City of Tacoma

Principal Natural Resources Analyst

City of Tacoma$113K — $159K *
Energy & Utilities
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, forestry, resource management, archeology, or related scientific field.
  • 5 years of professional experience in environmental programs, including 1 year in a senior or supervisory role.
  • Experience with forest road engineering is preferred.
  • Knowledge of environmental regulations and water quality protection requirements is a plus.
  • First Aid and CPR certification required within the first 6 months of employment.
  • Washington State Driver's License is required.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the technical expert on environmental protection and watershed operations.
  • Plan and manage capital improvement projects like road and culvert upgrades.
  • Lead watershed protection initiatives, including spill response and road usage accounting.
  • Collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
  • Develop and implement water quality protection strategies and visitor education programs.
  • Provide guidance during emergency response related to watershed infrastructure.
  • Analyze environmental data to recommend improvements and support watershed planning.

Benefits

  • Work in a role that directly impacts the protection of natural resources.
  • Engage in collaboration with diverse government and local partners.
  • Opportunities for professional development and project management experience.
  • Prospects for long-term career involvement in watershed and resource management.
Full Job Description
Salary: $113,568.00 - $159,910.40 Annually
Location : Ravensdale, WA
Job Type: Non-Classified
Job Number: P1200-26A
Department: Water
Opening Date: 08/21/2026
Closing Date: 9/8/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Position Description
Are you passionate about environmental stewardship, watershed protection, and managing infrastructure that supports resilient natural resources? is seeking an experienced professional to serve as a subject matter expert in environmental protection, water quality, and forest road infrastructure within the Green River Watershed. In this role, you'll lead programs and capital projects that safeguard Tacoma's drinking water supply while collaborating with government agencies, utilities, tribal partners, contractors, and private landowners to ensure responsible stewardship of one of the region's most valuable natural resources.
The ideal candidate is an environmental or forest professional who combines technical expertise with strong project management and relationship-building skills. They are comfortable working in remote field environments as well as collaborating with diverse stakeholders to solve complex environmental and infrastructure challenges. They bring experience managing capital projects, administering operational programs, interpreting environmental regulations, and balancing resource protection with operational needs. A proactive communicator and trusted technical advisor, they use sound judgment, data, and collaboration to protect water quality while supporting the long-term resilience of Tacoma Water's watershed assets.

This is an opportunity to combine environmental expertise, engineering knowledge, project management, and stakeholder engagement to make a lasting impact on the protection of Tacoma's watershed.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Serve as the technical expert on environmental protection, water quality, forest practices, and watershed operations for projects within the Green River Watershed.
  • Plan, design, and manage capital improvement projects including culvert replacements, slope stabilization, road improvements, paving, and rock resource development.
  • Lead watershed protection programs such as spill response, culvert inventory and replacement, bridge inspections, road usage accounting, and related operational initiatives.
  • Partner with federal, state, tribal, local, and private stakeholders to ensure projects and activities comply with environmental regulations, forest practices, and Tacoma Water requirements.
  • Develop and implement water quality protection measures, sampling plans, access permits, equipment tracking processes, invasive species inspections, and visitor education programs.
  • Provide technical guidance during emergency response and natural disaster events involving watershed infrastructure, including flood, wildfire, earthquake, and road failure response.
  • Research, analyze, and interpret operational and environmental data to identify trends, recommend improvements, and support long-term watershed planning.
  • Develop scopes of work, procurement documents, and contracts for capital projects, emergency response, and ongoing operational services while overseeing contractor performance.
  • Support watershed operations through special projects, public outreach, educational events, and other assignments that advance Tacoma Water's mission.

Qualifications

Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, forestry, resource management, archeology or other scientific field related to assignment

Minimum Experience*
5 years of professional level experience in environmental programs including 1 year prior at senior, lead and/or supervisory level

*Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis.

Desired Qualifications
Experience with forest road engineering
Experience with environmental regulations and/or water quality protection requirements

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
First Aid and CPR certification within the first 6 months of employment
Washington State Driver's License
Selection Process & Supplemental Information
Apply

Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process.
Compensation & Benefits
Pay Details:
Hourly Rate: $54.60- $76.88
Annual Salary: $113,568.00- $159,910.40
Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the NEOGOV system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.
01

Do you have an equivalent combination to a Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, forestry, resource management, archeology or other scientific field related to assignment AND 5 years of professional level experience in environmental programs including 1 year prior at senior, lead and/or supervisory level?*Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis.
  • Yes
  • No

02

What experience do you have balancing infrastructure needs with environmental protection and natural resource stewardship? Please provide a specific example.
03

Describe a time you had to coordinate a project with multiple external stakeholders, such as other landowners or regulatory agencies.
04

What experience do you have in contract development and management on forestry or utility operations?
05

Describe any experience you have with emergency management or natural disaster response.
06

One of the City's Principles that guides us is Equity. Describe what equity means to you and describe any experience you have working with diverse groups of people.
07

Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.
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  • Other

08

Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings.
Required Question

About City of Tacoma

The City of Tacoma is a local government organization that provides a range of services to residents and businesses in Tacoma, Washington. These services include public safety, transportation, utilities, and parks and recreation. The City of Tacoma was founded in 1875 and is headquartered in Tacoma, Washington.
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