Product Stewardship Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Lacey, WA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Product Stewardship Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) within the Solid Waste Management program. This position supports the Department of Ecology’s Solid Waste Management Program’s mission to reduce wastes through prevention and reuse, keeping toxics out of the environment, and safely manage what remains. In this role, you will have the opportunity to conduct statewide policy development and analysis, working with a variety of interested parties and organizations both in state and nationally. In addition, you will have the opportunity to support and implement this and other statewide product stewardship programs to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations, having the opportunity to support a wide range of regulated and affected parties from manufacturers to local governments, stewardship organizations and collections sites, and more.

Requirements

Nine years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position
Professional Communication – Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully to ensure understanding and support effective decisions.
Problem Solving – Ability to assess issues, interpret information, and develop practical solutions to resolve challenges effectively.
Interest Group Engagement – Ability to work with partners, regulated entities, and colleagues to support collaboration and improve program outcomes.
Compliance Assessment – Ability to conduct site visits and evaluate compliance to ensure regulated entities meet legal and program requirements.
Regulatory Interpretation – Ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations to provide accurate guidance and support compliance.
Rulemaking and Enforcement – Ability to draft rule language and enforcement documents to establish clear requirements and support consistent oversight.
Education in a related field.
9 years of experience.
8 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
7 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
6 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
5 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
3 years of experience AND a Master’s degree.
2 years of experience AND a Ph.D.

Nice To Haves

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 developing technical reports and outreach materials.

Responsibilities

Conduct implementation activities of product stewardship programs in Washington through collaboration with product stewardship organizations, produces, and local governments.
Review and recommend approvals for product stewardship plans and annual reports to ensure statutory and regulatory requirements are met.
Create and manage databases and registration systems and work with the regulated communities to properly register with our programs.
Help regulated entities in Washington and outside of Washington that do business here.
Work with the team to create policy and regulations to support the evolution of product stewardship programs in Washington.
Review and approve plans and annual reports to ensure regulatory compliance.
Collaborate, participate in, and convene meetings to discuss program status such as progress towards achieving program targets, meeting goals, coordinating with local governments, and conducting outreach and educational activities.