Climate Policy: Cap-and-Invest Electricity/Clean Energy Siting Specialist (Environmental Planner 4)

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

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Cap-and-Invest Electricity/Clean Energy Siting Specialist (Environmental Planner 4) within the Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP).

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 November 9, 2026.
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties

Washington is advancing some of the most ambitious clean‑energy and climate policies in the nation, and we are seeking an Electricity and Clean Energy Siting Specialist to help guide this work. In this role, you will serve as a subject‑matter expert at the intersection of energy markets, greenhouse gas regulation, and clean‑energy facility siting. You will provide analytical insight, policy interpretation, and technical guidance to support effective implementation of the Climate Commitment Act, the Clean Energy Transformation Act, and the state’s Emissions Performance Standard. This position offers the opportunity to work across programs and agencies, contribute to major policy decisions, and help shape the state’s transition to a cleaner and more resilient electricity system. If you are motivated by complex clean‑energy challenges and public-service impact, we encourage you to apply.

What You Will Do

• Serve as a 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.

Qualifications

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

Required Qualifications

• Electricity & Emissions Systems Knowledge – Skilled with applying electricity‑system concepts, greenhouse gas quantification methods, and related analytical tools to evaluate emissions sources, assess facility siting approaches, and support accurate reporting and regulatory compliance.
• Market & Utility Policy Expertise – Ability to 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 – Ability to 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 and to facilitate effective policy and program implementation.
• Collaboration & Relationship Building – Demonstrated competence with developing productive working relationships across internal teams and external organizations to align actions and maintain consistent interpretation of regulatory and policy requirements.
• 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.

Education: with major emphasis in environmental science and/or policy; other areas of science and/or policy; energy, economics, finance, or business; or other subjects or areas applicable to electricity and natural gas utilities functioning and regulation, greenhouse gas emissions allowance allocation, auctions, and/or markets, or closely allied fields.

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.

A background check will be conducted, which may include criminal record history, fingerprinting, and credit history. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Desired Qualifications

• Energy Policy Experience – Professional experience in energy or utility policy, including work involving natural gas or electric utilities, utility regulation, electricity forecasting, or the operation of electricity or natural gas markets.
• Climate and Greenhouse Gas Regulation – Experience working on climate‑related programs or initiatives, such as greenhouse gas emissions trading systems, GHG reduction programs, or greenhouse gas accounting, reporting, and verification for electricity‑sector entities.
• Quantitative or Statistical Analysis – Professional experience conducting quantitative analysis using statistical methods, mathematical approaches, programming, or modeling tools, ideally relevant to evaluating greenhouse gas reduction policies or electricity‑sector impacts.
• Environmental Regulation – Experience interpreting and applying complex environmental or energy regulations in a professional setting, particularly in roles requiring evaluation of electricity‑sector behavior or greenhouse gas compliance requirements.

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 preferred 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 .

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 Andrew Hayes 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 mission of the Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP) is to guide Washington to a net zero future by 2050. CPRP implements policies that encourage businesses and individuals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a clean energy economy.

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.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR)

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.

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.

Employee Benefits

• 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