Program Mission: The Air Quality Program‘s mission is to protect, preserve, and enhance the air quality of Washington to safeguard public health and the environment and support high quality of life.  This position contributes to the accomplishment of this mission by performing activities directed at meeting air quality standards, minimizing public health problems, and avoiding federal sanctions.

Some of the key work activities at the Environmental Planner 3 level include:

Rulemaking:

• Independently coordinates planning, development, and implementation of rulemaking and policy related to all aspects of air pollution regulations.
• Develops and maintains working knowledge of rulemaking procedures, including but not limited to the Administrative Procedures Act, Ch. 30.05 WAC.
• Prepares all required documents for each phase of rulemaking, including, but not limited to, rule development plans, environmental checklists, written responses to comments, implementation plans, technical reports, and air quality administrative regulations.
• Coordinates with Ecology’s Rules and Accountability Section throughout the rulemaking process.
• Writes preliminary rule language for stakeholder and management consideration; consults and negotiates with groups internal and external to Ecology to reach a recommendation to management for the final rule language; and finalizes rule language to comply with and implement federal and state environmental statutes.
• Prepares rules for EPA approval into the State Implementation Plan, when applicable.
• Researches and analyzes policy and technical issues related to rulemaking.
• Follows regulatory and Agency’s requirements for records retention and public disclosure requests.

SIP Development:

• Independently coordinates planning, analysis and development of submittal packages for State Implementation Plans.
• Develops and maintains working knowledge of the SIP development process.
• Prepares recommendations on attainment designation areas, develops documents for advisory committees, prepares correspondence for EPA, analyzes and reviews regulatory requirements, and drafts SIP submittal documents.
• Prepares all required documents, including draft and final SIP submittal documents, written response to comments, and director briefing materials.
• Researches and analyzes policy and technical issues related to the SIP.
• Consults and negotiates with groups internal and external to Ecology to reach a recommendation to management for the SIP submittal.
• Coordinates and consults with EPA staff throughout the SIP development and submittal process.
• Coordinates SIP rule updates in response to local air agency, Ecology, or Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council rule revisions.
• Works with planning staff, technical staff and management to define and analyze strategies to meet air quality goals.  Assists economics and toxicology staff to assess costs and benefits of various strategies.
• Prepares or assists with preparation of rules and responses to comments on rules needed to implement SIPs.
• Follows regulatory and Agency’s requirements for records retention and public disclosure requests.

General tasks applicable to both rulemaking and SIP development:

• As rule development or SIP project manager, works with others within the AQP, including engineering and scientific staff in the formulation and evaluation of rule language, SIP submittals, and policy initiatives. Coordinates the work of technical and planning staff on a project basis.
• Works with communications and outreach staff to develop and implement communications plans, outreach strategies and tools, and websites for rulemaking and SIP submittal projects.
• Builds knowledge on air pollution, health and environmental impacts; federal, state, and local air pollution reduction policies; and implementation of air pollution reduction programs.
• Prepares documents with input from various constituencies. Customizes reports and presentations for clear and simple presentation of complex information to management, stakeholders, and the general public.
• Holds public meetings and hearings.
• Facilitates productive stakeholder and project team meetings.
• Responds to questions and criticism while remaining emotionally detached.
• Represents Ecology on state and national committees.
• Develops policies, reports, and other informational materials that evaluate air pollution control and prevention strategies.
• Assists economists and technical staff to assess costs and benefits of various strategies.
• Develops and maintains a SharePoint site for each rulemaking or SIP project.
• Reviews and provides input/comments on policies, procedures, and program activities.
• Composes routine correspondence, draft documents, technical reports, analysis, processes, and procedures.
• Manages Air Quality Program grants and projects which might include negotiating contracts.
• Maintains cordial and productive working relationships with state, local and federal staff while dealing with complex issues, conflicts, organizational structures and communication styles.
• Keeps manager informed about any emerging issues or stakeholder concerns related to projects.
• Assists legal staff and attorneys from the Attorney General’s office in defending air quality rules and regulations and SIPs in litigation.
• Tracks developments in federal air quality rules, regulations, and standards, and evaluates the impact of these changes for Washington State. Drafts comments on EPA proposals.

To broaden the candidate pool, we will consider candidates that qualify at the Environmental Planner 2 or 3 levels. Please read the qualifications section below to learn more about this exciting career growth and in-training opportunity.

Please read the supplemental questions carefully and answer completely. Incomplete responses, including “please see resume”, may disqualify you from further consideration.

Department of Ecology employees, please make sure to answer the agency-wide questions regarding permanent status as a classified employee within the Washington General Service or Washington Management Service. Do not forget to select Department of Ecology as a response to question 2, and type your personnel ID number for question 3. If you are not sure of your status or do not know your personnel ID number, please contact Human Resources at (360) 407-6186.

If you are reading this announcement in print format, please visit www.careers.wa.gov to access the online recruitment system. Click on “Look for Jobs” and select Dept. of Ecology under the “Department” search list. Click “Apply Search.”

Other Information:

If you have specific questions about the position, please email Jason Alberich at: jaLb461@ecy.wa.gov.  Please do not contact Jason to inquire about the status of your application.

The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.

This position is included in the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) union bargaining unit for the Department of Ecology. All employees covered by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the WFSE will, as a condition of employment, either become members of the WFSE and pay membership dues or, as non-members, pay a representation fee as described in the CBA, no later than the 30th day following the effective date of this CBA or the beginning of their employment.

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 or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 407-6186. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.