Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Plastics Recycled Content Specialist (Environmental Specialist 3)within the Solid Waste Management 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.
- You may telework for most of your work time, with a minimum of one day in the office every two weeks.
- Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline:
- Apply by May 15, 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.
As the Plastics Recycled Content Specialist, you will work collaboratively witha dynamic team to implement the postconsumer recycled content law (Chapter 70A.245 RCW). This law requires producers of certain common plastic containers and trash bags to register with the Department of Ecology and meet progressively increasing minimum recycled content standards. This helps increase the market for recycled plastic and decrease the industry’s reliance on virgin materials. Your work in this role will include maintaining and managing producer data and providing technical assistance to businesses that must comply with the law. Professional development opportunities include attending trainings to increase your knowledge and skills related to engaging with relevant groups and other aspects of law and rule implementation.
What you will do:
- Manage the annual registration and reporting process for plastics producers.
- Maintain and recommend updates to the postconsumer recycled content database.
- Review producer registrations for accuracy and conduct occasional store audits to identify gaps in producer registrations.
- Ensure accurate billing for registered producers and follow up on late payments.
- Provide prompt and knowledgeable responses to program participant questions.
- Identify and notify non-compliant producers, calculate penalties, and calculate postconsumer recycled content rate adjustments.
- Develop educational content for newsletters and the website to assist producers in meeting postconsumer recycled content requirements.
For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.
Required Qualifications:
Six (6) years of experience and/or education as described below:
- Experience performing environmental-based work, ORwork related to the duties of the position that includes all of the following:
- Demonstrated experience with data collection and management for accuracy.
- Experience conducting verbal and written customer outreach.
Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:
- Data entry and query from a database and spreadsheet.
- Using critical / analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to perform work tasks.
- Reviewing and understanding information to apply it to the work.
- Assisting in research or data analysis.
- Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning; geography; social dynamics of energy behavior; computer science; data analytics; or closely related field.
Examples of how to qualify:
- 6 years of experience.
- 5 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
- 4 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
- 3 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
- 2 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
- No experience AND a Master’s degree or higher.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Desired Qualifications:
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.
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 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.
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 Chery Sullivan at Chery.Sullivan@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
About the Solid Waste Management Program
As a member of the Solid Waste Management Program’s Policy Section, you will be part of a large, energetic team focused on preventing waste, identifying recycling opportunities, reducing impacts of material management, and safely managing what remains.
About the Department of EcologyAs 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.
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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