Rulemaking Lead (Environmental Planner 3) (Internal Only)

Rulemaking Lead (Environmental Planner 3) (Internal Only)

Salary

$69,348.00 - $93,288.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Lacey, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Non-Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-HWTR4687-04785

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction

Opening Date

06/22/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

Salary Information

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

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

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

This recruitment is open only to current Department of Ecology employees, including those on temporary or project assignments, and Ecologys Washington Conservation Corps members.

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Rulemaking Lead (Environmental Planner 3) (Internal Only) within the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program (HWTR).

Note: This non-permanent appointment is expected to last up to 12 months from the appointment date. The duration may change depending on business needs, including whether the previous incumbent chooses to exercise return rights.

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 eight hours per pay period is required in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by June 30, 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may be reviewed only if additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties

Are you interested in helping reduce toxic chemicals and safely manage dangerous waste in Washington state? Do you enjoy managing complex projects, engaging diverse interested parties with conflicting interests, and writing and analyzing laws and rules? As a rulemaking lead, you will learn the rulemaking process, enhance your project management skills, work with interested parties, and join a collaborative and creative team.

This Rulemaking Lead position offers a unique opportunity to shape statewide toxics reduction and dangerous waste management regulations within Ecology's Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction (HWTR) Program. In this role, you will serve as an independent rulemaking project manager responsible for developing, revising, and implementing complex environmental rules that protect Washington's residents and environment from toxic chemicals and dangerous waste. You will guide multi-disciplinary teams through the rulemaking lifecycle, including integrating equity and environmental justice considerations and ensuring compliance with agency policies and federal and state laws and rules. This includes tracking timelines and tasks, clarifying priorities, anticipating obstacles, identifying alternatives, and managing change over a long period.

You will lead the recurring revision cycle for the Safer Products Restrictions and Reporting rule (Chapter 173-337 WAC), advancing statewide efforts to reduce toxic threats in consumer products. Your work will include assessing scientific and technical information, consulting with internal and external partners, coordinating with the Safer Products for Washington team, and managing extensive public engagement activities. As a member of the Toxics Awareness and Action (TA&A) section, you will contribute to agency-wide policy development, regulatory interpretation, and strategic initiatives that strengthen environmental and public health protections while supporting transparency, accessibility, and equitable outcomes.

What you will do:

• Lead rulemaking projects for HWTR by managing timelines, rule packets, filings, analyses, engagement plans, and all documentation associated with developing and adopting environmental regulations.
• Serve as the rulemaking lead for the Safer Products Restrictions and Reporting rule, including researching toxics in consumer products, monitoring regulatory developments, and supporting the program's technical and policy work.
• Coordinate and lead multi-disciplinary teams-such as policy experts, chemists, toxicologists, engineers, economists, environmental justice practitioners, communications specialists, and attorneys-to ensure rules are scientifically sound, equitable, and legally defensible.
• Develop and implement communication and community engagement strategies that follow accessibility requirements, equity standards, and agency frameworks for outreach, public involvement, and Tribal consultation.
• Present regulatory information at workshops, public hearings, and internal and external meetings, explaining complex or controversial issues clearly to diverse audiences.
• Manage public comment processes by preparing draft rule language, reviewing and tracking comments, developing written responses, and incorporating feedback to strengthen regulatory clarity and quality.
• Conduct research and analysis related to toxic chemicals, dangerous waste, environmental and human health impacts, socioeconomic factors, and regulatory trends to inform rule development and decision-making.
• Support broader program regulatory needs by documenting rule issues, developing guidance and interpretive materials, preparing legislative analyses and fiscal notes, and contributing to agency regulatory planning.
• Manage records and information according to agency retention standards by maintaining accurate, complete, and well-organized files for all rulemaking activities.
• Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with internal partners, Tribal governments, community and public health advocates, businesses, government agencies, and the public to support inclusive and effective rulemaking outcomes.

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

Eight (8) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:

1. Project and Process Management

Ability to plan, organize, and manage complex, long-term projects; coordinate contributors; anticipate barriers; and adapt to evolving priorities.

2. Technical and Regulatory Writing

Ability to produce clear, accurate, and well-structured written materials that translate technical or policy input into understandable and actionable content.

3. Documentation and Compliance Management

Ability to organize information, manage required documentation, track procedural requirements, and ensure accuracy and completeness across complex processes.

4. Outreach, Engagement, and Public Communication

Ability to develop communication materials, support public-facing engagement, and clearly present information to diverse audiences in meetings, workshops, and hearings.

5. Research and Analytical Evaluation

Ability to conduct research, assess data, interpret complex information, and contribute analytical insights that inform policy or regulatory decisions.

6. Training, Guidance, and Collaborative Work Practices

Ability to provide guidance, develop instructional materials, work collaboratively in a team environment, take initiative, and support colleagues in shared goals.

Education: in one of these fields or related fields: humanities, business, health and medicine, interdisciplinary studies, public and social services, science-technology-engineering-math, social sciences, land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis.

A Bachelor's degree counts as 4 years of experience.

A Master's degree counts as 6 years of experience.

Examples of how to qualify:

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

Desired Qualifications:

• Ability to understand and navigate structured regulatory or policy development processes, including working with laws, rules, procedures, or formal decision-making frameworks.

