Rules and Process Coordinator (Marine Transportation Safety Specialist 3)(Internal Only)

Rules and Process Coordinator (Marine Transportation Safety Specialist 3)(Internal Only)

Salary

$84,528.00 - $113,736.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Lacey, WA

Job Type

Agency Internal - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-SPPR2109-05633

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Spill Prevention, Preparedness and Response

Opening Date

07/09/2026

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

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

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Rules and Process Coordinator (Marine Transportation Safety Specialist 3)

within the Spill Prevention, Preparedness, and Response program.

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.

• This position is eligible for up to a 90% telework schedule. This position may need to come into the office infrequently for team and external meetings, travel opportunities, training, and workshops.

• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by July 22, 2026.

• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties

The Spills Program's Rule and Process Coordinator position is quite unique as it provides the opportunity to gain a well-rounded understanding of the program's priorities, policies, procedures, regulations, and contracted work. In this role, you will lead the program's rulemaking processes and coordinate the development and maintenance of the program's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). You will also lead large purchase procurement processes for the program and manage our contracts and agreements. You will be the lead for special policy assignments regarding research, analysis, planning, studies, and legislative report efforts that address and support complex spill prevention, preparedness, and response policy issues across multiple sections of the program.

What you will do:

• Lead rulemaking processes, advise the Program Manager and agency executive management on rulemaking decisions, and lead the formulation of rules for spill prevention plans, inspections, vessel screenings, enforcement, and response.
• Provide intergovernmental agreement and contract procurement expertise for the program.
• Lead large purchase procurement processes and manage contracts and agreements for the program.
• Analyze, review, evaluate, assist, and coordinate the development and maintenance of program core Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including inspections, investigation, enforcement, drills, prevention plans, contingency plans, vessel screenings, and response.
• Lead special policy assignments regarding research, analysis, planning, studies, and legislative report efforts that address and support complex spill prevention, preparedness, and response policy issues across multiple sections of the program.
• Identify critical and emerging spill response policy issues and recommend preventative or corrective measures.

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, 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:

Experience: in marine transportation, marine safety, marine/environmental policy and planning, oil transportation related work, or closely related experience. Experience must include:

• Engagement - Ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships with Tribes, industry, agencies, and the public to ensure inclusive rulemaking and effective policy outcomes.
• Facilitation, Communication & Decision Support - Proven ability to facilitate meetings, workshops, and policy discussions and communicate complex issues clearly to support informed decisions and maintain progress.
• Project & Process Management - Ability to plan, coordinate, assign, and track work across multiple concurrent rulemakings, contracts, SOPs, and special projects to meet timelines, maintain compliance, and manage scope.
• Analytical & Critical Thinking - Ability to research, analyze, and synthesize technical, legal, fiscal, and policy information to identify risks, support recommendations, and improve regulations and procedures.
• Collaboration & Relationship Building - Ability to work respectfully, independently, and collaboratively across teams to maintain trust, resolve conflict, and uphold a professional work environment.

Education: in marine engineering, marine/environmental policy and planning, environmental science, physical science, naval architecture, or a closely related field.

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.
• 1 year of experience and a Ph.D.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Be able to obtain the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC card) which entails a detailed background check.

• Hold and maintain eligibility and certification to permit travel to and from Canada, including passport or Enhanced Driver's License.

• Hold and maintain a valid driver's license and be able to operate a motor vehicle.

Desired Qualifications:

• Rulemaking Leadership & Regulatory Development - Ability to lead and manage complex, multi-year rulemaking processes to produce clear, legally defensible, and timely regulations that reflect interested party input and emerging risks.
• Governance & Continuous Improvement - Ability to maintain, review, and update program Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent, accurate, and effective operational practices.
• Contracting, Procurement & Agreement Administration - Ability to lead and manage procurements, contracts, and agreements (including dispute resolution) to ensure fiscal integrity, compliance, and operational readiness.

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:

• 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 Brittany Flittner at Brittany.Flittner@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

Program Mission: The Spills Program's mission is to protect, preserve, and restore Washington's environment. Our vision is to create a zero spills world.

