Product Stewardship and Plastics Specialist (Environmental Specialist 5)

Full Job Description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Product Stewardship and Plastics Specialist (Environmental Specialist 5) 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.
• You may telework up to 90 percent of your work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by January 28, 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 conduct high-level, statewide product stewardship and plastics policy development and analysis, working with a variety of local, state, and national interests.

You will represent Ecology as the statewide Plastics Lead through participation in state and national organizations with the potential for additional training in plastics and product stewardship subject matter and conference attendance.

Reviewing policy, conducting bill analysis, developing fiscal notes, working with the regulated community, collaborating with the post-consumer recycled content and product stewardship team, and rule development are all part of the things you will get to do.

What you will do:

• Participate in legislative activities including reviewing draft legislation and providing comment on bill language, conducting bill analyses, assist in fiscal note development, prepare testimony, develop talking points, write documents and reports, prepare, and give presentations at legislative work sessions.
• Negotiate complex and sometimes contentious policy issues with internal and external interested parties, 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.
• Lead implementation of postconsumer recycled content law, chapter 70A.245 RCW, including but not limited to conducting workload analysis, and addressing non-compliance through issuing enforcement and negotiating corrective action plans.
• Develop and implement necessary contracts for external assistance with development of technologies, processes, and interested party involvement in how best to manage plastic material.
• Provide policy recommendations to Ecology, other agencies, local governments, and interested legislators regarding proposals to reduce, recycle or otherwise manage plastic packaging or products
• Respond to requests for presentations and interviews, represent the agency, and develop and present product stewardship issues and policies for local, state, and national entities and the media.

Qualifications

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

Ten years of combined experience and education.

Experience: performing environmental-based work, OR work related to the position, that includes three or more of the following:
• Product stewardship, solid waste management, recycling systems, and post-consumer recycled content (PCRC) requirements.
• State and federal environmental laws, rulemaking processes, and legislative procedures.
• Plastics management issues, recycling markets, and emerging technologies.
• Principles of program administration, compliance oversight, and interested party engagement.

Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:
• Developing and analyzing policy, legislation, rules, and technical guidance.
• Building and facilitating effective relationships, including negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Communicating complex information clearly through writing, presentations, outreach, and web content.
• Managing projects, priorities, and contracts effectively.
• Synthesizing technical, legislative, and interested party input into workable policy solutions.
• 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.
• Conducting research and performing data analysis on both qualitative and quantitative data.

Education: in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning, or related field.

Examples of how to qualify:

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

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of solid waste laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of product stewardship, product take-back or extended producer responsibility policies, programs, and principles.
• Ability to think conceptually, observe and interpret trends, analyze data, and draw logical conclusions
• Skilled at communication with private businesses and public organizations.
• Experience developing technical reports and outreach materials.
• Work well with interested parties; identify key partners and maintain effective working relationships.
• Understanding of negotiation and mediation processes.
• Ability to recognize emerging issues and plan in advance to address those issues.
• Knowledge of plastics and packaging issues, including current policies regarding post-consumer recycled content, and recycling and reduction

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 Chery Sullivan at chery.sullivan@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 (SWM)

The Solid Waste Management Program's mission is to reduce waste through prevention and reuse, keep toxics out of the environment; and safely manage what remains.

The Solid Waste Management program's vision is to transition to a society where waste is viewed as inefficient, and where most wastes and toxic substances have been eliminated, contributing to economic, social, and environmental vitality.

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.

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