Washington State ESD
Product Stewardship Specialist (Environmental Specialist 5)
Washington State ESD, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
Overview
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen. The Solid Waste Management (SWM) program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Product Stewardship Specialist (Environmental Specialist 5) position.
Location and Schedule
Location:
Southwest Region Office in Lacey, WA. Applicants must live within a commutable distance from the duty station upon hire.
Schedule:
This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options. A minimum of one day per week in the office is required. Schedules are subject to change based on position needs.
Application Timeline
Apply by October 30, 2025
This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after the date above may not be considered.
What makes this role unique? In this role, you will work independently and under the general direction of the Product Stewardship Unit Supervisor to advance the policy of product stewardship by developing policy and implementing product stewardship laws. You will craft bill language, work on rule development, write policy and interpretative statements, and perform legislative review tasks such as bill analysis and fiscal note development. You will coordinate with other product stewardship staff to develop internal operating policies and provide primary oversight of statewide product stewardship programs to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations.
You will work on the cutting edge of the fastest growing waste management policy, extended producer responsibility (EPR). Washington has EPR laws on electronics, pharmaceuticals, mercury-containing lights, paint, solar panels, batteries, and packaging and paper products. Extended producer responsibility programs have the potential to dramatically increase the amount of material that gets collected for recycling, benefiting people and the environment.
To bring these policies to action, you will work with industry representatives, local governments, and a variety of interested parties both in-state and nationally. You will conduct high-level statewide policy development and analysis, support the development of legislation, regulations and policies, ensure compliance with state laws and regulations, and provide ongoing technical assistance to manufacturers, stewardship organizations, collection sites, processors, local governments, and other interested parties.
What you will do
Manage implementation of product stewardship programs through collaboration with product stewardship organizations, producers, and local governments.
Negotiate complex and sometimes contentious policy issues with internal and external partners, as well as local, state, and federal agencies. Conduct outreach with affected interested parties, local governments, state and federal agencies, as well as trade organizations and associations.
Provide ongoing technical assistance to product stewardship organizations, producers, associations, consultants, local governments, and other interested parties regarding regulatory analysis or interpretation.
Identify emerging product stewardship policy issues by tracking and analyzing product stewardship initiatives and policy developments in other states and countries.
Lead or participate in discussions regarding development of new product stewardship programs or legislation as well as gather input and feedback for existing programs.
Participate in meetings and workgroups of regional and national product stewardship organizations, comment on regional and national policy proposals, and make recommendations.
Conduct compliance visits at collection sites and processors, ensuring standards in statute, regulation, plans, policies and/or guidance are followed.
Meet with interested parties virtually or on-site around the state. Draft enforcement actions if necessary.
Required Qualifications Ten years of 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:
Read and analyze legislation, statutes, and regulations; understand governmental administrative structure at state and local level.
Experience interpreting laws and regulations.
Effective oral and written communication skills to communicate with federal agencies, state agencies, local governments, private businesses, and public organizations.
Planning principles associated with program development; develop long-range plans.
Meeting and work group facilitation skills.
Creation and implementation of work plans.
Project and/or contract management.
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 Education in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning, or a related academic discipline.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment
Must obtain 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.
Application Process Ecology seeks diverse applicants and encourages qualified job seekers from all backgrounds 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 affirm that the information contained in your application and 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:
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 schedule or duties, please contact Megan Warfield at megan.warfield@ecy.wa.gov
For assistance applying for this job or status of your application, contact the Recruitment Team at careers@ecy.wa.gov
The mission of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) program is to reduce wastes through prevention and reuse, keep toxics out of the environment, and safely manage what remains.
About the Department of Ecology As Washington State’s environmental protection agency, Ecology is committed to protecting and enhancing Washington’s environment for current and future generations. A career in public service at Ecology supports health, safety, and a strong economy, with competitive benefits and work-life balance.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and identities.
Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. It may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Location and Schedule
Location:
Southwest Region Office in Lacey, WA. Applicants must live within a commutable distance from the duty station upon hire.
Schedule:
This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options. A minimum of one day per week in the office is required. Schedules are subject to change based on position needs.
Application Timeline
Apply by October 30, 2025
This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after the date above may not be considered.
What makes this role unique? In this role, you will work independently and under the general direction of the Product Stewardship Unit Supervisor to advance the policy of product stewardship by developing policy and implementing product stewardship laws. You will craft bill language, work on rule development, write policy and interpretative statements, and perform legislative review tasks such as bill analysis and fiscal note development. You will coordinate with other product stewardship staff to develop internal operating policies and provide primary oversight of statewide product stewardship programs to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations.
You will work on the cutting edge of the fastest growing waste management policy, extended producer responsibility (EPR). Washington has EPR laws on electronics, pharmaceuticals, mercury-containing lights, paint, solar panels, batteries, and packaging and paper products. Extended producer responsibility programs have the potential to dramatically increase the amount of material that gets collected for recycling, benefiting people and the environment.
To bring these policies to action, you will work with industry representatives, local governments, and a variety of interested parties both in-state and nationally. You will conduct high-level statewide policy development and analysis, support the development of legislation, regulations and policies, ensure compliance with state laws and regulations, and provide ongoing technical assistance to manufacturers, stewardship organizations, collection sites, processors, local governments, and other interested parties.
What you will do
Manage implementation of product stewardship programs through collaboration with product stewardship organizations, producers, and local governments.
Negotiate complex and sometimes contentious policy issues with internal and external partners, as well as local, state, and federal agencies. Conduct outreach with affected interested parties, local governments, state and federal agencies, as well as trade organizations and associations.
Provide ongoing technical assistance to product stewardship organizations, producers, associations, consultants, local governments, and other interested parties regarding regulatory analysis or interpretation.
Identify emerging product stewardship policy issues by tracking and analyzing product stewardship initiatives and policy developments in other states and countries.
Lead or participate in discussions regarding development of new product stewardship programs or legislation as well as gather input and feedback for existing programs.
Participate in meetings and workgroups of regional and national product stewardship organizations, comment on regional and national policy proposals, and make recommendations.
Conduct compliance visits at collection sites and processors, ensuring standards in statute, regulation, plans, policies and/or guidance are followed.
Meet with interested parties virtually or on-site around the state. Draft enforcement actions if necessary.
Required Qualifications Ten years of 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:
Read and analyze legislation, statutes, and regulations; understand governmental administrative structure at state and local level.
Experience interpreting laws and regulations.
Effective oral and written communication skills to communicate with federal agencies, state agencies, local governments, private businesses, and public organizations.
Planning principles associated with program development; develop long-range plans.
Meeting and work group facilitation skills.
Creation and implementation of work plans.
Project and/or contract management.
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 Education in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning, or a related academic discipline.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment
Must obtain 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.
Application Process Ecology seeks diverse applicants and encourages qualified job seekers from all backgrounds 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 affirm that the information contained in your application and 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:
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 schedule or duties, please contact Megan Warfield at megan.warfield@ecy.wa.gov
For assistance applying for this job or status of your application, contact the Recruitment Team at careers@ecy.wa.gov
The mission of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) program is to reduce wastes through prevention and reuse, keep toxics out of the environment, and safely manage what remains.
About the Department of Ecology As Washington State’s environmental protection agency, Ecology is committed to protecting and enhancing Washington’s environment for current and future generations. A career in public service at Ecology supports health, safety, and a strong economy, with competitive benefits and work-life balance.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and identities.
Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. It may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.
#J-18808-Ljbffr