Climate Change: Cap-and-Invest Trading Lead (Environmental Planner 4) (In-Training)

  • Washington State Department of Ecology
  • Lacey, WA
  • Nov 15, 2022
Full time Project Manager Scientific Engineering Finance Government

Job Description

Per Governor Inslee’s Directive 22-13.1, state employees must be fully vaccinated effective November 4, 2022. Providing proof of being fully vaccinated is a condition of employment and your vaccine status will be verified prior to starting work. Being fully vaccinated means two weeks after you have received the second dose in a two-dose series of a COVID-19 vaccine or a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use, licensed or otherwise authorized or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or listed for emergency use or otherwise approved by the World Health Organization. If you have questions, please contact Careers@ecy.wa.gov with “COVID-19 vaccination” in the subject line.  


Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Air Quality Program (AQP) is looking to fill a Climate Change: Cap-and-Invest Trading Lead (Environmental Planner 4) (In-Training) position. This position will be located at our Headquarters Building in Lacey, WA. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.
   
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 and commits our state to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 95% by 2050.

Washington’s program is only the second such economy-wide program in the nation, and Ecology has been directed by the Legislature to have it up-and-running by January 1, 2023. It’s a big task with even bigger long-term impacts on the state’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the global fight against climate change. We are hard at work, looking to hire a diverse range of mission-focused professionals to help us bring this important legislation to life.

As the Cap-and-Invest Trading Lead, you will provide staff leadership in the Greenhouse Gas Auctions and Market unit. This unit helps bring companies into the cap-and-invest program, facilitates allowances auctions and trading, and safeguards the cap-and-invest program’s integrity through ongoing market surveillance. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring firms can trade—and participate—in the cap-and-invest market. By helping firms get comfortable with this new market and how it works, you will enable them to maintain a primary focus on decreasing emissions so Washington can meet its goal of reducing emissions by 95% by 2050.
 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 is subject to change. Application Timeline: This position will remain open until filled, with an initial screening date of November 22, 2022. In order to be considered for initial screening, please submit an application on or before November 21, 2022. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.
About the Department of EcologyProtecting Washington State's environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We are a culture that is invested in making a difference. Join a team that is highly effective and collaborative, with leadership that embraces the value of people. To learn more, check out our Strategic Plan
Ecology cares deeply about employee wellness; we go beyond traditional benefits, proudly offering:

  • A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
  • An Infants at Work Program that is based on the long-term health values of infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.
  • Continuous growth and development opportunities. 
  • A wellness program that offers education, fitness classes, and an agency-wide fondness for outdoor meetings.
  • Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work.

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 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. 

 

Duties

What you will do as a Cap-and-Invest Trading Lead:

  • Provide education and outreach to interested market participants so they understand how to join the Cap-and-Invest program and how to use the allowance trading platform.
  • Collaborate and communicate with other emissions trading system jurisdictions in California and Québec, Canada to harmonize allowance processes.
  • Work with the allowance trading subcontractor, Western Climate Initiative, Inc. to optimize trading platform processes to reduce barriers to participation.
  •  Apply project management principles to keep deliverables on track; discuss project logistics and work with unit supervisor to set team goals that align with the unit’s objectives.
  • Develop and lead trainings for cap-and-invest entities and other relevant parties on market participation.
  • Work with the communications team to develop and update outreach materials in relevant formats for multiple audiences including the general public, entities participating in the cap-and-invest program, other state agencies, and other interested parties.
  • Lead, train and mentor colleagues to enhance unit effectiveness.

Qualifications

This is an In-Training Position. The goal class for this position is Environmental Planner (EP4). We will consider applicants who meet the requirements for the EP2 and EP3 level. If the finalist meets the requirements for the EP2 or EP3 level, they will be hired in at that level and placed into a training program to become an EP4 within a specified period of time.
 
Required Qualifications:
Experience for both required and desired qualifications can be gained through various combinations of formal professional employment, educational and volunteer experience. See below for how you may qualify.
 
