Climate Change: Clean Fuel Standard, Third Party Verifier Planner (Environmental Planner 4)

Washington State Department of Ecology; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

In-office one day per week (Tuesdays)

Location: Lacey, WA

Job summary

Washington State Department of Ecology is seeking a Clean Fuel Standard, Third Party Verifier Planner (Environmental Planner 4) to lead Washington’s new third-party verification program under the Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP). This project position runs through December 31, 2028, with telework options and mandatory in-office presence one day per week from the Lacey duty station.

You will certify verification bodies, train verifiers, maintain programs and training materials, and

Qualifications

• Nine years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position.
• Ability to design, organize, and implement environmental or regulatory programs.
• Ability to interpret environmental regulations and translate into guidance and rule language.
• Skilled in reviewing reports, contracts, and materials for accuracy and quality.

Responsibilities

• Certify verification bodies and third-party verifiers in Washington’s Clean Fuel Standard.
• Train verifiers to obtain and maintain certification.
• Develop training materials and coordinate training with staff.
• Monitor reports and contracts to ensure quality and compliance.
• Maintain list of approved verifiers and ensure certs meet requirements.
• Support reporting and verification efforts with data systems and tools.
• Develop and update guidance documents and standards for verifiers.
• Serve as subject matter expert on third-party verifiers in other jurisdictions.
• Support compliance activities and potential enforcement actions.

Skills

Program Development & Implementation

Regulatory Interpretation

Technical Review & QA

Research & Data Management

Cross-Agency Collaboration

Training & Capacity Building

Compliance & Enforcement Support

Confidential Information Management

Education

Urban/planning or environmental law-related degree

Job description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Clean Fuel Standard, Third Party Verifier Planner (Environmental Planner 4) within the Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP).

This is a project position that is funded until December, 31, 2028. This funding is expected to be renewed for the next bi-annual budget cycle.

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.
• A minimum of one day per week is required in the office. This position is expected to be in the office for a full workday every Tuesday.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline

• Apply by July 27, 2026.
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties

Join a team working at the center of Washington’s transition to cleaner, lower-carbon transportation. The Clean Fuel Standard is shaping the future of the state’s transportation fuel supply by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding access to low-carbon alternatives. As the Clean Fuel Standard, Third Party Verifier Planner, you will lead the development and operation of Washington’s new third-party verification program, a foundational component that ensures accurate reporting, supports fair program implementation, and strengthens confidence in the state’s clean fuel market. If you are motivated to apply your planning, analytical, and regulatory expertise to a program that is making a measurable difference for Washington’s environment and communities, we encourage you to apply.

What You Will Do

• Certify verification bodies and individual third-party verifiers to provide services within Washington’s Clean Fuel Standard.
• Train and provide technical assistance to prospective third-party verifiers to obtain certification, and once certified to maintain knowledge and proficiency.
• Design and update training materials and programs and work with other Clean Fuel Standard staff to carry out trainings.
• Track, organize, and monitor reports from third-party verifiers and contracts between verification bodies and clients to ensure quality and compliance with all applicable guidelines.
• Develop, maintain, and ensure the accuracy and completeness of Washington’s list of approved third-party verifiers and ensure that all approved verifiers and verification bodies meet certification requirements.
• Provide support in reporting and verification efforts; work closely with other Ecology and external experts to design, improve, implement, and maintain tracking databases, tools and systems.
• Develop and regularly update forms and procedures relevant to third-party verifiers and their activities; lead and coordinate the development and implementation of guidance documents and standards for verifiers.
• Serve as subject matter expert on third-party verifiers in other jurisdictions such as California, applicable laws and regulations, best practices, and developments in this subject area.
• Support the members of the Clean Fuel Standard team in compliance activities and procedures, and potential enforcement actions.

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications

Required qualifications are: Nine years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:

• Program Development and Implementation: Ability to design, organize, and implement complex environmental or regulatory programs by developing effective processes, tools, and structures that support successful and consistent program operations.
• Regulatory Interpretation and Policy Development: Ability to interpret environmental regulations and program requirements and translate them into clear guidance, procedures, and rule language to support accurate and consistent implementation.
• Technical Review and Quality Assurance: Skilled in reviewing reports, contracts, and supporting materials to assess accuracy, identify potential issues, and recommend actions that improve the quality and integrity of program work.
• Research, Data Management, and Analytical Evaluation: Ability to conduct research and analyze qualitative and quantitative information to develop tracking systems, inform program decisions, and support continuous improvement of program processes.
• Multi-Party Coordination and Cross-Agency Collaboration: Experience coordinating and communicating with agencies, regulated entities, and other interested groups to exchange information, gather input, and maintain consistency with established practices across jurisdictions.
• Training and Capacity Building: Skilled in designing, updating, and delivering training and guidance to ensure third-party verifiers and internal staff understand requirements, maintain proficiency, and produce high-quality work.
• Compliance and Enforcement Support: Ability to assess reporting issues, identify potential non-compliance, and support enforcement-related activities to ensure timely, accurate, and complete reporting.
• Confidential Information Management: Experience handling and protecting sensitive or confidential information using secure data management practices that uphold legal and program requirements.

Education involving a major study in in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related field.

Examples Of How To Qualify

• 9 years of experience.
• 8 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 7 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 6 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 5 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• 3 years of experience AND a Master’s degree.
• 2 years of experience AND a Ph.D.

Desired Qualifications

• Greenhouse Gas Reporting and Verification Knowledge: Demonstrated competence in applying knowledge of greenhouse gas reporting or verification concepts to support accurate interpretation of emissions data and informed program decisions.
• Emissions Tracking Systems and Protocols: Skilled in understanding and working with emissions reporting or tracking systems and protocols to support data accuracy, compliance assessments, and program implementation.
• Clean Fuels and Low-Carbon Policy Familiarity: Ability to apply working knowledge of clean fuels or low-carbon fuel policies to support alignment with state or regional standards and contribute to effective program planning.
• Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification of Environmental or Climate Programs: Experience with concepts, frameworks, or procedures related to monitoring, reporting, and verification in environmental or climate programs to support consistent and reliable program outcomes.

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.

Our Commitment to DEIR

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.

Need an Accommodation?

• Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or [e-mail]
• 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 Eun-Joo Ahn at [e-mail].
• 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 [e-mail].

About The Climate Pollution Reduction Program

The principal department strategic priorities and goals that relate to the Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP) include: reduce and prepare for climate impacts; prevent and reduce toxic threats; and deliver efficient and effective services. The CPRP’s mission is to implement policies and programs to reduce carbon emissions in the state of Washington so that the state meets its statutory greenhouse gas emission limits. The CPRP focuses long-term, requiring creative and strategic decision-making for implementation to achieve broad statewide and interstate success reducing carbon emissions in the state of Washington so residents have a healthy environment and climate.

The Clean Fuel Standard curbs climate pollution from transportation, the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Washington, by reducing these emissions from the production and supply of transportation fuels. It will provide an increasing range of low-carbon and renewable alternative fuels that reduce dependency on petroleum and improve air quality. The program began in 2023 and will reduce the carbon intensity (or life cycle greenhouse gas emissions) from transportation fuels in Washington by 45% by 2038.

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 Incentive, Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth * Click here for more information

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.