Product Stewardship Specialist (environmental Specialist 5) (internal Only)

Product Stewardship Specialist (Environmental Specialist 5) (Internal Only)

This recruitment is open only to current Department of Ecology employees, including those on temporary or project assignments, and Ecology's Washington Conservation Corps members. Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Product Stewardship Specialist (Environmental Specialist 5) (Internal Only) 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. You may work in the office more often if you choose. This position also includes fieldwork.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by June 1, 2026.
• Applications submitted after the date above may be reviewed only if additional qualified applicants are needed.

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.

What you will do:

• 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.

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

Required Qualifications:

Ten (10) years of experience and/or education as described below:

in environmental or product stewardship.

Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:

• Regulatory Interpretation – Ability to interpret laws and regulations and provide accurate, consistent guidance to ensure compliance.
• Research & Analysis – Ability to gather data, compare best practices, and analyze trends to inform program recommendations and decisions.
• Collaboration – Ability to build strong working relationships with internal teams, external partners, and regulated entities to support coordinated program efforts.
• Environmental Program Knowledge – Ability to apply technical understanding of stewardship programs, recycling systems, and waste management to guide program oversight.
• Facilitation – Ability to lead meetings, manage differing viewpoints, and guide discussions toward productive solutions.

in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied 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 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

If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.

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.

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.

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

The mission of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) program is to reduce wastes through prevention and reuse, keep toxics out of the environment, and safely manage what remains.

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.

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