Senior Regulatory and Policy Analyst (Regulatory Analyst 3)(Internal Only)

Senior Regulatory and Policy Analyst (Regulatory Analyst 3)(Internal Only)

Salary

$80,496.00 - $108,228.00 Annually

Location

Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

Job Type

Agency Internal - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-HWTR2383-04152

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction

Opening Date

06/29/2026

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 Senior Regulatory and Policy Analyst (Regulatory Analyst 3) within the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program (HWTR).

Location:

This position can be based at any of the following duty stations:

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.
• Central Region Office in Union Gap, WA.
• Eastern Region Office in Spokane, WA.
• Northwest Region Office in Shoreline, WA.
• Southwest Region Office in Lacey, WA.

Note: If the selected duty station is the Northwest Region Office in Shoreline, the salary will include an additional 5% premium pay due to its location in King County. Salary range: $7043 - $9470 monthly.

Schedule:

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• You may telework up to 90% of your time, with 2 days per month in-office at your assigned duty station. Additional time in-office or at off-site locations may be required to attend in-person meetings or other events.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by July 12th, 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may be reviewed only if additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties

This Senior Regulatory and Policy Analyst position offers a unique opportunity to serve as a statewide expert on the Dangerous Waste Regulations (chapter 173-303 WAC) within the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction (HWTR) Program's Regulatory & Information Support Section in the Regulatory Assistance Unit (RAU).

The RAU provides statewide dangerous waste program development and support functions, working to ensure that program regulatory implementation is equivalent, consistent, enforceable, and implementable across the state. Much of RAU's work is collaborative in nature, with multiple unit staff working on regulatory analysis, providing support, and reviewing each other's analysis and conclusions.

In this role, you will lead complex regulatory and policy analysis, provide interpretation of chapter 173-303 WAC, and support Ecology's development and implementation of the EPA-authorized dangerous waste program. You will develop regulatory solutions for the most challenging, high-impact, and politically sensitive problems, ensuring interpretations are consistent, equivalent, enforceable, and protective of human health and the environment.

You will also act as the statewide policy and project management lead for the HWTR Sampling Team in coordination with the sampling technical lead, HWTR's Quality Assurance (QA) Coordinator. This team develops internal dangerous waste focused sampling training and resources. As the policy and project management lead, you will guide the statewide, cross-program team based on HWTR management direction in sampling training development, policy development, creating technical guidance documents, and making recommendations for decisions to program management.

Being successful in this role includes collaborating closely with internal and external partners-including other Ecology environmental programs, dangerous waste inspectors, technical specialists, local governments, Tribal governments, United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the regulated community-to advance uniform policy implementation, support rule development, and strengthen dangerous waste management across Washington.

What you will do:

• Serve as a statewide expert on the Dangerous Waste Regulations (chapter 173-303 WAC), providing clear, defensible interpretations and technical assistance for complex, high-impact regulatory questions.

• Conduct detailed regulatory and policy analysis, research state and federal rules, respond to questions from Ecology internal and external parties, and develop solutions, guidance, and recommendations that ensure consistent, equivalent, implementable, and enforceable application of the Dangerous Waste Regulations statewide. Document analysis and conclusions as part of the HWTR Program dangerous waste knowledgebase.

• Monitor national regulatory developments, assess impacts to Washington's dangerous waste program, and advise management on programmatic needs, risks, and recommended actions.

• Review daily federal register e-mails for changes to federal rules related to our authorized dangerous waste program.

• Develop and track recommendations for revisions to the Dangerous Waste Regulations.

• Provide expert testimony and support for litigation, rulemaking, and high-visibility regulatory decisions, ensuring alignment with federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) requirements and the EPA-authorized state dangerous waste program.

• Lead statewide policy work on emerging or ambiguous waste issues, collaborating with HWTR staff, other Ecology programs, EPA, local governments, Tribal governments, and the regulated community.

• Serve as the statewide lead and project manager for the HWTR Sampling Team in coordination with the sampling technical lead (HWTR's QA Coordinator), facilitating cross-program coordination, developing sampling training, policies and guidance, and advancing updates to test methods, Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) templates, and sampling related quality assurance procedures.

• Coordinate with the Statewide Inspector Trainer to develop and deliver advanced training, to support inspectors and program staff, ensuring consistent statewide implementation of regulatory requirements.

• Review and ensure the accuracy, clarity, and regulatory consistency of publications, interpretations, policies, and technical documents developed by staff across HWTR.

• Represent Ecology and the HWTR Program in statewide, regional, and national workgroups, technical forums, and public meetings, communicating regulatory expectations and promoting consistent policy implementation.

• Participate in HWTR program statewide dangerous waste coordination networks, routine, and project specific meetings providing dangerous waste program regulatory and policy support through analysis, interpretation, and documentation.

• Assist in maintaining and updating the HWTR Program dangerous waste knowledge base resources used to reduce duplicative research efforts and resolve dangerous waste related questions in a consistent manner.

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:

• Technical Expertise in Dangerous Waste Regulation & Policy

Ability to research, interpret, and apply chapter 173-303 WAC and federal RCRA rules, determine regulatory intent, and provide clear, defensible interpretations.

