Environmental Health Specialist - WA Department of Ecology (Job)
Description:
As the Plastics Recycled Content Specialist, you will work collaboratively with a dynamic team to implement the postconsumer recycled content law (Chapter 70A.245 RCW). This law requires producers of certain common plastic containers and trash bags to register with the Department of Ecology and meet progressively increasing minimum recycled content standards. This helps increase the market for recycled plastic and decrease the industry’s reliance on virgin materials. Your work in this role will include maintaining and managing producer data and providing technical assistance to businesses that must comply with the law. Professional development opportunities include attending trainings to increase your knowledge and skills related to engaging with relevant groups and other aspects of law and rule implementation.
What you will do:
- Manage the annual registration and reporting process for plastics producers.
- Maintain and recommend updates to the postconsumer recycled content database.
- Review producer registrations for accuracy and conduct occasional store audits to identify gaps in producer registrations.
- Ensure accurate billing for registered producers and follow up on late payments.
- Provide prompt and knowledgeable responses to program participant questions.
- Identify and notify non-compliant producers, calculate penalties, and calculate postconsumer recycled content rate adjustments.
- Develop educational content for newsletters and the website to assist producers in meeting postconsumer recycled content requirements.
Skills/Eligibility:
Required Qualifications:
Six (6) years of experience and/or education as described below:
- Experience performing environmental-based work, ORwork related to the duties of the position that includes all of the following:
- Demonstrated experience with data collection and management for accuracy.
- Experience conducting verbal and written customer outreach.
Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:
- Data entry and query from a database and spreadsheet.
- Using critical / analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to perform work tasks.
- Reviewing and understanding information to apply it to the work.
- Assisting in research or data analysis.
- Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning; geography; social dynamics of energy behavior; computer science; data analytics; or closely related field.
Examples of how to qualify:
- 6 years of experience.
- 5 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
- 4 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
- 3 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
- 2 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
- No experience AND a Master’s degree or higher.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Desired Qualifications:
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Ability to:
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Conduct thorough and systematic research.
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Communicate effectively with agency staff, regulated community, and the general public.
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Effectively provide customer service over the phone.
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A basic understanding of:
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Billing and Revenue Tracking Systems for invoicing and payments.
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Implementation of state regulations on consumer goods manufacturers.
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