFE trigger.
Request premium processing if your start date is fixed
USCIS standard processing for an I-129 petition can run several months. If your employer has a firm onboarding date, ask them to file with premium processing to get a decision within 15 business days and avoid a delayed start.
H-1B Visa Budget Officer: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Budget Officer role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes. USCIS treats Budget Officer positions as specialty occupations when the role requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as finance, accounting, economics, or public administration. The employer must document in the LCA and I-129 petition that a specialized degree is a standard requirement for the position, not just a preference.
Which types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for Budget Officer positions?
Federal agencies, state governments, universities, hospital systems, defense contractors, and large financial institutions are among the most consistent sponsors for Budget Officer roles. You can browse verified H-1B sponsoring employers with active LCA filings for this occupation on Migrate Mate, which filters results by filing history rather than employer self-reporting.
How does the H-1B cap affect my timeline as a Budget Officer candidate?
Cap-subject H-1B petitions are filed in April for an October 1 start date. If you're selected in the lottery, you cannot begin work until October 1 at the earliest. If your target employer is a university, nonprofit research institution, or government entity, their petitions are cap-exempt and can be filed and approved at any point during the year.
What documentation should I prepare to support my H-1B petition as a Budget Officer?
You'll need official transcripts showing your degree in a qualifying field, a credential evaluation if your degree is from outside the U.S., and any professional certifications such as CGFM or CPA that strengthen the specialty occupation argument. Your employer's attorney will also need a detailed job description that ties specific duties to your degree field, so be prepared to provide input on that document.
Can I transfer my H-1B to a new employer if I switch Budget Officer jobs?
Yes. H-1B portability under AC21 lets you change employers while your transfer petition is pending, as long as your original H-1B has been approved and you've been in valid status. Your new employer files a new I-129 petition, and you can start with them once USCIS receives it, without waiting for a final decision.