At the Environmental Planner 2 level: Salary Range 52 ($4,324-$5,673 monthly) (in-training)
Option 1:

  • A Bachelor's degree with major emphasis in environmental science and/or policy; other areas of science and/or policy; project or program management; economics, finance, or business; or other subjects or areas applicable to auctions, and/or markets, or closely allied fields. 
  • Three years of professional experience which may include some or all of the following: general experience in project management and/or program management; environmental science and/or policy; other areas of science and/or policy; economics, finance, or business; or other areas applicable to auctions, and/or markets; and closely related fields.

Option 2:

  • A Master's degree or above with major emphasis in environmental science and/or policy; other areas of science and/or policy; project or program management; economics, finance, or business; or other subjects or areas applicable to auctions, and/or markets, or closely allied fields. 
  • One year of professional experience, which may include some or all of the following: general experience in project management and/or program management; environmental science and/or policy; other areas of science and/or policy; economics, finance, or business; or other areas applicable to auctions, and/or markets; and closely related fields. 

Option 3: 

  • One year of experience as an Environmental Planner 1, at the Department of Ecology.

 
 
At the Environmental Planner 3 level: Salary Range 59 ($5,136-$6,746 monthly) (in-training)
Option 1:

  • A Bachelor's degree with major emphasis in environmental science and/or policy; other areas of science and/or policy; project or program management; economics, finance, or business; or other subjects or areas applicable to auctions, and/or markets, or closely allied fields. 
  • Four years of professional experience which may include some or all of the following: general experience in project management and/or program management; environmental science and/or policy; other areas of science and/or policy; economics, finance, or business; or other areas applicable to auctions, and/or markets; and closely related fields. 

Option 2:

  • A Master's degree or above with major emphasis in environmental science and/or policy; other areas of science and/or policy; project or program management; economics, finance, or business; or other subjects or areas applicable to auctions, and/or markets, or closely allied fields. 
  • Two years of professional experience, which may include some or all of the following: general experience in project management and/or program management; environmental science and/or policy; other areas of science and/or policy; economics, finance, or business; or other areas applicable to auctions, and/or markets; and closely related fields. 

Option 3: 

  • One year of experience as an Environmental Planner 2, at the Department of Ecology.

 
 
At the Environmental Planner 4 level: Salary Range 63 ($5,673-$7,441 monthly) Goal Class
Option 1:

  • A Bachelor's degree with major emphasis in environmental science and/or policy; other areas of science and/or policy; project or program management; economics, finance, or business; or other subjects or areas applicable to auctions, and/or markets, or closely allied fields. 
  • Five years of professional experience which may include some or all of the following: general experience in project management and/or program management; environmental science and/or policy; other areas of science and/or policy; economics, finance, or business; or other areas applicable to auctions, and/or markets; and closely related fields.

Option 2:

  • A Master's degree or above with major emphasis in environmental science and/or policy; other areas of science and/or policy; project or program management; economics, finance, or business; or other subjects or areas applicable to auctions, and/or markets, or closely allied fields. 
  • Three years of professional experience, which may include some or all of the following: general experience in project management and/or program management; environmental science and/or policy; other areas of science and/or policy; economics, finance, or business; or other areas applicable to auctions, and/or markets; and closely related fields. 

Option 3: 

  • One year of experience as an Environmental Planner 3, at the Department of Ecology.


Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 

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

  • Project management experience or training.
  • Experience working to address climate change in some capacity.
  • An understanding of GHG markets, GHG reduction programs, and policies.
  • Quantitative skills, course work, degrees, and/or experience that may be relevant to GHG reduction programs and policies.

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 on 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.


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 (such as 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, please email Derek Nixon at: Derek.Nixon@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Derek 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 *See the Benefits tab in this announcement for more information 

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.

To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.


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

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. 

Occupations

Environmental Protection-Conservation

Salary

$68,076.00 - $89,292.00 Annually

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