Climate Change: Greenhouse Gas Emissions - Fuel Sector Planner (Environmental Planner 4)

Climate Change: Greenhouse Gas Emissions - Fuel Sector Planner (Environmental Planner 4)

Salary

$76,608.00 - $102,996.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Lacey, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-CPR5425-04571

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Climate Pollution Reduction Program

Opening Date

06/16/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The salary listed above includes the scheduled 2% general salary increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Climate Change: Greenhouse Gas Emissions - Fuel Sector Planner (Environmental Planner 4) within the Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP).

Location:

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule:

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• A minimum of one day per week is required in the office. This position is expected to be in the office for a full workday every Tuesday.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by June 23, 2026.
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties

As the Greenhouse Gas Emissions - Fuel Sector Planner supporting the Cap-and-Invest Program, you will help shape how Washington brings new fuel suppliers and purchasers into the program under recent legislation. In this role, you will help design the systems and tools that make it easier for fuel companies to understand their requirements and report accurate greenhouse gas data. You will collaborate with partners across state agencies and the fuel industry, serve as Ecology's in-house expert on fuel supply chains, and play a key role in keeping emissions data reliable and transparent. If you enjoy problem-solving, building new processes, and working on high-visibility climate policy, this position offers a chance to make a real impact.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the development and rollout of new processes to identify, register, and support fuel suppliers and purchasers covered under new legislation, including building new procedures and operational structures for coverage determinations.
• Develop and maintain an accurate public roster of covered fuel entities and clearly document how coverage decisions are made.
• Coordinate with state agencies, local governments to support implementation of statutory fuel-procurement requirements. Verify that fuel suppliers are registered and provide guidance to partners on compliance expectations.
• Support rulemaking efforts, including drafting rule language, responding to public comments.
• Create clear, user-friendly technical guidance, forms, and training materials to support fuel suppliers, purchasers, and other entities affected by this new legislation.
• Serve as the program's expert on fuel sector supply chains, fuel movements, and greenhouse gas accounting methodologies needed to determine Climate Commitment Act coverage.
• Partner with the information technology and data teams to develop and improve reporting systems, databases, and tools.
• Provide technical support to reporters, review complex reporting questions, and help ensure timely, complete, and accurate emissions data.
• Travel to fuel supplier or purchaser locations as needed to conduct audits, validate information, or support compliance through on-site reviews.

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

Nine years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:

• Strategic Thinking - Ability to assess complex policy, operational, and cross-program considerations to ensure implementation approaches align with organization mission and long-term climate goals.
• Communication, Collaboration & Coordination - Skill in clearly explaining technical, regulatory, and data concepts and in working effectively with internal teams, regulated entities, local governments, state and federal agencies, and other external partners to support shared understanding, aligned implementation, and successful compliance.
• Equity & Public Service - Ability to apply principles of equity, fairness, and transparency when working with regulated entities and communities to ensure the Cap-and-Invest Program is implemented responsibly and consistently.
• Problem Solving & Judgment - Experience making sound decisions when faced with incomplete, complex, or ambiguous information to ensure requirements are applied appropriately and consistently.
• Regulatory & Statutory Analysis - Ability to interpret complex legislation and rules and turn those requirements into clear, workable processes, tools, or guidance for program implementation.
• Advanced Fuel Sector & Greenhouse Gas Expertise - Skill in analyzing intricate fuel supply chains, transportation pathways, blending practices, and greenhouse gas accounting methodologies to determine accurate coverage and support high-level program decisions.
• Data Systems & Reporting Tools - Ability to work with technical teams to define program needs, improve system functionality, and ensure data systems support accurate reporting, registration workflows, and compliance activities.
• Rulemaking & Guidance Development - Ability to draft and refine rule language, procedures, and technical guidance to ensure that program requirements are clear, consistent, and easy for regulated entities to follow.

Education involving a major study in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related field.

Examples of how to qualify:

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

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

A background check will be conducted, which may include criminal record history, fingerprinting, and credit history. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Desired Qualifications:

• Advanced Fuel Sector Knowledge - Familiarity with fuel supply chains, transportation pathways, blending practices, or related fuels-sector operations that would support quicker understanding of coverage responsibilities and reporting needs.
• Regulatory Application & Interpretation - Experience applying statutes, rules, or greenhouse gas reporting requirements in a regulatory, compliance, or program environment.
• Greenhouse Gas & Carbon Market Proficiency - Exposure to greenhouse gas emissions reporting, fuel-sector reporting protocols, or carbon trading or cap-and-invest program structures that would support onboarding in this role.
• Experience with Reporting Platforms - Familiarity with using environmental or regulatory reporting systems or data platforms that would support quicker onboarding to Ecology's reporting tools.
• Program Implementation & Problem Solving - Experience helping implement program requirements or solving practical implementation challenges in a regulatory or technical program setting.

If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.

