Product Stewardship Specialist (Environmental Specialist 5)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Lacey, WA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Product Stewardship Specialist (Environmental Specialist 5) within the Solid Waste Management (SWM) program. This is a new position in the Solid Waste Management Policy Section, focused on Recycling Reform Act (RRA) implementation. In this senior Environmental Specialist position, you will help coordinate and lead engagement on RRA implementation with national, state and local agencies, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, industry associations, and commercial and retail entities in accordance with our mission and direction prescribed in statutes.

Requirements

Ten (10) years of experience and/or education in environmental or product stewardship.
Demonstrated competence in Regulatory Interpretation – Ability to interpret laws and regulations and provide accurate, consistent guidance to ensure compliance.
Demonstrated competence in Research & Analysis – Ability to gather data, compare best practices, and analyze trends to inform program recommendations and decisions.
Demonstrated competence in Collaboration – Ability to build strong working relationships with internal teams, external partners, and regulated entities to support coordinated program efforts.
Demonstrated competence in Environmental Program Knowledge – Ability to apply technical understanding of stewardship programs, recycling systems, and waste management to guide program oversight.
Demonstrated competence in Facilitation – Ability to lead meetings, manage differing viewpoints, and guide discussions toward productive solutions.
Education in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field.

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.
Understanding of negotiation and mediation processes.
Developing or conducting education and outreach campaigns
Experience interpreting/presenting data

Responsibilities

Conduct high-level, statewide policy development and analysis.
Manage rule development for Recycling Reform Act implementation.
Coordinate with Ecology Product Stewardship staff to develop internal operating policies.
Provide technical assistance to those, such as local governments, manufacturers, producer responsibility organizations, collection sites, processors, Tribes, and other interested parties, required to meet conditions of the Recycling Reform Act.
Work with Recycling Reform Act lead to ensure implementation timelines are met.
Lead or participate in interested party discussions on the Recycling Reform Act and related packaging stewardship programs or legislation.