• Ability to interpret, analyze, and communicate environmental requirements, standards, or policies, whether at the federal, state, or local level.

• Ability to research, understand, and evaluate information related to environmental health, toxic chemicals, dangerous waste, or similar scientific or public health topics.

• Ability to recognize and consider environmental justice, equity impacts, and disparities in environmental or health outcomes when evaluating policies, programs, or technical information.

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.

Our Commitment to DEIR

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.

Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.

Equity: We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.

Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology's work.

Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.

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.

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:

• 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 Stacey Callaway at Stacey.Callaway@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

About the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program

The mission of the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction program is to protect Washington's residents and environment by reducing the use of toxic chemicals, safely managing dangerous waste, preventing new contaminated sites, and cleaning up contamination.

About the Department of Ecology

As the State of Washington's environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington's environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work balance. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.

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 *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

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

02

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.

03

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

• Yes
• No

04

How many years of experience do you have related to the duties of this position? Note: Required experience is based on full-time work. Part-time experience is prorated by dividing the weekly hours by 40 and multiplying by the number of months worked. Example: • 30 hrs/week for 20 months equals (30/40) × 20 = 15 months full-time

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

05

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 or above
• None of the above

06

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.

07

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?

08

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

• Yes
• No

09

Which level best describes your experience planning and managing complex, long-term projects involving multiple contributors and evolving priorities?

• None - I have no experience managing projects or coordinating contributors.
• Foundational - I have limited project experience, such as coursework or supporting roles, and can complete basic tasks with direction.
• Intermediate - I can manage defined project tasks, coordinate with others, and maintain timelines with some guidance.
• Advanced - I independently manage complex or multi-step projects, coordinate contributors, anticipate challenges, and adjust plans as needed.
• Expert - I am recognized for leading complex, multi-year or multi-partner projects, proactively resolving barriers, and mentoring others in project management best practices.

10

Which level best describes your ability to write clear, structured documents that translate technical, scientific, or policy information into understandable content?

• None - I have no experience writing technical or policy-related documents.
• Foundational - I can prepare basic written materials with direction or templates.
• Intermediate - I write technical or policy-related materials with some guidance, such as summaries, reports, or analyses.
• Advanced - I independently draft clear, accurate, and well-structured technical or policy documents and tailor content for different audiences.
• Expert - I am recognized for producing high-quality technical or policy writing, synthesizing complex material, and mentoring others in effective written communication.

11

Which level best describes your experience organizing information, tracking procedural requirements, and ensuring accuracy across complex documentation systems?

• None - I have no experience managing documentation or procedural requirements.
• Foundational - I can follow basic documentation procedures with direction.
• Intermediate - I manage documents, maintain organized records, and follow procedural checklists with minimal guidance.
• Advanced - I independently manage complex documentation processes, ensure compliance with established requirements, and maintain accurate, complete records.
• Expert - I design or improve documentation systems, ensure consistent compliance across programs, and guide others in maintaining high-quality records.

12

Which level best describes your experience communicating with the public, presenting information, or supporting engagement with diverse communities?

• None - I have no experience in public communication or engagement.
• Foundational - I have limited exposure through coursework or occasional participation in outreach activities.
• Intermediate - I develop communication materials or participate in public meetings with some guidance.
• Advanced - I independently prepare outreach materials, present to groups, and engage effectively with diverse audiences.
• Expert - I lead public communication efforts, design engagement strategies, facilitate discussions, and mentor others in effective outreach practices.

13

Which level best describes your experience conducting research, interpreting data, and applying analytical insights to support decisions or recommendations?

• None - I have no experience conducting research or analyzing data.
• Foundational - I have basic research or analysis experience through coursework or structured assignments.
• Intermediate - I can conduct research, interpret data, and summarize findings with some guidance.
• Advanced - I independently conduct research, evaluate complex information, and use analysis to support recommendations or decisions.
• Expert - I am recognized for advanced analytical abilities, synthesizing complex information, and mentoring others in research or evaluation methods.

14

Which level best describes your ability to provide guidance, develop instructional materials, collaborate with teammates, and support shared goals?

• None - I have no experience providing guidance or working collaboratively in a structured team setting.
• Foundational - I contribute to team tasks and can provide basic assistance when directed.
• Intermediate - I collaborate effectively with others, share information, and provide informal guidance with some direction.
• Advanced - I independently support team coordination, develop guidance or training materials, and help teammates achieve shared goals.
• Expert - I lead collaborative work practices, develop and deliver training, coach others, and foster strong team performance.

15

For all six competency ratings you selected in Questions 9-14, please describe the reasoning behind each of your choices. For every competency, explain the experiences, responsibilities, or accomplishments that support the level you selected. For example, if you selected "Advanced" or "Expert," describe what makes you confident in that assessment. Your responses will help us better understand the context for your self-evaluation.

16

This recruitment is open only to current Department of Ecology employees (including those in temporary or project assignments) and Ecology's Washington Conservation Corps members. Applications from individuals who do not meet this requirement will not be considered. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes, I am a current Department of Ecology employee (including temporary or project)
• Yes, I am a current Washington Conservation Corps member
• No, I am not a current Department of Ecology employee or WCC member (not eligible for this recruitment)

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