Supplemental Information

Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Application Process

Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Click "Apply" at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach the following required documents:

• Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
• Resume

Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see resume" may be considered incomplete.

For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.

Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.

Need an Accommodation?

If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:

• Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or careers@ecy.wa.gov
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.

Questions?

• For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Eli Levitt at Eli.Levitt@ecy.wa.gov.
• If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at careers@ecy.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecologys work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.

We believe that DEIR is both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.

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, Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *Click here for more information

To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or our blog.

Equal Opportunity Employer: 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, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.

Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.

#LI-Hybrid

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Have you ever worked for the Department of Ecology in any capacity including: Permanent, Non-permanent, Project, Intern, or Volunteer?

• Yes
• No

02

How did you hear about this job?

• Community Based Organization
• Community / Technical College
• Ecology Employee
• Ecology Recruiter
• Ecology Jobs Page
• Facebook
• Job Board
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Newspaper
• Other State Agency
• Other Website
• Professional Association
• Twitter
• University Job Board
• WorkSource
• Other

03

If you selected Community Based Organization, Community / Technical College, Job Board, Job Fair, LinkedIn Group, Newspaper, Other State Agency, Other Website, Professional Association, University Job Board, WorkSource, or Other, please share which one.

04

How many years of experience do you have related to the duties of the position? Please include any experience gained through employment, internships, and/or volunteer positions. Note that experience gained from academic coursework, class projects, or other degree requirements is assessed in later questions.

• Two years
• Three years
• Four years
• Five years
• Six years
• Seven years
• Eight years
• Nine or more years
• None of the above

05

How would you describe your ability to assess complex policy, operational, and cross-program considerations to ensure implementation approaches align with organizational mission and long-term climate goals:

• None - I have no experience assessing or integrating policy, operational, or cross-program considerations into program implementation.
• Foundational - I can identify basic considerations or risks and understand how they may affect implementation but rely on others to connect them to long-term goals.
• Intermediate - I can independently evaluate routine and moderately complex policy or operational issues and recommend approaches that support program direction.
• Advanced - I routinely analyze complex, multi-layered issues, identify strategic implications, and propose approaches that align day-to-day operations with long-term organizational and climate goals.
• Expert - I am recognized for shaping strategic direction; I interpret emerging or highly complex issues, advise leadership, and influence long-term program design and policy implementation.

06

Describe a situation where you evaluated complex or competing program considerations and recommended an approach. What factors did you consider, and what was the result? If you do not have this experience, put N/A.

07

Please describe your ability to clearly explain technical, regulatory, or data concepts and engage internal teams, and external interested parties, such as regulated entities, and state, local, or federal partners, to support aligned implementation and successful compliance:

• None - I have no experience communicating technical or regulatory concepts or coordinating with internal or external partners.
• Foundational - I can explain basic concepts and participate in coordination efforts with guidance.
• Intermediate - I independently communicate technical, regulatory, or data information and coordinate effectively across teams and routine partnerships.
• Advanced - I lead complex communication efforts, facilitate alignment among partners with differing needs or perspectives, and resolve misunderstandings or implementation barriers.
• Expert - I am recognized for my ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences, lead multi-party coordination, and provide strategic advice on communication and alignment across teams.

08

Provide an example of how you worked with partners who had different levels of understanding about a requirement or technical issue. How did you approach building shared understanding? If you do not have this experience, put N/A.

09

How would you describe your ability to apply principles of equity, fairness, and transparency when interacting with regulated entities and communities to support program implementation:

• None - I have no experience applying equity, fairness, or transparency considerations in programmatic work.
• Foundational - I recognize the importance of equity and fairness and can apply basic concepts when guided by existing program direction.
• Intermediate - I independently incorporate fairness, transparency, and equitable access in routine interactions and program decisions.
• Advanced - I integrate equity considerations into complex or sensitive decisions, balance varying stakeholder needs, and help others apply these principles consistently.
• Expert - I am regarded as a resource for embedding equity and fairness into program design and implementation, advising teams on equitable approaches, and ensuring transparent decision-making.

10

How would you describe your ability to make sound decisions when faced with incomplete, complex, or ambiguous information:

• None - I have no experience making decisions in ambiguous or uncertain situations.
• Foundational - I contribute to decision-making with guidance and understand basic considerations when information is incomplete.
• Intermediate - I independently assess incomplete or ambiguous information in routine or moderately complex cases and determine an appropriate course of action.
• Advanced - I evaluate complex, novel, or multi-jurisdictional situations, apply sound judgment under uncertainty, and make defensible decisions with minimal oversight.
• Expert - I am recognized for my ability to resolve highly complex or highly ambiguous challenges, guide others through difficult decisions, and shape program-wide decision-making approaches.

11

Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision with incomplete information. What was the situation, and how did you reach your conclusion? If you do not have this experience, put N/A.