• Policy Analysis & Regulatory Solution Development

Ability to evaluate complex regulatory issues and develop policy recommendations or guidance that ensure statewide consistency and program integrity.

• Project Leadership & Cross-Program Coordination

Ability to lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary or cross-program projects, facilitate group processes, and deliver work products aligned with management direction.

• Collaborative Partnership Building & Engagement

Ability to build effective working relationships across programs, agencies, and external partners, integrate diverse perspectives, and represent program positions in various forums.

• Effective Communication of Complex Regulatory Information

Skilled in explaining complex regulatory or technical topics in plain language, and preparing clear interpretations, guidance, and recommendations.

• Strategic Analysis & Problem Solving

Ability to assess emerging regulatory issues, evaluate risks, and develop practical, defensible solutions that support long-term program goals.

Education: Involving a major study in economics, environmental science, natural or physical science, accounting, business or public administration, finance, social sciences, engineering, law, or 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 or above

Desired Qualifications:

• Current HAZWOPER training
• Ecology or EPA dangerous/hazardous waste inspector training
• Experience with environmental sampling, analysis, and laboratory report interpretation. Preferably sampling and analysis related to dangerous or hazardous waste. For example, sampling methods, quality assurance processes, or selecting appropriate analytical methods.
• Experience implementing dangerous waste regulatory processes which are infrequently used, such as petitions, legitimate recycling determinations, certificates of designation, and delisting.

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 Jonathan Jennings at Jonathan.Jennings@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-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 related to the duties of the position? 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 or above
• 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

Do you have a valid driver's license, or are you able to obtain and maintain one?

• Yes
• No

10

Do you currently hold a HAZWOPER certification, or are you able to obtain and maintain this certification within one year of employment?

• Yes
• No

11

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)

12

Which level best describes your experience researching, interpreting, and applying the State Dangerous Waste Regulations (chapter 173 303 WAC) and federal RCRA rules to complex or ambiguous regulatory scenarios?

• None - I have no experience applying these regulations.
• Foundational - I have basic awareness or limited exposure and can interpret regulations with supervision.
• Intermediate - I can analyze and apply state and federal rules to moderately complex situations with some guidance.
• Advanced - I independently apply and interpret these regulations in complex scenarios and provide technical assistance to others.
• Expert - I am recognized as a subject matter authority who provides statewide guidance and leads interpretation on the most complex or sensitive regulatory issues.

13

Which level best describes your experience developing regulatory solutions, guidance, or policy recommendations to ensure statewide consistency and address gaps between state and federal hazardous waste rules?

• None - I have no experience developing regulatory or policy solutions.
• Foundational - I contribute to discussions or draft preliminary ideas with direction from others.
• Intermediate - I develop policy recommendations or guidance for routine regulatory issues with oversight.
• Advanced - I independently develop defensible recommendations for complex or emerging regulatory problems.
• Expert - I lead statewide policy development efforts and routinely produce authoritative, high impact regulatory solutions.

14

Which level best describes your experience managing and coordinating projects involving multiple staff, such as technical policy development, sampling related projects, or updates to test methods or training materials?

• None - I have no project management experience.
• Foundational - I have supported projects or managed small tasks with supervision.
• Intermediate - I coordinate project tasks and timelines and support group workflow with some guidance.
• Advanced - I lead multi person projects, facilitate group decision making, and deliver agreed upon outcomes independently.
• Expert - I manage large or cross program projects, set strategic direction, mentor others in project management, and consistently deliver high impact results.

15

Which level best describes your experience collaborating with partners across organizational boundaries (e.g., other Ecology programs, EPA, local governments, Tribal governments, regulated entities) to develop solutions for complex regulatory or technical issues?

• None - I have not worked with external or cross program partners.
• Foundational - I have limited experience interacting with partners and typically do so with direction.
• Intermediate - I collaborate with partners to exchange information and resolve moderately complex issues.
• Advanced - I independently navigate differing perspectives, represent program positions, and build effective working relationships.
• Expert - I lead cross program and multi agency efforts, influence outcomes, and am recognized for strong partnership building and engagement skills.

16

Which level best describes your experience communicating complex regulatory or technical information clearly through written guidance, memos, recommendations, or presentations?

• None - I have no experience conveying complex regulatory information.
• Foundational - I draft simple materials or communicate technical concepts with significant guidance.
• Intermediate - I clearly communicate regulatory information to varied audiences with some oversight
• Advanced - I independently prepare high quality guidance, memos, and presentations that explain complex or nuanced requirements.
• Expert - I am a go to resource for translating complex regulatory topics into accessible formats and ensuring accuracy in statewide guidance and communications.

17

Which level best describes your ability to perform strategic analysis and problem solving on emergent regulatory issues, including assessing risks and developing practical, defensible solutions?

• None - I have no experience analyzing regulatory problems or developing solutions.
• Foundational - I can identify issues and propose basic ideas with significant direction.
• Intermediate - I analyze regulatory problems, evaluate options, and recommend solutions for moderately complex issues.
• Advanced - I independently assess risks, anticipate program impacts, and develop solutions that maintain regulatory consistency and meet program goals.
• Expert - I am recognized for strategic thinking, shaping program direction, and creating innovative, defensible solutions to the most complex or sensitive regulatory challenges.

18

For all six competency ratings you selected in Questions 12-17, 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.

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