Protecting Washington State’s environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We have 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, Ecology is a good fit.

Are you a creative thinker? Do you enjoy helping others to understand complex information? Are you skilled in translating complex information into an easy to understand message? If so, join a team that shares your interests!

The Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP) in Lacey,WA is looking to hire a Public Involvement Coordinator (Community Outreach & Environmental Education Specialist 3).

This position serves as a professional Community Outreach & Environmental Education Specialist. This position works collaboratively with the lead COEES and independently provides education and outreach for various cleanup sites in the TCP-SWRO section. This position independently plans, prioritizes, develops, and implements professional public involvement activities and requirements of the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA); oversees implementation of public involvement by contractors and/or potentially liable parties; develops site-specific and regional TCP public involvement/community outreach strategies; and provides expertise and training to TCP staff.

We are looking for applicants who have strong organization skills, are able to multi-task, work well with others, flexible, possess good problem solving skills and have strong written and verbal communication skills.

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. Maybe you’ve seen some of our recent stories on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.

To learn more about our agency, please visit our website at www.ecy.wa.gov.

Local efforts… Diverse people… Statewide impacts

Accidental spills of dangerous materials and past business practices have contaminated land and water throughout the state. The Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP) works to remedy these situations, which range from cleaning up contamination from leaking underground storage tanks, to large, complex projects requiring engineering solutions. Our mission is to get and keep contaminants out of the environment.

Some of the key work activities of the Public Involvement Coordinator (COEES-3) include:

• Works collaboratively with the lead TCP/Southwest Regional Office (SWRO) COEES.
• Plans, prioritizes, develops, and implements public involvement activities in accordance with MTCA at TCP/SWRO cleanup sites.
• Follows established TCP/SWRO public involvement processes and completes all work assignments in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Oversees implementation of public involvement by contractors and/or potentially liable parties.
• Develops site-specific and, if assigned, TCP/SWRO public involvement/community outreach strategies.
• Prepares, develops, implements, and oversees public involvement plans which outline public involvement issues, activities, and a schedule of events for TCP/SWRO site cleanups.
• Ensures compliance with MTCA and other public involvement environmental laws and requirements.
• Researches, interprets and writes appropriate public outreach materials (e.g., fact sheets, public involvement plans, public notices, responsiveness summaries, research and development of site mailing lists, etc) about TCP/SWRO sites.
• Determines the need for community outreach materials and activities.
• Identifies stakeholders and potentially affected parties and facilitates their participation in site activities.
• Establishes effective communication between communities affected by the release of toxic substances, potentially liable parties, other affected/interested parties, and agencies responsible for cleanup.
• Plans, coordinates, conducts, facilitates, and makes presentations at public meetings, hearings, and workshops involving specific Ecology proposals such as site cleanups, permit issuance, SEPA, etc. This includes securing an appropriate meeting venue, light refreshments, and all other logistical needs.
• Works cooperatively with site manages and others in the section, region, and program.
• Defuses tense situations and deals effectively with angry or concerned members of the public, remaining calm and professional in confrontational situations.
• Works collaboratively with the lead TCP/SWRO COEES to keep public involvement processes, including the public involvement calendar, up to date.
• Conducts investigations for community outreach planning and development.
• Uses environmental and communications expertise to evaluate, interpret, and condense regulations, requirements, policies, procedures, technical information, environmental reports, and plans for the public, other agencies, potentially liable parties, consultants, business, and industry.

This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be October 2, 2015.  In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before October 1, 2015. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

A Bachelor’s degree involving a major study in environmental, physical, or natural science, education, communications or closely related field AND three years of professional experience involving environmental analysis or control, environmental planning, environmental education, community outreach, or communications activities and conflict resolution; or equivalent education/experience.

Desired Qualifications:

Knowledge of the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) public involvement process.

Initial 40-hour hazardous materials training followed by annual 8-hour refresher.

For immediate consideration, please apply online at: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/washington/default.cfm?action=viewJob&jobID=1240236