Description 

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
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 an E-Cycle Washington/Product Stewardship Specialist (Environmental Specialist 3) (In-Training). The position will be located in our Headquarters Building in Lacey, WA.

The E-Cycle Washington/Product Stewardship Specialist supports the electronic product recycling program by administering the annual E-Cycle registration program for manufacturers, collectors, transporters, and processors; serves as the business person for the Electronic Product Recycling database; analyzes market share data and develops fee tiers annually for registered manufacturers; manages the invoicing process for manufacturer annual fees; develops and maintains communication and outreach strategies; and provides regulatory technical assistance to manufacturers, collectors, and transporters.

This position also implements the Mercury-Containing Lights program by enforcing program requirements, interpreting laws and policy, and providing technical assistance.

We are looking for applicants who are detail oriented, possess good written and verbal communication skills, possess the ability to listen and respect differing viewpoints and the ability to remain calm, professional and respectful in sometimes stressful interactions.

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 LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.

Local efforts… Diverse people… Statewide impacts

Duties 

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 E-Cycle Washington/Product Stewardship Specialist position at the Environmental Specialist 3 level include:

Coordinates and administers the annual registration process for E-Cycle Washington participants:

• Researches participants and works with manufacturers, collectors, transporters, and processors to register using SAW and the Electronic Products Database.
• Provides technical assistance and communicates with participants over the phone and through email to help them register and meet program requirements.
• Coordinates and maintains a webpage list of manufacturers, collectors, transporters, and processors, monitoring for discrepancy between the database and each annual registration cycle.
• Provides input to IT staff on registration database needs.
• Makes recommendations for improvements to the registration data system, and coordinates with SWM IT staff to ensure that needed changes are tracked and completed.

Gathers and analyzes market share information and data to develop recommendations:

• Researches market share data options, makes recommendations for data purchase, analyzes market share data, analyzes manufacturer-provided data, and determines manufacturer market share and fee tier assignments.
• Publishes draft market share fee tiers, incorporates new information from manufacturers, and publishes final fee tiers.
• Notifies manufacturers whose fee tiers increase substantially.

Administers the manufacturer billing process:

• Uses the current Ecology billing system to invoice manufacturers annually after fee tiers have been determined.
• Tracks revenue to reach program goals.
• Follow’s up with manufacturers that fail to meet payment deadlines using email and phone calls.
• Makes recommendations for enforcement.

Provides technical assistance to program participants:

• Works with retailers to help them meet obligations and bring them into compliance.
• Keeps the on-line retailer toolkit up-to-date.
• Conducts compliance site visits, makes technical decisions, and makes recommendations for enforcement.
• Evaluates participant registration data, analyzes collected data, and determines compliance with chapter 173-900 WAC, Electronic Product Recycling.
• Continuously monitors the compliance of registered participants and makes recommendations for enforcement actions.

Researches and recommends public outreach opportunities, methods, and purchases:

• Represents the agency at public outreach events promoting E-Cycle Washington.
• Represents the agency at public meetings, hearings, and workshops related to Electronic Product Recycling.
• Communicates with the Washington Materials Management and Financing Authority and local governments regarding program outreach.
• Coordinates the public outreach committee and facilitates group meetings.

Implements the Mercury-Containing Lights Program:

• Provides technical assistance to the public and program participants as necessary.
• Reviews and approves annual reports and any Product Stewardship Organization requested adjustments to the Environmental Handling Charge.
• Maintains web pages and coordinates with the Product Stewardship Organization to keep collector information current in the 1800RECYCLE data system.
• Works with producers, collectors, transporters, retailers, and processors to ensure the program is properly implemented at all levels.
• Promotes the Mercury-Containing Lights program using Ecology social media and at outreach events.

This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be January 10, 2020.  In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before January 9, 2020. 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.

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

Qualifications
The goal class for this position is an Environmental Specialist 3 (ES3). We will consider applicants who meet the requirements for the Environmental Specialist 2 or 3 levels. If the finalist meets the requirements for the Environmental Specialist 2 level they will be hired in at that level and will be placed into a training program to become an Environmental Specialist 3 within a specified period of time.

Required Qualifications:

At the Environmental Specialist 2 Level – Pay Range: 45 ($3432 – $4492) Monthly

A Bachelor’s degree involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning, or other allied field AND one (1) year of professional level experience implementing recycling or solid waste regulations.

Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education.

OR

A Master’s degree in one of the above fields.

OR

One (1) year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 1 at the Department of Ecology.

At the Environmental Specialist 3 Level – Pay Range: 49 ($3774 – $4953) Monthly

A Bachelor’s degree a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning, or other allied field AND two (2)  years of professional level experience implementing recycling or solid waste regulations.

Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education.

OR

A Master’s degree in one of the above fields AND one (1) year of professional level experience as required above.

OR

A Ph.D. in one of the above fields

OR

One (1) year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 2 at the Department of Ecology.

The following experience, skills, and abilities: 
Experience with computer software programs, such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

The Ability to: 

• Conduct basic research.
• Compute statistical and data analysis, including fee calculations.
• Use sound independent judgment in making decisions on environmental problems and completing assigned tasks.
• Prepare clear and concise written reports and make oral presentations.
• Understand and communicate complex environmental regulations and statutes.
• Communicate effectively with agency staff, regulated community, and the general public.
• Effectively provide customer service over the phone.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with a Billing and Revenue Tracking System for invoicing and payments.
• Basic understanding of product stewardship/manufacturer responsibility concepts.

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 Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver,  Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP),  Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth

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