Climate Rule Communication and Engagement Specialist (COEES 4)(In-Training)



Climate Rule Communication and Engagement Specialist (COEES 4)(In-Training)

Salary

$54,108.00 - $70,956.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County – Lacey, WA

Job Type

Project (limited duration)

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2022-AQP1203-05456

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Air Quality

Opening Date

04/15/2022

Closing Date

Continuous

Description




Please Note: The pay listed above doesn’t include the 3.25% pay increase that will go into effect on July 1, 2022.

Per Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14.2, Washington State employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination as part of the hiring process, prior to their start date. Requests for medical and religious exemptions will be considered. If you have questions, please contact Careers@ecy.wa.gov with “COVID-19 vaccination” in the subject line.  


Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The  Air Quality Program (AQP)  within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Climate Rule Communication and Engagement Specialist (Community Outreach Environmental Engagement Specialist 4)(In-Training) position. 

This position is located in our Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.


During Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery, employees are working a combination of in-office and/or telework based on position and business need. This position is not currently required to work in the office on a regular basis. Ecology is following current state guidance regarding mask requirements, health screening questions before entry, and social distancing. Looking ahead, Ecology has recently updated the agency policies on telework and flexible and compressed work schedules. Applicants with questions about position location options, telework, and flexible or compressed schedules are encouraged to reach out to the contact person listed below in “other information.”

The Climate Rule Unit is a new unit created within Air Quality Program (AQP), tasked with the development of state rules governing Washington’s cap-and-invest program. Only the second such program in the nation, this program will employ market mechanisms to incentivize businesses to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in a cost-effective manner, helping us reduce statewide emissions by 95% by 2050.

This collaborative team is responsible for ensuring that the rulemaking process for this historic program is transparent and accessible to all Washingtonians, and that the rules adopted by Ecology reflect input and feedback from diverse communities across our state, while advancing equity and environmental justice.
 
In this position, you will lead the development and implementation of strategies for effective community engagement on the rulemaking process, and organize innovative ways to educate and involve the public on climate issues that affect their lives.

The mission of the Air Quality Program (AQP) is to protect and improve air quality in Washington. The Air Quality Program’s vision is clean, healthy air and climate for all of Washington.  

Please Note: This is a project position that is funded until June 30, 2027. 


Protecting Washington State's environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We are a culture that is invested in making a difference. Join a team that is highly effective and collaborative, with leadership that embraces the value of people.

Ecology cares deeply about employee wellness; we go beyond traditional benefits, proudly offering:

  • A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
  • An Infants at Work Program that is based on the long-term health values of infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.
  • Continuous growth and development opportunities. 
  • A wellness program that offers education, fitness classes, and an agency-wide fondness for outdoor meetings.
  • Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work.


Diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology’s 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 Timeline: This position will remain open until filled, with an initial screening date of May 5, 2022 . In order to be considered for initial screening, please submit an application on or before May 4, 2022. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.
 

Duties


What makes this role unique? 

As the Community Outreach and Engagement Environmental Specialist, you’ll work collaboratively to increase government transparency and public participation in the rulemaking process, so that the rules we adopt are the result of robust engagement with communities across Washington. You’ll work with multiple teams to provide Tribes, stakeholders, environmental justice groups, and the general public with real, meaningful opportunities to weigh in and give feedback on the policies that impact their lives.  
  
 The Climate Rule Unit supports the rulemaking process for all of Air Quality’s climate-focused rules, but is especially involved in the Climate Commitment Act and the cap-and-invest program it directs Ecology to develop and implement. In this role, you’ll play a key role in the creation of this historic program and have a direct, tangible impact on Washington’s fight against climate change.

What you will do: 
  • Design and organize public meetings and opportunities for public participation that help facilitate community input.
  •  Develop targeted outreach and educational materials - including written materials, online content, video production, and presentations – to help various groups understand and engage with the rulemaking process
  • Document stakeholder needs and concerns and advise top management on education and outreach needs related to rulemaking.
  • Analyze the public’s understanding of climate and air quality rulemaking activities.
  • Serve as liaison with local clean air agencies, local governments, Tribes, environmental justice groups, communities, and stakeholders.
  • Ensure rule processes comply with environmental justice and nondiscrimination laws as well as rules that ensure the accessibility of Ecology’s communications to all audiences.



Qualifications

The goal class for this position is a Community Outreach Environmental Education Specialist 4 (COEES4). We will consider applicants who meet the requirements for both the COEES 3 and COEES 4 levels. If the finalist meets the requirements for the COEES 3 level then they will be hired as a COEES 3 and will be placed in a training program to become an COEES 4 within a specified period of time.  

Required Qualifications:
Experience for both required and desired qualifications can be gained through various combinations of formal professional employment, educational and volunteer experience. See below for how you may qualify.


At The COEES 3 Level (Salary Range 49: $3,887-$5,102)

Option 1:  Seven (7) years of combined education and professional experience which may include environmental analysis or control, environmental planning, environmental education, community outreach, or communications activities. See chart below:


Option 2: A Bachelor’s degree involving a major study in environmental, physical, or natural science, education, communications or related field AND three (3) years of professional experience as described above.

