Climate Change: Cap-and-Invest Outreach and Education Specialist (COEES4) (In-Training)

The mission of the Air Quality Program (AQP) is to protect and improve air quality in Washington and to protect our State’s environment for current and future generations. In 2021, Washington’s Legislature passed the landmark Climate Commitment Act (CCA) – a sweeping piece of legislation that directs Ecology to develop and implement the state’s first Cap-and-Invest Program to help our state meet its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 95% by 2050.
 
Officially launched on Jan. 1, 2023, Washington’s program is only the second such economy-wide program in the nation and the work of implementing this program has only just begun. It’s a big task with even bigger long-term impacts on the state’s greenhouse gas emissions and the global fight against climate change. Air Quality’s CCA Implementation Group is already hard at work and looking to hire a diverse range of mission-focused professionals to help us bring this important legislation to life.

As a Cap-and-Invest Outreach and Education Specialist, you will be part of the policy unit within the CCA Implementation Group, leading education and outreach efforts to inform the public about the Climate Commitment Act generally, and the Cap-and-Invest Program specifically.  You will be responsible for leading effective community outreach and policy education, including strategic engagement with participating businesses, key stakeholders, Tribes, the Legislature, and the general public.
 
Note: This position offers a career path and on-the-job training. This position allows you to progress through the Community Outreach & Environmental Education Specialist (COEES) field and achieve the goal class of a COEES4. Candidates will be considered at the COEES3 and COEES4 levels, depending on their qualifications. For salary levels for each, please see the qualifications section.

Tele-work options for this position: This position will be eligible for a tele-work schedule. Applicants with questions about position location options, tele-work, and flexible or compressed schedules are encouraged to reach out to the contact person listed below in “other information.” Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

What you will do as a Cap-and-Invest Outreach and Education Specialist:
 

• Provide education and outreach about Climate Commitment Act and Cap-and-Invest program to Tribal governments, local, state and federal agencies, the State Legislature, covered entities, stakeholders and the general public.
• Assess outreach and education needs for a wide variety of stakeholders, program participants, and other external participants, and plan and execute outreach and education efforts to address those needs.
• Facilitate effective and adaptive statewide stakeholder outreach: organize and facilitate public meetings, workshops, and other opportunities for public participation on statewide Cap-and-Invest projects and initiatives. 
• Advise Climate Commitment Act Implementation Manager and top management on education and community outreach opportunities and issues and assist in formulating program policy.
• Plan and present at community events, forums, workshops, and listening sessions about climate and air quality rulemaking activities. 
• Serve as liaison with local, state and federal agencies, Tribes, community groups, and other stakeholders on Cap-and-Invest program-related information and updates.
• Document stakeholder needs and concerns and advise program management on education and outreach needs related to rulemaking.
• Develop outreach and educational materials, including written materials, online content, video production, presentations, and social media targeted to various internal and external audience needs.

Qualifications

The goal class for this position is Community Outreach & Environmental Education Specialist (COEES4). We will consider applicants who meet the requirements for the COEES3 and COEES4 levels. If the finalist meets the requirements for the COEES3, they will be hired in at that level and placed into a training program to become a COEES4 within a specified period of time.
 
Required Qualifications:
 
At the Community Outreach and Environmental Education Specialist 3 level: Salary Range 49 ($4,013-$5,399 monthly) (in-training)
 
A total of seven years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Experience: Involving environmental analysis or control, environmental planning, environmental education, community outreach, or communications activities.
• Education: Involving a major study in environmental, physical, or natural science, education, communications, or closely related field.

