Climate Pollution Reduction Deputy Program Manager (WMS Band 3)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Climate Pollution Reduction Deputy Program Manager (WMS Band 3) 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 two days per week is required in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by March 31, 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 March 31st may not be considered.

Responsibilities of the Deputy Program Manager include:

• With the Program Manager, manage and facilitate Program Leadership Team (PLT) meetings. Guide staff to achieve objectives set by the PLT, particularly work regarding legislative and federal affairs, budget, Tribal relations, environmental justice and Title VI, policy and planning, and information technology.
• Manage day-to-day internal program operations, including control of operating budget funds to facilitate purchasing, hiring, travel, contracting, and program events.
• Supervise five direct reports, including assigning work, hiring, engaging in performance management, corrective and disciplinary action.

• Foster cooperation with teams of staff working on program initiatives. Create a supportive, collaborative work environment to promote a diverse workforce, meaningful work, creative problem solving, and continuous learning throughout the program.
• Maintain the highest standards of personal, professional, and ethical conduct and support the state’s goal for a diverse, equitable, inclusive, respectful workforce.
• Promote a customer-service ethos, and support effective communication throughout the program and the agency.
• Make critical decisions on the effects of climate and energy legislation, rules, programs, policies and budgets.  
• Supervise and support the program Legislative Planner in reviewing proposed federal, state, and local legislation to assess impacts on the agency and state and preparing agency responses. Ensure the timely preparation of briefing materials and testimony for agency management, and when assigned, testify before legislative committees.
• Supervise and support the program Tribal Liaison in building and maintaining relationships with Tribal leaders, staff, and consultants and serve as a spokesperson for all of the program’s work with our Tribal partners.
• With the program Tribal Liaison, provide training, guidance, and feedback to program staff on interactions with Tribal leaders, members, and staff. 
• Coordinate implementation of the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act within the program and serve as primary liaison between the program and the Ecology Office of Environmental Equity and Justice. Oversee staff carrying out all program environmental justice assessments.
• With the Budget Manager, oversee staff carrying out budget proposal equity analysis requirements, and environmental justice and equity analysis for bill analyses and fiscal notes.
• With the Policy and Planning Section Manager, oversee the development, coordination, and planning of all of the program’s rules. Follow established protocols and help create protocols to incorporate new requirements, such as those of the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act. Ensure that feedback from key groups of interested parties is solicited and incorporated.
• Working with the Policy and Planning Section Manager, oversee the development of the program’s strategic plan and the program’s contributions to the agency strategic plan. 
• Support the strategic plan development process with teams and sections to develop specific, measurable, achievable, and compatible work plans that promote achievement of the vision, values, and primary goals and strategies of the updated strategic plan.

Required Qualifications:

Nine years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Experience in natural resource planning, program development or management. 
  • Professional experience must include a minimum of three years of supervisory experience managing technical and policy staff. 
• Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or natural science, engineering, planning, public administration, business administration, or related field.

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.

Additional Required Knowledge and Skills:
Knowledge of:

• State legislative processes.

• Principles of policy and program planning and development.

• Principles of developing and managing program budget and workload.

• Basic knowledge of market-based climate policy.

Specific skills required include:

• Performance assessment, budget management, people management, and strategic planning.

• Experience in Tribal and legislative relations.

• Experience in building consensus, conflict resolution, and maintaining key relationships internally and externally.

• Experience assessing equity and environmental justice impacts of proposed projects, legislation, investments, etc.

• Ability to work effectively in a stressful environment, prioritizing tasks and managing workload to meet requirements or deadlines.

• Ability to maintain a calm, respectful, and professional demeanor.

• Ability to be dependable, flexible, and willing to accept new responsibilities.

• Ability to think analytically, innovatively, and strategically to develop, evaluate, and synthesize recommendations for agency management.

• Understand the needs and objectives of customers and interested parties and be viewed as open and responsive and able to influence positions to achieve maximum consensus.

• Ability to create a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment to promote meaningful work, creative problem solving, and continuous learning throughout the program.

Desired Qualifications:

• Advanced management and planning courses and work experience.
• Knowledge and experience with climate laws and policies.
• Experience managing subordinate managers who supervise staff.

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.

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.

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 Joel Creswell at Joel.Creswell@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 at careers@ecy.wa.gov

About the Climate Pollution Reduction Program

The Climate Pollution Reduction Program’s (CPRP's) 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. CPRP is responsible for implementing Ecology’s greenhouse gas reduction policies and tracking the state’s progress toward its mandatory greenhouse gas reduction limits. The program is made up of approximately 100 full-time employees and its work includes the Cap-and-Invest Program, the Clean Fuel Standard, the Hydrofluorocarbon Reduction Program, the Zero Emission Vehicles Program, and the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory.

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) 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.

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.

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.

Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency.

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Salary : $108,963 - $139,231