Website here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/2582231/plastics-specialist-environmental-planner-4

Salary: $64,008.00 – $83,964.00 Annually
Job Number: 2019-SWM4613-09559
Closing: Continuous
Description

Protecting Washington State’s environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We are a culture that is invested in making a difference. If you want to join a team that is highly effective, collaborative, has leadership that embraces the value of people, and believes in the fun factor, Ecology is a good fit.

The Solid Waste Management (SWM) program is looking to fill a Plastics Specialist (Environmental Planner 4) position. This position will be in one of our offices located throughout the State of Washington.

The Plastics Specialist position supports the SWM Program mission by working to reduce both the amount and effects of plastic waste generated in Washington. Serving as a policy lead in the Program, the plastics specialist is responsible for planning and administering a plastics waste prevention and reduction program for Washington State.   This position supports the State Solid Waste Plan goal of reducing and eliminating plastic waste in our environment. .

We are looking for candidates that have the ability to communicate well with national and international companies, can quickly assess the problems with plastics in the environment and identify potential solutions. The successful candidate must have the ability to analyze and interpret data, work with and communicate with a diverse audience of government officials, industry leaders, and environmental and non-profit organizations.

As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington’s environment for current and future generations. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism and accountability.

To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedInTwitterFacebookInstagram or our blog.

Local efforts… Diverse people… Statewide impacts

Duties 

Agency Mission:  Ecology’s mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington’s environment and to promote the wise management of our air, land and water for the benefit of current and future generations.

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.

Some of the key work activities of the Plastics Specialist position are:

  • Implements recently enacted legislation to oversee and independent contract regarding plastic packaging being sold and used in Washington State, analyze the result of that study and propose recycling and disposal options for plastic packaging.
  • Develops legislation and legislative reports.
  • Implements recommendations from the study and develop programs to safely manage, recycle and/or dispose plastic package.  Might include working with plastic packaging producers to redesign plastic packaging for safer recycling and disposal opportunities.

This is a senior level position that will help shape the direction of plastic recycling and waste stream. Wasted plastic items are a growing problem in our environment.  Improper management of single use plastics is one of the largest forms of pollution in our oceans killing sea life.  Plastic packaging makes up the majority of the plastic waste stream.  The successful candidate will be involved in working with national and international stakeholders to evaluate and propose options and solutions for the management of plastic waste.

Join this exciting time in the SWM program where we are adding 10 new positions looking at everything from plastics recycling to food waste diversion, marketing, planning and other new ventures.  Come ride the wave.

This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening date will be October 21, 2019.  In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before October 20, 2019. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/Salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree or above with major emphasis in land use, urban, regional, environmental planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, pubic administration with an environmental emphasis, environmental science, supply change management, or closely allied field.

AND

Five (5) years of professional experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, environmental regulation, and/or program development.

OR

A Master’s degree or above with major emphasis in land use, urban, regional, environmental planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, pubic administration with an environmental emphasis, environmental science, or closely allied field.

AND

Three (3) years of professional experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, environmental regulation, and/or program development.

OR

One year of experience as an Environmental Planner 3, provided a Master’s degree in a field listed above has been attained.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Communicate effectively with private businesses and public organizations.
  • Work well with stakeholders; ability to identify key partners and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Meeting and work group facilitation skills.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Address large groups; speak and write effectively.
  • Lead teams.
  • Knowledge of plastics and packaging issues, including current policies regarding recycling and reduction, Knowledge of producer responsibility program.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Valid driver’s license required.

Why work for Ecology?

Joining Ecology means becoming a part of a team committed to protecting and restoring Washington State’s environment.

A career in public service allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping the health and financial security of you and your family a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to work/life balance.

Ecology employees may be eligible for the following:
Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s)Public Employees Retirement System (PERS),  Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan ForgivenessTuition Waiver,  Long Term Disability & Life InsuranceDeferred Compensation ProgramsDependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP),  Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA)Employee Assistance ProgramCommute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader)Combined Fund DriveSmartHealth

Student debt and how working for Ecology can help
Employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.

*See the Benefits tab in this announcement for more information

 

Supplemental Information
Application Instructions

In order to be considered, applicants MUST attach the following documents as an attachment to their application:

  • A cover letter describing how your experience, skills and abilities meet the required/desired qualifications of this position.
  • A Resume.
Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/Salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.

Please complete the applicant profile when applying for this position.

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.

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 need assistance applying for this job, please e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not send an email to this address to follow-up the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile’s main page.

If you have specific questions about the position, please send an email to Laurie Davies at:  laurie.davies@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Laurie 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.

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.