Agency Rulemaking Lead and Governmental Policy Analyst (Environmental Planner 5)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Lacey, WA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Ecology is hiring an Agency Rulemaking Lead and Governmental Policy Analyst (Environmental Planner 5) within the Rules and Accountability Section of the Governmental Relations Office. This position provides essential oversight, direction, and project management for the agency’s rulemaking and hearing officer processes. The role also serves as the program legislative lead, analyzing proposed legislation and policies, assessing impacts, and recommending effective implementation strategies while supporting staff and programs throughout the process. The ideal candidate is strategic, adaptable, detail-focused, can understand and explain complex processes, analyze laws and rules to guide agency action, and possesses strong skills in policy implementation, project management, collaboration, problem-solving, and facilitation.

Requirements

Eleven (11) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position.
Extensive working knowledge of state government, the rulemaking process, the Washington Administrative Procedures Act, and the legislative process.
Ability to guide and coordinate rulemaking activities to ensure legal compliance and alignment with agency leadership; understanding of steps in the process and ability to explain to others.
Ability to analyze and interpret proposed laws and policies to provide accurate, clear information that identifies and supports agency actions.
Ability to teach and support staff in rulemaking and hearing officer responsibilities to strengthen agency capability.
Ability to plan and manage multiple projects, audits, and reform initiatives to help the agency meet accountability expectations.
Ability to interpret and apply legal requirements to ensure rulemaking and related work meet state standards.
Ability to establish and document process steps in various formats.
Ability to conduct public hearings and apply agency procedures to ensure fair, well-organized, and professional processes.
Education involving a major study in land use, urban, regional, or environmental planning, public administration, natural resource planning, or a closely related field.

Nice To Haves

Some travel and evening hours may be required.
Presenting to large groups and facilitating complex meetings.

Responsibilities

Provide oversight, guidance, and mentoring on the agency’s rulemaking process and hearing officers.
Analyze legislation, policies, and projects with agency-wide impact.
Serve as the Agency Hearings Officer, facilitating public hearings and meetings and certifying other agency staff through training and mentoring.
Develop and implement new agency-wide policies or processes.
Provide training and mentoring to staff on rulemaking, hearings, and related responsibilities.
Advise and brief executive leadership on rulemaking and other key policy topics.
Implement the agency's online commenting system.
Serve as SharePoint co-administrator for the Rules and Accountability Section.