Careers

Description:

In this role, you will work independently and under the general direction of the Product Stewardship Unit Supervisor to advance the policy of product stewardship by developing policy and implementing product stewardship laws. You will craft bill language, work on rule development, write policy and interpretative statements, and perform legislative review tasks such as bill analysis and fiscal note development. You will also be responsible for coordinating with other product stewardship staff to develop internal operating policies and provide primary oversight of statewide product stewardship programs to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations.

You will be working on the cutting edge of the fastest growing waste management policy, extended producer responsibility (EPR). Jurisdictions around the world are using this policy to manage items like electronics, mattresses, carpet, and even packaging!  Washington has EPR laws on the books for electronics, pharmaceuticals, mercury-containing lights, paint, solar panels, batteries, and packaging and paper products. Extended producer responsibility programs have the potential to dramatically increase the amount of a material or product that gets collected for recycling, benefitting people and the environment.

To bring these policies to action, you will work with industry representatives, local governments, and a variety of interested parties both in-state and nationally. You will conduct high-level, statewide policy development and analysis. You will support the development of legislation, regulations and policies. You will also ensure compliance with state laws and regulations and provide ongoing technical assistance to manufacturers, stewardship organizations, collection sites, processors, local governments, and other interested parties.

What you will do:

• Manage implementation of product stewardship programs through collaboration with product stewardship organizations, producers, and local governments.
• Negotiate complex and sometimes contentious policy issues with internal and external partners, as well as local, state, and federal agencies. Conduct outreach with affected interested parties, local governments, state, and federal agencies, as well as trade organizations and associations.
• Provide ongoing technical assistance to product stewardship organizations, producers, associations, consultants, local governments, and other interested parties, regarding regulatory analysis or interpretation.
• Identify emerging product stewardship policy issues by tracking and analyzing product stewardship initiatives and policy developments in other states and countries.
• Lead or participate in discussions regarding development of new product stewardship programs or legislation as well as gather input and feedback for existing programs.
• Participate in meetings and on workgroups of regional and national product stewardship organizations, comment on regional and national policy proposals, and make recommendations.
• Conduct compliance visits at collection sites and processors, ensuring standards in statute, regulation, plans, policies and/or guidance are followed. 
• Meet with interested parties virtually, or on-site around the state. Draft enforcement actions if necessary.

Skills/Eligibility:

Required Qualifications:

Ten years of experience performing environmental-based work, OR work related to the position, that includes one or more of the following:

• Knowledge of solid waste laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of hazardous waste laws and regulations.

• Knowledge of product stewardship, product take-back or extended producer responsibility policies, programs, and principles

Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:

• Read and analyze legislation, statutes, and regulations; understand governmental administrative structure at state and local level

• Experience interpreting laws and regulations.
• Effective oral and written communication skills to communicate with federal agencies, state agencies, local governments, private businesses, and public organizations.

• Planning principles associated with program development; develop long range plans
• Meeting and work group facilitation skills
• Creation and implementation of work plans
• Project and/or contract management

• Using critical / analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to make decisions or determine a course of action.
• Reviewing / assessing information and data to draw conclusions and recommending decisions or actions.

Education in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning, or a related academic discipline.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 10 years of experience.
• 9 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 8 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 7 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 6 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• 4 years of experience AND a Master’s degree.
• 3 years of experience AND a Ph.D.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 

• Must obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license. 

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of solid waste laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of hazardous waste laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of product stewardship, product take-back or extended producer responsibility policies, programs, and principles.