All experience and education combinations that meet the requirements for this position:

Possible CombinationsCollege credit hours or degreeYears of required experience
Combination 1No college credit hours or degree7 years of experience
Combination 230-59 semester or 45-89 quarter credits.6 years of experience
Combination 360-89 semester or 90-134 quarter credits (AA degree).5 years of experience
Combination 490-119 semester or 135-179 quarter credits.4 years of experience
Combination 5 A Bachelor's Degree3 years of experience
Combination 6A Master's Degree1 Year of experience 


At The COEES 4 Level (Goal Class)(Salary Range 55: $4,509-$4,913)


Option 1:  Eight (8) years of combined education and professional experience which may include environmental analysis or control, environmental planning, environmental education, community outreach, or communications activities. See chart below: 


Option 2: A Bachelor’s degree involving a major study in environmental, physical, or natural science, education, communications or related field AND four (4) years of professional experience as described above.

All experience and education combinations that meet the requirements for this position:

Possible CombinationsCollege credit hours or degreeYears of required experience
Combination 1No college credit hours or degree8 years of experience
Combination 230-59 semester or 45-89 quarter credits.7 years of experience
Combination 360-89 semester or 90-134 quarter credits (AA degree).6 years of experience
Combination 490-119 semester or 135-179 quarter credits.5 years of experience
Combination 5 A Bachelor's Degree4 years of experience
Combination 6A Master's Degree2 years of experience 


Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 
  • Must have valid driver's License.


Desired Qualifications:
We highly encourage you to apply even if you do not have some (or all) of the desired experience below.

  • Experience engaging with diverse communities, particularly those with limited English proficiency
Note: Having some (or all) of this desired experience may make your application more competitive in a highly competitive applicant pool.


Supplemental Information


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 candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.


Need an Accommodation in the application and/or screening process or this job announcement in an alternative format?

  • Please call: (360) 407-6186 or email: careers@ecy.wa.gov and we will be happy to assist.
  • If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can reach the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
  • If you need assistance applying for this job, please e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not send an email to this address to follow-up on the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile's main page.
  • If you are reading this announcement in print format, please enter the following URL to your search engine to apply: https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/Jobs-at-Ecology.   
Application Instructions:

It's in the applicant's best interest to submit all of the documents listed below. Applications without these documents may be declined.

  • A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position.
  • A resume outlining your experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to the minimum qualifications of this position.
  • Three professional references.

Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.  
 
For Your Privacy:
When attaching documents to your application (such as Resume, Cover Letter, Transcripts, DD-214, etc.):

  • Please be sure to remove private information such as your social security number, date of birth, etc. 
  • Do not attach documents that are password-protected, as these documents may not be reviewed and may cause errors within your application when downloaded. 

Additional Application Instructions for Current Ecology Employees: 
 
Please make sure to answer the agency-wide questions regarding permanent status as a classified employee within the Washington General Service or Washington Management Service. Do not forget to select Department of Ecology as a response to question 2, and type your personnel ID number for question 3. If you are not sure of your status or do not know your personnel ID number, please contact Human Resources.

Application Attestation: 

The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of your application or dismissal if employed. 

Other Information:

If you have specific questions about the position, please email Joshua Grice at: Joshua.Grice@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Joshua to inquire about the status of your application.
 
To request the full position description: email 
careers@ecy.wa.gov


Why work for Ecology?

As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment for current and future generations. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.

Joining Ecology means becoming a part of a team committed to protecting and restoring Washington State's environment. A career in public service 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.

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 *See the Benefits tab in this announcement for more information 

Student debt: how working for Ecology can help
The Department of Ecology is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Forgiveness Program (PSLF). See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.

To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.


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


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. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 407-6186. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.


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. 

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 and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's 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. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.

Insurance Benefits
 
Employees and 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.
 
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.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
 
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.
 
Holidays
 
Full-time employees are entitled to twelve* paid holidays:
 
HOLIDAY
DATE
 
New Year's Day
January 1
 
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday
Third Monday in January
 
Presidents' Day
Third Monday in February
 
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
 
Juneteenth
June 19

Independence Day
July 4
 
Labor Day
First Monday in September
 
Veterans' Day
November 11
 
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
 
Christmas Day
December 25
 
Personal Holiday
Employee's selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
 
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.
 
Sick Leave
 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
 
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.

01
How did you hear about this job posting?
  • 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
  • www.careers.wa.gov
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 or WorkSource location then 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
Please select the statement that best describes your level of education with a major study in environmental, physical, or natural science, education, communications or related field.
  • I have 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter credits.
  • I have 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter credits (AA degree).
  • I have 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter credits.
  • I have a Bachelor's degree.
  • I have a Master's degree.
  • I have a Ph.D
  • None of the above statements apply.
05
If you indicated in the previous question that you have a degree, please indicate your degree and major study. If you don't have a degree, put N/A.
06
Please select the statement that best describes your experience in environmental analysis or control, environmental planning, environmental education, community outreach, or communications activities.
  • I have at least one year of experience.
  • I have at least two years of experience.
  • I have at least three years of experience.
  • I have at least four years of experience.
  • I have at least five years of experience.
  • I have at least six years of experience.
  • I have at least seven years of experience.
  • I have at least eight years of experience.
  • None of the above statements apply
07
Please provide additional information 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.
08
The State of Washington, including the Department of Ecology, plays a vital role in fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and respectful workplace and contributing to equitable outcomes for the communities we serve. 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. It may also be helpful to review the job posting for what diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect mean to Ecology, in practice.

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

09
The State of Washington, including the Department of Ecology, plays a vital role in fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and respectful workplace and contributing to equitable outcomes for the communities we serve. 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. It may also be helpful to review the job posting for what diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect mean to Ecology, in practice.

Please tell us: what does it mean for you to have a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect in the workplace? How have you demonstrated that commitment previously, and how do you see yourself demonstrating it at Ecology if hired for this position?

Required Question

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