The Solid Waste Management (SWM) program is looking to fill a Program Outreach Specialist (Community Outreach & Environmental Education Specialist 3) position. This position will be located in our Headquarters Office (HQ) in Lacey, WA.

In this role you will provide facilitation and outreach services for the entire Solid Waste Management Program. You get to work with technical experts across all of our subject matter areas, including recycling, biosolids, and extended producer responsibility. This position is exploring new and innovative outreach methods. We’re always trying to learn how to provide better public involvement opportunities to overburdened communities. You will get to work with a dedicated team to expand our outreach opportunities.

The mission of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) program is to reduce wastes through prevention and reuse, keep toxics out of the environment, and safely manage what remains.

• 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, and fitness classes; an agency-wide fondness for outdoor meetings.
• Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work.

Application Timeline: This position will remain open until filled, with an initial screening date of July 7, 2021. In order to be considered for initial screening, please submit an application on or before July 6, 2021. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

What makes this role unique?

This position works across the Solid Waste Management Program with all subject matter areas statewide. We’re always trying to connect all residents of Washington with meaningful opportunities to provide input and feedback on solid waste activities. The pandemic changed the way we interact with the public, and that continues to evolve. You get to be part of the solution of connecting residents to their government. Come be a part of our team!

What you’ll do:

• Provide high quality facilitation and outreach to stakeholders, so the Solid Waste Management Program can reach the best possible solution with robust stakeholder buy-in.
• Coordinate and track SWM stakeholder meetings.
• Works with subject matter experts to determine appropriate outreach materials, identify reviewers, and determine timeframes to produce materials.
• Prepares and distributes educational outreach materials for new and existing program initiatives that includes focus sheets, fact sheets, PowerPoint presentations, webpages, pamphlets, displays, recorded training sessions, etc.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Option 1: High school diploma or GED AND seven years of professional experience involving environmental analysis or control, environmental planning, environmental education, community outreach, or communications activities. See chart below:

Option 2: An Associate’s degree involving a major study in environmental, physical, or natural science, education, communications or closely related field, AND five years of professional experience involving environmental analysis or control, environmental planning, environmental education, community outreach, or communications activities.

Option 3: A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in environmental, physical, or natural science, education, communications or closely related field, AND three years of professional experience involving environmental analysis or control, environmental planning, environmental education, community outreach, or communications activities.

Option 4: A Master’s degree involving a major study in environmental, physical, or natural science, education, communications or closely related field, AND one year of professional experience involving environmental analysis or control, environmental planning, environmental education, community outreach, or communications activities.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Must obtain and maintain a 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.

• Two years’ experience facilitating large groups.
• Two years’ experience interpreting and implementing environmental legislation or regulations.
• Two years’ of professional experience interacting with a wide variety of individuals and groups, and ability to function and tolerate a wide variety of public interactions without becoming personally involved or taking public comments personally.

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 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.
• Two professional writing samples that reflect your work as a communications professional, such as a press release, public statement, blog story, web content, or social media post.

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 (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 Kelsey Dunne at: Kelsey.Dunne@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Kelsey to inquire about the status of your application.

To request the full position description: email careers@ecy.wa.gov