Salary: $64,092.00 – $86,208.00 Annually
Location: Multiple Locations – Western Washington, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2023-SPPR4582-08559
Department: Dept. of Ecology
Division: Spill Prevention, Preparedness, and Response
Closing Date: Continuous
Salary Information: At the high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step.

Learn more about this position and apply today at the Department of Ecology’s Government Jobs page.

Job Summary:

The Spill Prevention, Preparedness & Response (SPPR) program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Project Specialist (Environmental Planner 3) position. This position can be located in any of the following offices: Our Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA or our Northwest Region Office (NWRO) in Shoreline, WA. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Please Note: If the final location of this position is determined to be in our Northwest Region Office (NWRO) in Shoreline, WA. there will be an additional 5% pay increase due to its location in King County. In this instance, the salary range will be $5,608 – $7,543 per month. 

In this position, you will coordinate and develop the program’s review of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and transboundary oil handling-related projects. Through this work, you will assist the unit in identifying emerging transboundary issues and trends for future research projects. This is a unique position in the Spills Program, as the nature of the work changes as projects conclude and new projects emerge. You will gain a well-rounded understanding of the program’s policies, regulations, and priorities and will serve as a project manager for program-wide projects, provide a rulemaking process or lead support, and participate on an Incident Management Team, further developing your skills in the Incident Command System. 

Agency Mission: The mission of the Department of Ecology is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington’s environment for current and future generations.

Program Mission: The Spill Prevention, Preparedness, and Response (SPPR) Program’s mission is to protect, preserve, and restore Washington’s environment. The Spill Program’s vision is to create a zero spills world.

Tele-work options for this position: This position is eligible for up to a 90% telework schedule. This position may need to come into the office infrequently for team and external meetings, travel opportunities, trainings, and workshops.

Application Timeline: This position will remain open until filled, we will review applications on August 4, 2023. In order to be considered, please submit an application on or before August 3, 2023. If your application isn’t received by this date, it may not be considered. The agency reserves the right to make a Hire at any time after the initial screening date. 

Please Note: We will review all applications received before the date above. Additional reviews after this date typically only occur if we have a small applicant pool, or if a successful Hire was not made. 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 

About the Department of Ecology

Protecting Washington State’s environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We are a culture that is invested in making a difference. Join a team that is highly effective and collaborative, with leadership that embraces the value of people. To learn more, check out our Strategic Plan. 

Ecology cares deeply about employee wellness; we go beyond traditional benefits, proudly offering:

  • A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
  • An Infants at Work Program that is based on the long-term health values of infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.
  • Continuous growth and development opportunities. 
  • Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work.

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 needs 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. 

Duties:

What Makes This Role Unique?

This role provides the opportunity to gain experience with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) process and to track emerging transboundary issues related to oil-handling projects in the Salish Sea. This position will work on a multitude of projects ranging from rulemaking, special projects, legislative reports, and policy support. This role provides the unique opportunity to work on different projects and teams as program priorities shift and new projects emerge.

What You Will Do:

  • Coordinate cross-program and cross-region reviews of State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and transboundary oil handling related projects, synthesize information, and develop concise recommendations for program management.
  • Work independently and proactively to identify program gaps and needs, organize and lead new workgroups, and provide project management support.
  • Lead and facilitate special projects or legislative reports. Develop, write, and refine draft work products, incorporating internal and external feedback.
  • Provide rulemaking lead or process support through rule language development, responsiveness summaries, and comprehensive communication strategies. 
  • Coordinate with staff, Tribes, and other stakeholders through workgroups, public hearings, and workshops. Communicate with and develop professional relationships internally and externally.
  • Provide legislative support through bill analyses and fiscal notes during the Legislative Session. 

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Years of required experience indicated below are full-time equivalent years. Full-time equivalent experience means that any experience where working hours were less than 40 hours per week will be prorated in order to meet the equivalency of full-time. We would calculate this by looking at the total hours worked per week, dividing this by 40, and then multiplying by the total number of months worked.

Examples of the proration calculations are:

  • 30 hours worked per week for 20 months: (30/40) x 20 months = 15 months full-time equivalent
  • 20 hours worked per week for 12 months: (20/40) x 12 months = 6 months full-time equivalent

Experience for both required and desired qualifications can be gained through various combinations of formal professional employment, education, and volunteer experience. See below for how you may qualify.

Option 1: A Bachelor’s degree in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or a closely related field AND Four years of professional experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development.

Option 2: A Master’s degree or above in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or a closely related field AND Two years of professional experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development.

Option 3: One year of experience as an Environmental Planner 2, at Ecology.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

  • The position normally works in a relatively sedentary open office environment, working with computers and other office equipment for long periods of time. However, the position also may require spill response in fieldwork which could involve several hours of standing, walking, or squatting each day. 
  • This position is part of the Spills Program Incident Management Team (IMT) and Crisis Management Team and is required to complete Incident Command System (ICS) training at the level of 100, 200, 300,700, and 800. Maintain HAZWOPER certification annually and continual training as required by the Program as they come available to maintain IMT position qualifications. 
  • Be able to obtain the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC card) which entails a detailed background check.
  • Hold and maintain eligibility and certification to permit travel to and from Canada, including passport or Enhanced Driver’s License.
  • Hold and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications:

We highly encourage you to apply even if you do not have some (or all) of the desired experience below.

  • Experience drafting rules, policy reports, and/or related documents.
  • Experience managing complex policy or planning projects.

Note: Having some (or all) of this desired experience may make your application more competitive in a highly competitive applicant pool.

Supplemental Information:

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 candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Need an Accommodation in the application and/or screening process or this job announcement in an alternative format?

  • Please call: (360) 407-6186 or email: careers@ecy.wa.gov and we will be happy to assist.
  • If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can reach the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
  • If you need assistance applying for this job, please e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not send an email to this address to follow-up on the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile’s main page.
  • If you are reading this announcement in print format, please enter the following URL to your search engine to apply: https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/Jobs-at-Ecology.

Application Instructions:

It’s in the applicant’s best interest to submit all of the documents listed below. Applications without these documents may be declined.

  • A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position.
  • A resume outlining your experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to the minimum qualifications of this position.
  • A list of three professional references.

Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.

For Your Privacy:

When attaching documents to your application (such as Resume, Cover Letter, Transcripts, DD-214, etc.):

  • Please be sure to remove private information such as your social security number, date of birth, etc. 
  • Do not attach documents that are password-protected, as these documents may not be reviewed and may cause errors within your application when downloaded. 

Additional Application Instructions for Current Ecology Employees:
Please make sure to answer the agency-wide questions regarding permanent status as a classified employee within the Washington General Service or Washington Management Service. Do not forget to select the Department of Ecology as a response to question 2, and type your personnel ID number for question 3. If you are not sure of your status or do not know your personnel ID number, please contact Human Resources.

Application Attestation: 

The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered an affirmation that the information is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of your application or dismissal if employed. 

Other Information:

If you have specific questions about the position, please email Brittany Flittner at: Brittany.Flittner@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Brittany to inquire about the status of your application. To request the full position description: email careers@ecy.wa.gov.

Why Work for Ecology?

As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington’s environment for current and future generations. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.

Joining Ecology means becoming a part of a team committed to protecting and restoring Washington State’s environment. A career in public service 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.

To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or our blog.
Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.   

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. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 407-6186. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

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.