Description
This recruitment is open only to current Department of Ecology employees, including those on temporary or project assignments, and Ecology's Washington Conservation Corps members.
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Product Stewardship Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4)within the Solid Waste Management program.
Location:
- Southwest Region 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 one day per week is required in the office.
- Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline:
- Apply by October 29, 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
This exciting position will help implement Washington’s new Recycling Reform Act. The Recycling Reform Act will improve Washington’s residential recycling system. Passed by the legislature in 2025, the law creates an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for residential packaging and paper products. The law requires producers of these products to join and fund a nonprofit Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO). The PRO will work with local governments and solid waste service providers to roll out the program by 2030.
This position will work with a lead planner to implement phase 1 of the Recycling Reform Act. Early milestones include rulemaking, establishing an advisory council, publish a statewide recyclables collection list, and starting work on several contracted studies. The position will help identify and bill producers.
In addition, this position may work on other product stewardship programs. In this role you will provide clear regulatory guidance to help ensure the effectiveness of product stewardship programs, ultimately contributing to environmental protection and public safety. Successfully implementing these programs, including meeting program targets and convenience goals, offers tangible evidence of a positive impact. In the legislative arena, contributing to the development of meaningful, new environmental policy provides a deep sense of purpose and achievement, knowing that one's work helps shape future sustainability efforts. Finally, building and maintaining relationships with local, regional, and national partners enriches one's professional network and fosters a collaborative environment, making it possible to share best practices and collectively advance the goals of product stewardship.
What you will do:- Provide ongoing regulatory guidance: Deliver technical assistance and regulatory interpretation to product stewardship organizations, producers, consultants, and other interested parties.
- Oversee program implementation: Collaborate with various organizations and local governments to ensure the successful rollout of product stewardship programs.
- Conduct compliance inspections: Visit collection sites and processors to ensure they are following established standards in statutes, regulations, policies, and guidance.
- Review reports and plans: Evaluate and approve product stewardship plans and annual reports to verify that they meet all statutory or regulatory requirements.
- Develop rules and guidelines: Lead the creation of new program rules and draft enforcement guidelines, including procedures for inspections and enforcement actions.
- Manage financial processes: Prepare invoices and facilitate the collection of fees from product stewardship organizations and/or producers.
- Engage in policy work: Participate in stakeholder discussions, review and comment on new legislation, and assist in preparing bill analyses and fiscal notes.
- Cultivate relationships with interested parties: Build and maintain connections with staff in other states and participate in national and regional workgroups and organizations focused on product stewardship issues.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Nine (9) years of experience and/or education as described below:
Experience performing environmental-based work, OR work related to the position that includes one or more of the following:
• Knowledge of solid waste laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of hazardous waste laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of product stewardship, product take-back or extended producer responsibility policies, programs, and principles.
Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:
• Using critical / analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to make decisions or determine a course of action.
• Reviewing / assessing information and data to draw conclusions and recommending decisions or actions.Education in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning, or an academic discipline related to the duties of the position Examples of how to qualify:
- 9 years of experience.
- 8 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
- 7 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
- 6 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
- 5 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
- 3 years of experience AND a Master’s degree.
- 2 years of experience AND a Ph.D.
OR
Two years of experience as an Environmental Specialist 3, at the Department of Ecology.Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Desired Qualifications:
Knowledge of solid waste laws and regulations.
Knowledge of hazardous waste laws and regulations.
Knowledge of product stewardship, product take-back or extended producer responsibility policies, programs, and principles.
Experience developing technical reports and outreach materials.
Understanding of negotiation and mediation processes.
Developing or conducting education and outreach campaigns
Experience interpreting/presenting data
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.
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 Blake Nelson at blake.nelson@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 atcareers@ecy.wa.gov
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 DEIRis 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.
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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