Communications Consultant 4

Full Job Description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Communications Consultant 4 within the Solid Waste Management (SWM) 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.
• A minimum of one day per week is required in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by March 15, 2026
• 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.

Requirements

In this role, you will guide projects from the first spark of an idea all the way through to the finished product.

You’ll write, edit, and coordinate content across multiple platforms, and you’ll often be the one who steps in quickly when something sensitive or newsworthy comes up.

At times, you may also serve as a spokesperson, helping shape how the organization shows up in the public eye.

Behind the scenes, you’ll keep many moving parts aligned by working closely with the communications team, subject-matter experts, and leadership, making sure overlapping deadlines stay manageable and nothing slips through the cracks.

It’s a dual-track role: part hands-on communicator, part project manager. You’re crafting the message, but you’re also steering the people, timelines, and processes that bring that message to life.

The work is varied, but the common thread is clear, thoughtful communication that consistently meets a high standard.

What you will do:

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.

Seven (7) years of experience and/or education as described below:

Experience: public relations, environmental analysis or control, environmental planning, environmental education, community outreach, or communications activities; or equivalent education/experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate large-scale communications projects, including planning, workflow management, and delivery.
• Media Relations: Experience acting as a point of contact for press inquiries, writing and distributing news releases, and coordinating interviews.
• Liaison and Leadership: Skilled at serving as a communication bridge for staff, facilitating collaboration across teams, and guiding colleagues to achieve shared project goals.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
• Collaboration: Proven ability to work collaboratively with subject matter experts, communications staff, and other interested parties to develop and align content across various platforms.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to track campaign outcomes, analyze metrics, and report on the effectiveness of communications strategies.
• Adaptability: Capacity to anticipate bottlenecks, develop solutions to keep projects moving forward, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint), content management systems, and project management applications such as Monday.com or similar.

Education involving a major study in communications, journalism, public administration, business administration, public relations, English, or a closely related field.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 7 years of experience.
• 6 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 5 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 4 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 3 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• 1 years of experience AND a Master’s degree.
• a Ph.D.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience developing and executing public outreach campaigns, particularly in areas related to environmental issues, public health, or community engagement.
• Professional certifications in public relations, project management, or related areas (e.g., APR, PMP).
• Experience working in or with news media.
• Experience working in government, nonprofit, or consulting environments.

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.

Additional 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 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 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.

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 Jill Krumlauf at Jill.Krumlauf@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 at careers@ecy.wa.gov

About the Solid Waste Management Program

Ecology’s Solid Waste Management Program works to safely manage solid waste and reduce waste and promote reuse and recycling. This position is based out of the Central Region Office in Union Gap, WA. The successful candidate must reside within the Central Region geographically.

About the Department of Ecology

As 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, 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.

#LI-Hybrid