Cap-and-Invest Energy Siting Specialist

Washington State Department of Ecology; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

PERS

Vacation and holidays

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

Washington State Department of Ecology is seeking an Environmental Planner 4 to serve as the Cap-and-Invest Electricity/Clean Energy Siting Specialist within the CPRP. You will be the subject-matter expert at the intersection of energy markets, greenhouse gas regulation, and clean-energy facility siting, guiding implementation of key act and standards.

This role offers cross‑program collaboration, analytical insight, and policy development, with hybrid schedule and in-office Tuesdays.

Qualifications

• Electricity & Emissions Systems Knowledge – apply electricity-system concepts, greenhouse gas quantification methods, and related analytical tools.
• Market & Utility Policy Expertise – analyze natural gas and electric utility operations, market design, and electricity import dynamics to inform program development and support sound implementation of Cap‑and‑Invest and/or related energy policies.
• Policy Analysis & Development – assess electricity-sector conditions, interpret climate and energy laws, and develop policy approaches to support coherent, durable implementation of Washington’s clean energy and greenhouse gas programs.
• Regulatory Interpretation & Guidance – experienced in interpreting statutory and regulatory requirements and translating them into clear, implementable guidance to promote compliance and consistent application of state climate and energy laws.
• Communication & Influence – ability to convey complex information clearly and accurately to support shared understanding of clean energy and greenhouse gas requirements.
• Collaboration & Relationship Building – demonstrated competence with developing productive working relationships across internal teams and external organizations.
• Judgment & Analytical Decision‑Making – skilled with evaluating diverse sources of technical and policy information to inform defensible recommendations and to support timely, well‑reasoned decisions.
• Project & Task Management – demonstrated competence with planning, organizing, and completing multifaceted policy and analytical assignments to deliver accurate, timely, and high‑quality work products.

Responsibilities

• Lead resource on clean‑energy facility siting, advising on greenhouse‑gas requirements under the Climate Commitment Act, the Clean Energy Transformation Act, and the Emissions Performance Standard.
• Provide clear guidance to project developers on how to meet regulatory and reporting obligations related to emissions, electricity imports, and electricity‑sector compliance.
• Coordinate closely with teams across Ecology to support efficient, consistent permitting pathways and promote awareness of clean‑energy siting and emissions requirements.
• Collaborate with other Washington State agencies to ensure aligned interpretation and implementation of Washington’s clean‑energy laws.
• Analyze electricity‑sector trends, market structures, and policy proposals to evaluate impacts, develop recommendations, and support rulemaking and legislative review.
• Create practical tools that help compare technical or policy options, and offer clear, science‑based feedback on methods, data, and interpretations used in proposals from utilities, industries, environmental groups, and government partners.
• Serve as Cap‑and‑Invest policy lead for clean electricity policy related to electricity importer rules, electric power entities, and centralized electricity market development.
• Develop technical guidance, reports, and tools to support regulatory determinations, emissions quantification, and effective implementation of the Cap‑and‑Invest Program.
• Engage with utilities, Tribes, regulated entities, and other partners to communicate requirements, clarify policy interpretation, and support understanding of program expectations.

Skills

Electricity & Emissions Systems

Market & Utility Policy

Policy Analysis & Development

Regulatory Interpretation

Communication & Influence

Collaboration & Relationships

Judgment & Analytical Decision‑Making

Project & Task Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or policy

Job description

Washington State Department of Ecology is seeking an Environmental Planner 4 to serve as the Cap-and-Invest Electricity/Clean Energy Siting Specialist within the CPRP. You will be the subject-matter expert at the intersection of energy markets, greenhouse gas regulation, and clean-energy facility siting, guiding implementation of key act and standards.

This role offers cross‑program collaboration, analytical insight, and policy development, with hybrid schedule and in-office Tuesdays.