Job Description

Posting number: 2026-CPRP1168-08137

Department: Dept. of Ecology

Division: Climate Pollution Reduction Program

Job classification: COMMUNITY OUTREACH & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION SPECIALIST 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Environmental Services, Public Health, Public Relations, Education, Natural Resources, Communications, Sciences, Green-Collar/Environmental

Summary

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Climate Change Outreach Specialist (Community Outreach & Environmental Education Specialist 3) within the Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP).

NOTE: This is a temporary position to fill an extended vacancy expected to end May 31, 2027 with the potential for an extension. If the permanent employee returns early, the temporary position may end early. If the permanent employee does not return, Ecology may choose to elevate the temporary position to permanent status.

Location:

• Eastern Region Office in Spokane, 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. This position is expected to be in the office for a full workday every Tuesday.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by October 12, 2026.
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Examples of duties

In this role, you will serve as the outreach and education specialist for your eastern and central regional teammates in the Climate Pollution Reduction Program's F-Gas Section. You will support our statewide Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emission reduction program's communication and education. (HFCs are considered climate super-pollutants, meaning you will be helping our team reduce climate changing emissions in Washington State!)

In tandem with the Outreach Team Lead (based at Ecology Headquarters in Lacey), you will develop accessible print and electronic materials, plan and coordinate education events; and support outreach to regulated communities. The position also helps strategize environmental justice compliance and program implementation by conducting outreach campaigns and surveys, managing and analyzing engagement data, and providing outreach support for regional F-Gas Section staff. All communication, engagement, and outreach activities must align with Washington’s environmental justice law (HEAL Act), Ecology’s Community Engagement Plan and Tribal Consultation Framework, and state and federal accessibility and nondiscrimination requirements, including Title VI language and disability access. This position plays a key role in delivering consistent, equitable, and effective HFC program communication across the state.

What you will do:

• Coordinate regional training and outreach efforts for the F-Gas Section to promote consistent, high-quality education across the state.
• Collaborate with the COEES Team Lead and other F-Gas Section staff to evaluate outreach and education activities and strengthen cross-regional alignment.
• Communicate HFC requirements clearly and confidently to regulated businesses, community groups, Tribal governments, and members of the public.
• Develop and manage outreach and communication plans that support successful HFC program implementation.
• Create and distribute accessible educational materials, including newsletters, fact sheets, presentations, brochures, and displays, to help audiences understand program requirements.
• Plan, implement and facilitate workshops, trainings, office hours, conferences, and meetings. Give public presentations or table events. Travel may be required for some events.
• Work directly with external partners to plan tailored training activities that help regulated communities understand HFC program expectations and compliance expectations.
• Represent Ecology during meetings, workshops, and field visits with interested groups, e.g. health districts, regional clean air agencies, or conferences throughout ERO and CRO.
• Conduct environmental, economic, health, and demographic research to help identify overburdened communities and inform equitable outreach approaches.
• Integrate environmental justice and Title VI best practices into all project work, using tools such as the Environmental Health Disparities Map.

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

Seven years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:

• Outreach Strategy Planning and Implementation - Experience developing and carrying out outreach and education strategies for complex technical or regulatory programs.
• Clear and Inclusive Communication - Demonstrated competence communicating regulatory or technical information in plain language to diverse audiences.
• Digital and Language Accessibility - Experience applying digital accessibility and language access standards, including coordinating translation or interpretation services.
• Community and Program Engagement - Demonstrated competence engaging regulated entities, Tribal communities, and local partners to support understanding of program requirements.
• Outreach Materials Development - Skilled in creating and revising outreach products such as presentations, graphics, websites, fact sheets, and other public-facing materials.
• Facilitation and Public Event Coordination - Experience planning, facilitating, or moderating workshops, trainings, public meetings, and similar engagement activities.

Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or natural science, education, communications or a closely related field.

Examples of how to qualify:

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

Desired Qualifications:

• Public Involvement and Risk Communication Knowledge - Demonstrated competence applying public involvement principles, behavior change strategies, risk communication practices, Title VI requirements, and environmental justice best practices.
• Climate, Environmental, or Public Health Outreach Expertise - Experience developing outreach or educational materials on climate change, environmental topics, or public health issues.
• Underserved Community Engagement - Experience designing and implementing engagement approaches that effectively reach underserved, overburdened, or linguistically isolated communities.
• Environmental Justice Integration - Ability to use environmental justice tools and data to identify community needs and inform equitable outreach strategies.
• Cross-Cultural and Tribal Engagement Skills - Ability to work collaboratively with Tribal communities, Indigenous peoples, communities of color, immigrant communities, and rural or low-income populations to build trust and support program goals.
• Writing and Editing Proficiency - Strong skill in writing, editing, and reviewing outreach and educational materials to ensure clarity, accuracy, and accessibility for diverse audiences.

If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.

Supplemental information

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.

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 Leonard Machut at Leonard.Machut@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 mission of the Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP) is to guide Washington to a net zero future by 2050. We implement policies that encourage businesses and individuals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a clean energy economy. This position helps to achieve this mission by communicating and promoting how the hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) program protects and improves air quality across Washington State, playing a key outreach role to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and address climate change.

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 Incentive, 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.

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