Rulemaking Lead (Environmental Planner 3) (Internal Only)

Washington State Department of Ecology; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Ecology is seeking a Rulemaking Lead for the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program based in Lacey, WA. This role involves leading rulemaking projects, coordinating multi-disciplinary teams, and engaging with communities to develop effective regulations.

The ideal candidate will have strong project management skills, technical writing proficiency, and experience in public communication.

This is a non-permanent appointment with potential telework options.

Qualifications

• Eight years of experience related to environmental planning.
• Ability to manage complex, long-term projects.
• Proficient in technical and regulatory writing.

Responsibilities

• Lead rulemaking projects for HWTR and manage timelines.
• Coordinate interdisciplinary teams for effective rulemaking.
• Develop community engagement strategies that meet accessibility standards.

Skills

Project management

Technical writing

Public communication

Research and analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Job description

Rulemaking Lead (Environmental Planner 3) (Internal Only)

Unit: Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program (HWTR)

Location: Headquarters Office, Lacey, WA (On‑site minimum 8 hours per pay period; telework and flexible schedule options available)

Term: Non‑permanent appointment up to 12 months, duration may change with business needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead rulemaking projects for HWTR, managing timelines, rule packets, filings, analyses, engagement plans and all documentation related to developing and adopting environmental regulations.
• Serve as the rulemaking lead for the Safer Products Restrictions and Reporting rule (Chapter 173‑337 WAC), researching toxics in consumer products, monitoring regulatory developments, and supporting the program’s technical and policy work.
• Coordinate and lead multi‑disciplinary teams—policy experts, chemists, toxicologists, engineers, economists, environmental justice practitioners, communications specialists, attorneys—to ensure rules are scientifically sound, equitable and legally defensible.
• Develop and implement communication and community engagement strategies that follow accessibility requirements, equity standards and agency frameworks for outreach, public involvement and Tribal consultation.
• Present regulatory information at workshops, public hearings and internal and external meetings, explaining complex or controversial issues clearly to diverse audiences.
• Manage public comment processes by preparing draft rule language, reviewing and tracking comments, developing written responses and incorporating feedback to strengthen regulatory clarity and quality.
• Conduct research and analysis related to toxic chemicals, dangerous waste, environmental and human health impacts, socioeconomic factors and regulatory trends to inform rule development and decision‑making.
• Support broader program regulatory needs by documenting rule issues, developing guidance and interpretive materials, preparing legislative analyses and fiscal notes, and contributing to agency regulatory planning.
• Manage records and information according to agency retention standards by maintaining accurate, complete and well‑organized files for all rulemaking activities.
• Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with internal partners, Tribal governments, community and public health advocates, businesses, government agencies and the public to support inclusive and effective rulemaking outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• Eight (8) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and manage complex, long‑term projects; coordinate contributors; anticipate barriers; and adapt to evolving priorities.
• Proficiency in technical and regulatory writing: produce clear, accurate, well‑structured written materials that translate technical or policy input into actionable content.
• Strong documentation and compliance management skills: organize information, manage required documentation, track procedural requirements and ensure accuracy and completeness across complex processes.
• Effective outreach, engagement and public communication skills: develop communication materials, support public‑facing engagement and clearly present information to diverse audiences in meetings, workshops and hearings.
• Research and analytical evaluation abilities: conduct research, assess data, interpret complex information and provide analytical insights that inform policy or regulatory decisions.
• Training, guidance and collaborative work practice: provide guidance, develop instructional materials, work collaboratively in a team environment, take initiative and support colleagues in shared goals.

Education

Bachelor’s degree counts as 4 years of experience. Master’s degree counts as 6 years of experience. Eligible fields include humanities, business, health and medicine, interdisciplinary studies, public and social services, science‑technology‑engineering‑math, social sciences, land use, urban, regional, environmental, natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land‑use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis.

Desired Qualifications

• Understanding and navigation of structured regulatory or policy development processes, including laws, rules, procedures and formal decision‑making frameworks.
• Ability to interpret, analyze, and communicate environmental requirements, standards or policies at federal, state or local levels.
• Research skills related to environmental health, toxic chemicals, dangerous waste or similar scientific or public health topics.
• Recognition of environmental justice, equity impacts and disparities when evaluating policies, programs or technical information.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses and all other underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.