12

Please describe your ability to interpret complex legislation or rules and translate those requirements into clear, workable processes, tools, or guidance:

• None - I have no experience analyzing legislation, rules, or regulatory requirements.
• Foundational - I can review rule or statutory language with guidance and understand general regulatory concepts.
• Intermediate - I independently interpret regulatory requirements for routine scenarios and develop or refine processes to reflect them.
• Advanced - I lead analysis of complex or cross-cutting rule or statutory language, evaluate implications, and develop effective implementation tools or guidance.
• Expert - I am regarded as a subject matter expert in interpreting complex legislation and rules, shaping program implementation strategies, and advising leadership on statutory impacts.

13

How would you describe your skill in analyzing and understanding the fuel supply sector in North America, including greenhouse gas accounting methods and topics such as blending practices:

• None - I have no experience analyzing fuel sector operations or greenhouse gas accounting.
• Foundational - I have basic awareness of fuel sector concepts and limited practical experience.
• Intermediate - I can independently analyze standard fuel sector scenarios and apply established greenhouse gas accounting methods.
• Advanced - I can interpret supply chain information, identify atypical pathways or blending practices, and assess implications for greenhouse gas reporting.
• Expert - I am recognized for my deep expertise in fuel sector operations or greenhouse gas accounting, regularly advising on highly complex cases and informing major program decisions.

14

How would you describe your ability to work with technical teams to define program needs, improve system functionality, and ensure data systems support accurate reporting, registration workflows, and compliance activities:

• None - I have no experience working with data systems or technical staff to support program needs.
• Foundational - I can provide basic input on system needs or functionality with direction.
• Intermediate - I independently articulate program requirements, support user testing, and recommend system enhancements.
• Advanced - I lead efforts to define and refine system needs, troubleshoot complex issues, and ensure functionality aligns with regulatory requirements and workflows.
• Expert - I am recognized as a strategic partner in system design and data integration, advising on architecture, major enhancements, and long-term system development.

15

How would you describe your ability to draft or refine rule language, procedures, or technical guidance to support clear and consistent program implementation:

• None - I have no experience drafting rule language or technical guidance.
• Foundational - I can help revise or contribute to basic materials with direction.
• Intermediate - I independently draft clear procedural or technical guidance and support rulemaking activities.
• Advanced - I lead drafting efforts for complex rule language or major procedural updates and ensure clarity and consistency.
• Expert - I am recognized for developing high-impact rule language, program-defining guidance, and implementation frameworks, advising others across the program.

16

Please provide additional details to support your responses to questions 5 - 15 above. The following information is needed: specific duties or activities where skills were developed, and the capacity in which they were developed (education, employment, volunteer or lived experience). Make sure your response specifically addresses the qualification below:

• Strategic Thinking - Ability to assess complex policy, operational, and cross program considerations to ensure implementation approaches align with organization mission and long term climate goals.
• Communication, Collaboration & Coordination - Skill in clearly explaining technical, regulatory, and data concepts and in working effectively with internal teams, regulated entities, local governments, state and federal agencies, and other external partners to support shared understanding, aligned implementation, and successful compliance.
• Equity & Public Service - Ability to apply principles of equity, fairness, and transparency when working with regulated entities and communities to ensure the Cap-and-Invest Program is implemented responsibly and consistently.
• Problem Solving & Judgment - Experience making sound decisions when faced with incomplete, complex, or ambiguous information to ensure requirements are applied appropriately and consistently.
• Regulatory & Statutory Analysis - Ability to interpret complex legislation and rules and turn those requirements into clear, workable processes, tools, or guidance for program implementation.
• Advanced Fuel Sector & Greenhouse Gas Expertise - Skill in analyzing intricate fuel supply chains, transportation pathways, blending practices, and greenhouse gas accounting methodologies to determine accurate coverage and support high level program decisions.
• Data Systems & Reporting Tools - Ability to work with technical teams to define program needs, improve system functionality, and ensure data systems support accurate reporting, registration workflows, and compliance activities.
• Rulemaking & Guidance Development - Ability to draft and refine rule language, procedures, and technical guidance to ensure that program requirements are clear, consistent, and easy for regulated entities to follow.

An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.

17

What is your level of education?

• 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits
• 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (AA degree)
• 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree
• Ph.D.
• None of the above

18

If you have college credits or a degree, please list your major(s) or field(s) of study and any degree(s) earned. If you dont have this education, put N/A.

19

The State of Washington and the Department of Ecology, play a vital role in fostering a Diverse, Equitable, Inclusive, and Respectful (DEIR) workplace and contributing to equitable outcomes for the communities we serve. We view DEIR through a broad lens including: race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. We believe it is everyones job to contribute to a DEIR workplace. Please tell us, what does it mean for you to have a commitment to DEIR in the workplace? What steps or actions have you taken to demonstrate your commitment previously?

20

I understand that Ecology does not use the E-Verify system and is unable to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov