Fluorinated Gases (F-Gas) Headquarters Unit Supervisor (Environmental Planner 5)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Fluorinated Gases (F-Gas) Headquarters Unit Supervisor (Environmental Planner 5) 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. Certain weeks, business may require two days in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline: 

• Apply by May 27, 2026 to ensure being considered.
• 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 the above date may not be considered.

Duties

• Do you want your work to directly address climate change in Washington State?  
• Does the idea of working with businesses, manufacturers, and a diverse group of interested parties, with sometimes competing interests, to identify implementable common ground solutions interest you?
• Are you interested in supporting and leading a growing team of professionals as we implement a new regulation?

If you answered yes to the questions above, you might be a great fit for our team! As the F-Gas Headquarters Unit Supervisor, you will support the implementation of Washington’s current fluorinated gases regulations and advance the state’s refrigerant recovery and reclamation efforts. In this role, you will provide day-to-day support, supervision and coordination for multiple technical staff. As a policy lead, you will chair the Refrigerant Transition Task Force. This includes networking with task force members, setting priorities and key milestones, and managing meetings. A key deliverable will be a legislative report that identifies opportunities and challenges in transitioning to more climate-friendly refrigerants, improving refrigerant recovery and reclamation, and providing clear, targeted policy recommendations to support these goals.

As an agency climate expert, you will represent the Department of Ecology and the State of Washington , such as when coordinating with other members of the US Climate Alliance Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) workgroup. You will also support the section's Refrigerant Management Program, which focuses on reducing refrigerant emissions from certain refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. The Unit Supervisor will work hand-in-hand with the Section Manager to achieve the goals of Washington State’s Hydrofluorocarbons - Emissions Reduction law.

What you will do:

• Lead the implementation of the Refrigerant Transition Task Force. This includes managing a facilitator contract and developing a report to the legislature.
• Develop guidance documents and standard operating procedures for the F-Gas Section.
• Work within the Section to determine policy priorities that address emission reduction goals. 
• Supervise the F-Gas Headquarters Unit, oversee unit responsibilities, assign work, and assure effective completion of deliverables on time and within budget.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and promote the career development of unit staff.
• Follow regulations and apply scientific methods to develop, implement, and update program regulations, guidelines, and tools to achieve HFC emission reductions. 
• Provide advice and support to F-Gas Section, CPRP, and agency leadership on the successful implementation of F-Gas Section responsibilities. Serve on Climate Pollution Reduction Program Performance Leadership Team. 
• With the support of teammates, prepare briefing documents, reports, presentations, web pages, correspondence, and other materials.

The F-Gas Section implements key regulations to support the Climate Pollution Reduction Program's mission. Commonly used in air conditioning and different types of refrigeration, in producing insulating foams, and many other uses, HFCs are short-lived climate “super-pollutants” that can be thousands of times more powerful than carbon dioxide. HFCs are the fastest growing climate pollutant worldwide. In Washington, we’re doing our part to support the transition to more climate-friendly refrigerants that will help us keep things cool without making the world hotter. 

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

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

• Policy Analysis, Negotiation, and Consensus Building – Demonstrated competence researching, interpreting, and integrating technical information, regulations, and public policy to develop practical and implementable policy options; facilitating multi-party discussions; building consensus on complex, high-conflict issues; and negotiating solutions that are durable, implementable, and aligned with environmental and public-interest objectives.
• Strategic Policy Development and Implementation – Skills in evaluating emerging issues, designing policy frameworks, crafting interpretive statements or legislative recommendations, and translating broad regulatory goals into actionable plans, procedures, and program improvements.
• Multi-Party Group Facilitation and Process Leadership – Experience with convening, leading, and guiding diverse participants through structured decision-making processes, establishing shared agreements, and ensuring respectful, productive dialogue that leads to actionable outcomes.
• Project and Contract Management – Demonstrated competence developing and executing project plans, managing complex timelines, coordinating resources, and administering contracts to ensure deliverables are completed on schedule and in compliance with agency requirements.
• Regulatory and Technical Expertise – Skills in analyzing scientific and regulatory information, interpreting statutes and rules, and synthesizing technical data to inform policy decisions, guidance documents, and rulemaking activities.
• Supervision, Coaching, and Workforce Development – Experience providing direction, training, and mentorship to technical and professional staff; setting expectations; allocating resources; and strengthening team performance through ongoing feedback and development opportunities.
• Communication and Relationship Management – Skills in communicating technical or policy information in accessible ways, maintaining productive professional relationships, and responding effectively to inquiries from leadership, public partners, and internal teams.
• Operational Planning and Continuous Improvement – Demonstrated competence designing standard operating procedures, improving processes, coordinating cross-functional work, and ensuring regulatory, programmatic, and administrative requirements are met with high quality.

Education in: climate science, land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning; environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental engineering or land-use / environmental law; public administration with an environmental emphasis; or, closely related field.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 11 years of experience.
• 10 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 9 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 8 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 7 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• 5 years of experience AND a Master’s degree.
• 4 years of experience AND a Ph.D.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. 

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience Leading Complex Policy Initiatives – Demonstrated competence guiding technically complex policy, regulatory, or legislative efforts to produce clear, actionable, and timely outcomes.
• Advanced Knowledge of Climate Science and Emissions Reduction Technologies – Skills in applying an in-depth understanding of climate change science, current and emerging emissions reduction technologies (including those for short-lived climate pollutants), and timelines for commercialization/adoption, which inform policy development and program decisions.
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills Across Diverse Groups – Demonstrated competence building productive working relationships with individuals and organizations representing a wide range of perspectives, and fostering constructive dialogue that leads to shared understanding and practical solutions.
• Communicating Scientific and Regulatory Concepts – Skills in explaining climate, technical, and regulatory processes clearly and effectively to audiences with varying backgrounds, experience levels, or educational needs.
   

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.

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.

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 Climate Pollution Reduction Program's (CPRP's) mission is to implement policies and programs to reduce carbon emissions so Washington state meets its statutory greenhouse gas emission limits. The CPRP focuses on long-term, strategic decision-making to achieve broad statewide emission reductions so Washington residents have a healthy environment and climate.
 
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.

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

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