Statewide Resources Section: Supports the Agency and Program missions in maintaining 24/7 response capability, aggressive response to oil and hazardous substance spills through service delivery of legislative and policy support, program planning, data and IT management, performance reporting, statewide training, investigation, enforcement, research and analysis, file management, and time accounting activities.

Research and Policy Unit: Supports the Spills Program's mission by improving the program's understanding of oil spill risks, coordination capabilities, and strategic decisions through research, analysis, planning, and policy and project implementation.

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.

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 Incentive, 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-DNI

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 in marine transportation, marine safety, marine/environmental policy and planning, oil transportation related work, or closely related experience? 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.

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

05

Please provide additional details to support your response above. The following information is needed: position title(s), specific duties, and periods of employment. Make sure your response specifically addresses the qualification above. An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.

06

What is your level of education in marine engineering, marine/environmental policy and planning, environmental science, physical science, naval architecture, or a closely related field?

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

07

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.

08

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. What experiences have you had working with people whose backgrounds are very different from your own? What impact did those experiences have on how you worked?

09

Are you able to meet all the conditions of employment?

• Yes
• No

10

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

• Yes
• No

11

How would you rate your ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships with Tribes, industry partners, agencies, and the public to support inclusive rulemaking and effective policy outcomes?

• None - No exposure to stakeholder engagement in regulatory or policy contexts.
• Foundational - Basic awareness of stakeholder roles; limited experience participating in engagement activities.
• Intermediate - Able to engage stakeholders with some guidance; developing experience balancing perspectives in rulemaking.
• Advanced - Independently builds and maintains collaborative relationships; consistently incorporates diverse input into policy outcomes.
• Expert - Recognized authority in stakeholder engagement; leads outreach strategy, mentors others, and sets direction for inclusive processes.

12

How would you rate your ability to facilitate meetings and policy discussions and communicate complex issues clearly to support informed decision-making?

• None - No experience facilitating discussions or communicating complex policy or technical issues.
• Foundational - Basic awareness of facilitation techniques; limited exposure presenting or supporting decision processes.
• Intermediate - Facilitates meetings with some guidance; able to explain issues with developing clarity and structure.
• Advanced - Independently facilitates productive meetings; consistently communicates complex issues clearly to maintain progress and support decisions.
• Expert - Recognized facilitation leader; mentors others, manages high-stakes policy discussions, and shapes communication approaches.

13

How would you rate your ability to plan, coordinate, and track work across multiple concurrent rulemakings, contracts, SOPs, and special projects?

• None - No experience managing projects or processes.
• Foundational - Basic awareness of project management concepts; limited exposure to organizing tasks or timelines.
• Intermediate - Manages project tasks with guidance; developing skills in coordination, tracking progress, and maintaining scope.
• Advanced - Independently plans and oversees multiple projects; consistently meets timelines, manages compliance, and maintains scope.
• Recognized authority in project/process management; leads frameworks, mentors others, and establishes standards for complex portfolios.

14

How would you rate your ability to research, analyze, and synthesize technical, legal, fiscal, and policy information to identify risks and support recommendations?

• None - No experience conducting analysis or reviewing policy, technical, or regulatory information.
• Foundational - Basic awareness of analytical methods; limited exposure reviewing documents or identifying issues.
• Intermediate - Conducts analyses with some guidance; able to identify emerging risks and develop preliminary recommendations.
• Advanced - Independently analyzes and synthesizes complex information; consistently identifies risks and produces well-supported recommendations.
• Expert - Recognized analytical authority; leads evaluations, mentors others, and shapes analytical frameworks for policy and regulatory decisions.

15

How would you rate your ability to work respectfully, independently, and collaboratively across teams to maintain trust, resolve conflict, and support a professional work environment?

• None - No experience collaborating across teams or participating in conflict resolution.
• Foundational - Basic awareness of teamwork principles; limited exposure to inter-team collaboration or resolving disagreements.
• Intermediate - Collaborates effectively with some guidance; developing ability to maintain trust and support respectful communication.
• Advanced - Independently builds effective relationships across teams; consistently resolves conflict professionalism and maintains a positive work environment.
• Expert - Recognized relationship-building leader; mentors others, sets collaboration norms, and guides teams through complex interpersonal challenges.

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