All experience and education combinations that meet the requirements for this position:

Possible Combinations College credit hours or degree – as listed above Years of professional level experience – as listed above Combination 1 No college credit hours or degree 7 years of experience Combination 2 I have 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter credits. 6 years of experience Combination 3 I have 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter credits (AA degree). 5 years of experience Combination 4 I have 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter credits. 4 years of experience Combination 5  A Bachelor's Degree 3 years of experience Combination 6 A Master’s Degree 1 year of experience

 

At the Community Outreach and Environmental Education Specialist 4 level: Salary Range 55 ($4,656-$6,260 monthly) Goal Class
 
A total of eight years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Experience: Involving environmental analysis or control, environmental planning, environmental education, community outreach, or communications activities.
• Education: Involving a major study in environmental, physical, or natural science, education, communications, or closely related field.

All experience and education combinations that meet the requirements for this position:

Possible Combinations College credit hours or degree – as listed above Years of professional level experience – as listed above Combination 1 No college credit hours or degree 8 years of experience Combination 2 I have 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter credits. 7 years of experience Combination 3 I have 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter credits (AA degree). 6 years of experience Combination 4 I have 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter credits. 5 years of experience Combination 5  A Bachelor's Degree 4 years of experience Combination 6 A Master’s Degree 2 years of experience

 

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 

• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Desired Qualifications:

We highly encourage you to apply even if you do not have some (or all) of the desired experience below.

• Demonstrated experience leading community engagement efforts. 
• Demonstrated experience engaging with diverse communities, particularly those with limited English proficiency.
• Experience working on climate change, emissions trading programs, greenhouse gas regulation, and overburdened community impacts from air quality.
  

Note: Having some (or all) of this desired experience may make your application more competitive in a highly competitive applicant pool.

Supplemental Information

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 candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Need an Accommodation in the application and/or screening process or this job announcement in an alternative format?

• Please call: (360) 407-6186 or email: careers@ecy.wa.gov and we will be happy to assist.
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can reach the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
• If you need assistance applying for this job, please e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not send an email to this address to follow-up the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile's main page.
• If you are reading this announcement in print format, please enter the following URL to your search engine to apply: https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/Jobs-at-Ecology.  

Application Instructions:

It's in the applicant's best interest to submit all of the documents listed below. Applications without these documents may be declined.

• A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position.
• A resume outlining your experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to the minimum qualifications of this position.
• Three professional references.
• A writing sample of yours from a previous outreach project that caters to specific interested stakeholder(s).

Note: Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.

For Your Privacy:

When attaching documents to your application (Resume, Cover Letter, Transcripts, DD-214, etc.):

• Please be sure to remove private information such as your social security number, date of birth, etc. 
• Do not attach documents that are password protected, as these documents may not be reviewed and may cause errors within your application when downloaded. 

Additional Application Instructions for Current Ecology Employees: 

• Please make sure to answer the agency-wide questions regarding permanent status as a classified employee within the Washington General Service or Washington Management Service.
• Do not forget to select Department of Ecology as a response to question 2, and type your personnel ID number for question 3.
• If you are not sure of your status or do not know your personnel ID number, please contact Human Resources.

Application Attestation: 

• The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful.
• The state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of your application or dismissal if employed. 

Other Information:

• If you have specific questions about the position, email Andrew Hayes at: Andrew.Hayes@ecy.wa.gov.
• Please do not contact Andrew to inquire about the status of your application.
• To request the full position description: email careers@ecy.wa.gov

Why work for Ecology?

As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment for current and future generations. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism and accountability.

Joining Ecology means becoming a part of a team committed to protecting and restoring Washington State's environment. A career in public service 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.

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 Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth 

Student debt - how working for Ecology can help:

• The Department of Ecology is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
• See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.

Collective Bargaining:

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

Need an Accommodation in the application and/or screening process or this job announcement in an alternative format?

• Please call: (360) 407-6186 or email: careers@ecy.wa.gov and we will be happy to assist.
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can reach the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
• If you need assistance applying for this job, please e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not send an email to this address to follow-up the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile's main page.
• If you are reading this announcement in print format, please enter the following URL to your search engine to apply: https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/Jobs-at-Ecology.

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. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 407-6186. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

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.