Rulemaking Lead (Environmental Planner 3) (Internal Only)

State of Washington; Lacey (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Part time

Job summary

The State of Washington is seeking a Rulemaking Lead (Environmental Planner 3) to oversee projects within the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program. This position involves significant responsibility in managing timelines and engaging with multiple stakeholders to ensure regulatory clarity and compliance.

The ideal candidate should possess at least 8 years of relevant experience and have strong project management and technical writing skills. The role offers flexibility with telework options and requires living within commutable distance of Lacey, WA.

Qualifications

• 8 years of experience and/or education related to environmental planning.
• Ability to manage complex, long-term projects and adapt to evolving priorities.
• Expertise in producing clear and actionable technical writing.

Responsibilities

• Lead rulemaking projects for environmental planning.
• Manage public comment processes and prepare regulatory documents.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams for scientifically sound regulations.

Skills

Project and Process Management

Technical and Regulatory Writing

Documentation and Compliance Management

Outreach, Engagement, and Public Communication

Research and Analytical Evaluation

Training, Guidance, and Collaborative Work Practices

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields

Job description

Rulemaking Lead (Environmental Planner 3) (Internal Only)

Position within the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program (HWTR). This non‑permanent appointment is expected to last up to 12 months from the appointment date, with the duration subject to business needs.

Location

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA
• Must live within a commutable distance from the duty station

Schedule

• Eligible for telework and flexible schedule options
• Minimum of eight hours per pay period required in the office
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change

Application Timeline

• Apply by June 30, 2026
• Applications submitted after this date may be reviewed only if additional qualified applicants are needed

What you will do:

• Lead rulemaking projects for HWTR by managing timelines, rule packets, filings, analyses, engagement plans, and all associated documentation
• Serve as the rulemaking lead for the Safer Products Restrictions and Reporting rule, including researching toxics in consumer products and monitoring regulatory developments
• Coordinate and lead multi‑disciplinary teams—policy experts, chemists, toxicologists, engineers, economists, environmental justice practitioners, communications specialists, and 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, which includes the following:

• 1. Project and Process Management—Ability to plan, organize, and manage complex, long‑term projects; coordinate contributors; anticipate barriers; and adapt to evolving priorities.
• 2. Technical and Regulatory Writing—Ability to produce clear, accurate, and well‑structured written materials that translate technical or policy input into understandable and actionable content.
• 3. Documentation and Compliance Management—Ability to organize information, manage required documentation, track procedural requirements, and ensure accuracy and completeness across complex processes.
• 4. Outreach, Engagement, and Public Communication—Ability to develop communication materials, support public‑facing engagement, and clearly present information to diverse audiences in meetings, workshops, and hearings.
• 5. Research and Analytical Evaluation—Ability to conduct research, assess data, interpret complex information, and contribute analytical insights that inform policy or regulatory decisions.
• 6. Training, Guidance, and Collaborative Work Practices—Ability to provide guidance, develop instructional materials, work collaboratively in a team environment, take initiative, and support colleagues in shared goals.

Education:

One of the following fields or related fields: humanities, business, health and medicine, interdisciplinary studies, public and social services, science‑technology‑engineering‑math, social sciences, land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis.

A Bachelor’s degree counts as 4 years of experience. A Master’s degree counts as 6 years of experience.

Examples of how to qualify:

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

Desired Qualifications:

• Ability to understand and navigate structured regulatory or policy development processes, including working with laws, rules, procedures, or formal decision‑making frameworks.
• Ability to interpret, analyze, and communicate environmental requirements, standards, or policies at the federal, state, or local level.
• Ability to research, understand, and evaluate information related to environmental health, toxic chemicals, dangerous waste, or similar scientific or public health topics.
• Ability to recognize and consider environmental justice, equity impacts, and disparities in environmental or health outcomes when evaluating policies, programs, or technical 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:

Position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.