You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

Pollution Assistance Partnership Coordinator


Per Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14.2 (Download PDF reader), Washington State employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination as part of the hiring process, prior to their start date. Requests for medical and religious exemptions will be considered. If you have questions, please contact Careers@ecy.wa.gov with “COVID-19 vaccination” in the subject line.  

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Pollution Assistance Partnership Coordinator (Environmental Planner 4) position.
 
This position can be located in one of the following locations. Candidates must reside within a commutable distance to one of the following locations:
Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.
Northwest Regional Office (NWRO) in Shoreline, WA.
Central Regional Office (CRO) in Union Gap, WA.
Eastern Regional Office (ERO) in Spokane, WA
 
Would you enjoy managing multi-agency efforts to help businesses reduce pollution to protect their employees’ health and the environment? In this position you will coordinate and oversee Ecology’s Pollution Prevention Assistance (PPA) Partnership. You and your team will provide training, support, and resources to approximately 40 pollution prevention specialists at over two dozen local government agencies so they can help small businesses in their jurisdiction correctly manage their waste, prevent discharges to wastewater and stormwater, and use safer products and chemicals, all while not increasing their costs of doing business. When we help businesses, we help Washington. The people of Washington enjoy outdoor activities and vibrant communities, so making small changes at businesses helps make Washington safe and healthy for all.


During Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery, employees are working a combination of in-office and/or telework based on position and business need. This position is not currently required to work in the office on a regular basis. Ecology is following current state guidance regarding mask requirements, health screening questions before entry, and social distancing. Looking ahead, Ecology has recently updated the agency policies on telework and flexible and compressed work schedules. Applicants with questions about position location options, telework, and flexible or compressed schedules are encouraged to reach out to the contact person listed below in “other information.” 
 
Application Timeline: This position will remain open until filled, with an initial screening date of June 8, 2022. In order to be considered for initial screening, please submit an application on or before June 7, 2022. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.


The mission of the HWTR Program is to protect Washington’s residents and environment by reducing the use of toxic chemicals, safely managing dangerous waste, preventing new contaminated sites, and cleaning up contamination. The HWTR vision is to be national leaders in minimizing and eliminating the impacts of toxic chemicals and hazardous waste.   

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.

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. 
  • A wellness program that offers education, fitness classes, and an agency-wide fondness for outdoor meetings.
  • 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 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 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? 
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) governs how businesses must manage the hazardous waste they produce and Ecology regularly inspects businesses that produce significant amounts of waste. However, many businesses in Washington only make a little dangerous waste so they are not regularly visited by inspectors and may not be aware of the regulations they must follow. When combined, these businesses generate millions of pounds of dangerous waste per year that could pollute land, air, and water. This is where Ecology’s Pollution Prevention Assistance (PPA) Partnership comes in!
 
In this role you’ll manage contracts with over two dozen local agencies to visit these businesses and provide technical assistance to ensure they are preventing pollution and managing their waste correctly. Our Partners have found and resolved tens of thousands of potential pollution issues. To support our Partners you will lead a team that provides training, networking, and resources so they are well equipped to help local businesses and you and your team will work with various committees to develop educational materials and incentives for businesses.
 
  What you will do: 
 
  • Develop and manage over two dozen contracts with local government agencies totaling approximately $6 million each biennium. 
  • Lead Ecology’s internal Pollution Prevention Assistance team who provides training and resources to specialists at our contracted partners. 
  • Develop policy, strategic goals, and metrics to shape the direction and success of the PPA Partnership. 
  • Coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams and other organizations to develop strategies to implement projects that reduce and replace toxic chemical use at businesses. 
  • Conduct outreach to new government agencies to increase PPA Partnership coverage across the state and especially in eastern Washington.
  • Report on PPA Partnership efforts, successes, and challenges to management; determine funding needs; and work on budget requests and grant applications for funding to support Partnership growth. 



Qualifications

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

Option One:
A Bachelor’s degree with major emphasis in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning; land use or environmental law; public or business administration with an environmental emphasis; natural sciences; or closely related field.
AND
Five years of professional experience in environmental regulation, land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning or management, and/or program development and management. Experience may include a combination of the following:
  • Experience with environmental inspection or compliance assistance programs. 
  • Experience using project management tools and techniques. 
  • Demonstrated ability to organize multiple assignments, sometimes of a complex nature or involving competing priorities and partner collaboration, to produce work products that are timely, accurate, and complete.
  • Experience with public or business administration. 

Option Two:
A Master's degree or above with major emphasis in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public or business administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related field.
AND
Three years of professional experience in environmental regulation, land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning or management, and/or program development and management.
 
Option Three:
One year of experience as an Environmental Planner 3 within the Department of Ecology, which includes experience coordinating interagency agreements, project management, experience with local, state or federal hazardous waste management regulations, stormwater regulations, pollution prevention or compliance assurance programs, providing trainings, and coordinating diverse interests across multiple agencies.

 
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 
  • Obtain 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.

  • Knowledge of the PPA Partnership’s mission and work
  • Experience leading a team, assigning tasks and projects, and providing feedback in a non-supervisory capacity. 
  • Ability to respectfully lead and coordinate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization and government entities who may have conflicting interests
  • Knowledge of the Product Replacement Program
  • Experience with contract, grant, or loan management
  • Experience with meeting and training planning and facilitation

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.
  • 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 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 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 Elaine Snouwaert at: Elaine.Snouwaert@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Elaine 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.

Ecology employees may be eligible for the following:

Student debt: how working for Ecology can help
The Department of Ecology is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Forgiveness Program (PSLF). See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.
To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedInTwitterFacebookInstagram 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.