Rulemaking Lead (Environmental Planner 3) (Internal Only)
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Yearly Salary:
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Job Summary
- Description
The salary listed above includes the scheduled 2% general salary increase that goes into effect on July 1 2026.
This recruitment is open only to current Department of Ecology employees including those on temporary or project assignments and Ecologys Washington Conservation Corps members.Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring aRulemaking Lead (Environmental Planner 3) (Internal Only)within the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program (HWTR).
Note: This non-permanent appointment is expected to last up to 12 months from the appointment date. The duration may change depending on business needs including whether the previous incumbent chooses to exercise return rights.
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 eight hours per pay period is required in the office.
- Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline:
- Apply by June 30 2026
- Applications submitted after the date above may be reviewed only if additional qualified applicants are needed.
- Duties
Are you interested in helping reduce toxic chemicals and safely manage dangerous waste in Washington state Do you enjoy managing complex projects engaging diverse interested parties with conflicting interests and writing and analyzing laws and rules As a rulemaking lead you will learn the rulemaking process enhance your project management skills work with interested parties and join a collaborative and creative team.
This Rulemaking Lead position offers a unique opportunity to shape statewide toxics reduction and dangerous waste management regulations within Ecologys Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction (HWTR) this role you will serve as an independent rulemaking project manager responsible for developing revising and implementing complex environmental rules that protect Washingtons residents and environment from toxic chemicals and dangerous waste. You will guide multi-disciplinary teams through the rulemaking lifecycle including integrating equity and environmental justice considerations and ensuring compliance with agency policies and federal and state laws and rules. This includes tracking timelines and tasks clarifying priorities anticipating obstacles identifying alternatives and managing change over a long period.
You will lead the recurring revision cycle for the Safer Products Restrictions and Reporting rule (Chapter 173-337 WAC) advancing statewide efforts to reduce toxic threats in consumer products. Your work will include assessing scientific and technical information consulting with internal and external partners coordinating with the Safer Products for Washington team and managing extensive public engagement activities. As a member of the Toxics Awareness and Action (TA&A) section you will contribute to agency-wide policy development regulatory interpretation and strategic initiatives that strengthen environmental and public health protections while supporting transparency accessibility and equitable outcomes.
What you will do:Lead rulemaking projects for HWTR by managing timelines rule packets filings analyses engagement plans and all documentation associated with developing and adopting environmental regulations.
Serve as the rulemaking lead for the Safer Products Restrictions and Reporting rule including researching toxics in consumer products monitoring regulatory developments and supporting the programs technical and policy work.
Coordinate and lead multi-disciplinary teamssuch as policy experts chemists toxicologists engineers economists environmental justice practitioners communications specialists and attorneysto ensure rules are scientifically sound equitable and legally defensible.
Develop and implement communication and community engagement strategies that follow accessibility requirements equity standards and agency frameworks for outreach public involvement and Tribal consultation.
Present regulatory information at workshops public hearings and internal and external meetings explaining complex or controversial issues clearly to diverse audiences.
Manage public comment processes by preparing draft rule language reviewing and tracking comments developing written responses and incorporating feedback to strengthen regulatory clarity and quality.
Conduct research and analysis related to toxic chemicals dangerous waste environmental and human health impacts socioeconomic factors and regulatory trends to inform rule development and decision-making.
Support broader program regulatory needs by documenting rule issues developing guidance and interpretive materials preparing legislative analyses and fiscal notes and contributing to agency regulatory planning.
Manage records and information according to agency retention standards by maintaining accurate complete and well-organized files for all rulemaking activities.
Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with internal partners Tribal governments community and public health advocates businesses government agencies and the public to support inclusive and effective rulemaking outcomes.- Qualifications
For detailed information on how we calculate experience please visit ourRecruitment website.
Required Qualifications:Eight (8) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position which includes the following:
1. Project and Process Management
Ability to plan organize and manage complex long-term projects; coordinate contributors; anticipate barriers; and adapt to evolving priorities.
2. Technical and Regulatory Writing
Ability to produce clear accurate and well-structured written materials that translate technical or policy input into understandable and actionable content.
3. Documentation and Compliance Management
Ability to organize information manage required documentation track procedural requirements and ensure accuracy and completeness across complex processes.
4. Outreach Engagement and Public Communication
Ability to develop communication materials support public-facing engagement and clearly present information to diverse audiences in meetings workshops and hearings.
5. Research and Analytical Evaluation
Ability to conduct research assess data interpret complex information and contribute analytical insights that inform policy or regulatory decisions.
6. Training Guidance and Collaborative Work Practices
Ability to provide guidance develop instructional materials work collaboratively in a team environment take initiative and support colleagues in shared goals.
Education:in one of these fields or related fields: humanities business health and medicine interdisciplinary studies public and social services science-technology-engineering-math social sciences land use urban regional environmental or natural resource planning landscape architecture geography land use or environmental law public administration with an environmental emphasis.
A Bachelors degree counts as 4 years of experience.
A Masters degree counts as 6 years of experience.
Examples of how to qualify:- 8 years of experience.
- 7 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
- 6 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associates degree).
- 5 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
- 4 years of experience AND a Bachelors degree.
- 2 years of experience AND a Masters degree or above
Desired Qualifications:
Ability to understand and navigate structured regulatory or policy development processes including working with laws rules procedures or formal decision-making frameworks.
Ability to interpret analyze and communicate environmental requirements standards or policies whether at the federal state or local level.
Ability to research understand and evaluate information related to environmental health toxic chemicals dangerous waste or similar scientific or public health topics.
Ability to recognize and consider environmental justice equity impacts and disparities in environmental or health outcomes when evaluating policies programs or technical information.
- 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.
Our Commitment to DEIR
Diversity Equity Inclusion and Respect (DEIR)are core values central to Ecologys 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 Ecologys 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 thatDEIRis 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 or
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-.
Questions
- For specific questions about the position location options schedule or duties please contact Stacey Callaway at
- 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
About the Hazardous Waste and Toxics ReductionProgram
The mission of the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction program is to protect Washingtons residents and environment by reducing the use of toxic chemicals safely managing dangerous waste preventing new contaminated sites and cleaning up contamination.
About the Department of Ecology
As the State of Washingtons environmental protection agency we are deeply committed to protecting preserving and enhancing Washingtons 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 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 ForgivenessTuition Waiver Long Term Disability&Life InsuranceDeferred Compensation ProgramsDependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA)Employee Assistance ProgramCommute Trip Reduction Incentives(Download PDF reader)Combined Fund DriveSmartHealth*Click here for more information
To learn more about Ecology please visit ourwebsite explore Working at Ecology check out ourStrategic Plan and connect with us onLinkedInFacebookInstagramYouTube or ourblog.
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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