Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Senior Cap-and-Invest Offsets Specialist (Environmental Specialist 5) (In-Training)within the Climate Pollution Reduction Program.
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.
- Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline:
- Apply by April 28, 2025.
- This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after April 28th may not be considered.
As the Senior Cap-and-Invest Offsets Specialist, you will play an integral role on the Cap-and-Invest program policy team. You will lead the administration of the offset project registration process, which supports projects aimed at reducing or sequestering greenhouse gas emissions. Under Washington’s Cap-and-Invest Program, offset projects must deliver direct environmental benefits to the state.
In this position, you will review offset project submissions, provide recommendations on credit issuance, and offer technical assistance. You’ll also serve as a key point of contact for offset project registries and independent third-party verifiers. Additionally, you will respond to offsets-related inquiries from Senior Policy Advisors in the Office of the Governor, as well as from legislators and legislative staff.
You will also develop guidance for registries, verifiers, and project developers to support the implementation of offset protocols and Ecology offset policies. These efforts are essential to maintaining the integrity of the offset program and advancing the long-term viability of Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA)—a key step toward building a healthier, more resilient future for our state.
Additional duties include:
- Serve as the agency lead and primary point of contact on processes related to listing, registration, verification, and issuance of Cap-and-Invest offset credits.
- Develop, review, and revise offset project listing, data reporting and requests for offset issuance forms, and maintain up-to-date records of approved project registries, project verifiers and Ecology credit issuance.
- Review and respond to offset project third party verifier and verification body applications, and offset project registry applications.
- Review requests for Ecology offset credit issuance and make credit issuances recommendations.
- Conduct offsets project site visits to audit project verification activities.
- Develop and conduct trainings for registries and verifiers in response to offset protocol revisions.
- Consult and negotiate with groups internal and external to Ecology to develop offset protocol and rule language.
- Review and analyze complex climate pollution reduction laws, policies, and protocols.
- Use project management tools (including schedules, project plans, and Gantt charts) to report project status and progress.
- Participate in state, regional, and national level discussions on issues related to carbon offset projects and protocols.
This position offers an in-training plan and may be filled at the Environmental Specialist 4, or 5 level, depending on your qualifications. If you qualify at the ES4 level and are hired, you will progress through an in-training plan to become an ES5 within a specified time period.
For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.
Required Qualifications:
At the Environmental Specialist 4 level (In-Training)
Pay Range 59, $5,501 - $7,400 monthlyNine years of experience and/or education as described below:
- Experience performing environmental-based work OR work related to the essential functions and key activities of the position, that includes one or more of the following:
- Experience with technical project management including analyzing project details, summarizing technical data, and presenting findings.
- Distilling technical policies or information to be readily understood, and communicating these to different interested parties (colleagues, management, the public).
- Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning, or an academic discipline related to the duties of the position .
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.
At the Environmental Specialist 5 level (Goal Class)Pay Range 63, $6,077 - $8,170 monthlyTen years of experience and/or education as described below:
- Experience performing environmental-based work OR work related to the essential functions and key activities of the position, that includes one or more of the following:
- Experience with technical project management including analyzing project details, summarizing technical data, and presenting findings.
- Distilling technical policies or information to be readily understood, and communicating these to different interested parties (colleagues, management, the public).
- Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning, or an academic discipline related to the duties of the position .
Examples of how to qualify:
- 10 years of experience.
- 9 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
- 8 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
- 7 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
- 6 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
- 4 years of experience AND a Master’s degree.
- 3 years of experience AND a Ph.D.
At both the Environmental Specialist 4 and 5 Levels:
- Experience must include demonstrated competence in at least one of the following skill sets:
- Experience must include demonstrated commitment to:
- Understanding and upholding commitments to Tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, government-to-government relationships, inherent rights of indigenous people, and since time immemorial tribal culture and history.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present findings and recommendations to diverse audiences.
- Planning programs or projects strategically designed for equitable process and outcomes.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
- 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:
Experience in the following policy areas: voluntary or compliance offset protocols, offset project registration processes, offset project development.
Experience engaging in communications and consultations with offset project developers, verifiers, and/or offset project registries.
Experience related to activities eligible for credit issuance through Ecology’s adopted offset protocols; forest management, destruction of ozone depleting substances, and/or destruction of livestock methane.
If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.
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, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology's work. 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.
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 DEIRis 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.
How to Apply
Click “Apply” at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:
- Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
- Resume
Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as “see resume” may be considered incomplete.
For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.
Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.
Need an Accommodation?
If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:
- Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or careers@ecy.wa.gov
- 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 Jordan Wildish at Jordan.Wildish@ecy.wa.gov.
- 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 atcareers@ecy.wa.gov.
About the Climate Pollution Reduction Program
The Climate Pollution Reduction Program’s (CPRP) mission is to implement policies and programs to reduce carbon emissions to meet the state’s greenhouse gas emission limits. The CPRP focuses long term to create innovative solutions and policies to guide Washington and set an example for other states seeking to reduce their climate impact. The Cap-and-Invest Group within the CPRP leads the design and implementation of Washington’s Cap-and-Invest program, which employs market mechanisms to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a cost-effective manner. As part of the Cap-and-Invest program, businesses and entities will be required to obtain allowances tied to their emissions, which can be bought, sold, and traded. This market began in 2023, and the proceeds are invested in initiatives to decarbonize transportation and other sectors of the economy, promote clean energy, and advance equity and environmental justice.
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 Incentives(Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *Click here for more information
To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or our blog.
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.
#LI-Hybrid
