Climate Change: Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Verification Program Specialist (Environmental Planner 4)

Washington State

  • Thurston County, WA Lacey, WA
  • $75,108-100,980 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 month ago
DescriptionKeeping Washington Clean and EvergreenThe Department of Ecology is hiring a Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Verification, Third-Party Verifier Program Specialist (Environmental Planner 4) within the Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP).Location:
  • Headquarters Office in
. * 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 (Tuesdays) is required in the office.
  • Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline:
  • Apply by July 16, 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 July 16th may not be considered.
DutiesAs the senior environmental planner for third party verification, you will be responsible for mandatory greenhouse gas emissions verification and reporting compliance for the Washington Cap-and-Invest Program -- you will review and analyze greenhouse gas emission reports from entities and evaluate those reports for accurate, timely, and complete data. You will also lead the work of certifying and evaluating prospective verification bodies and individual, third-party verifiers who wish to provide services within the Washington Cap-and-Invest program, ensuring the on-going quality of third-party verifier reports and materials, tracking and reviewing their reports and contracts, and building and utilizing databases and tools to do so.What you will do:
  • Certify verification bodies and individual third-party verifiers to provide services within Washington's Cap-and-Invest Program.
  • Train and provide technical assistance to prospective third party verifiers to obtain certification, and once certified to maintain knowledge and proficiency.
  • Design and update training materials and programs and work with other Cap-and-Invest Group staff to carry out trainings.
  • Track, organize, and monitor reports from third party verifiers and contracts between verification bodies and clients to ensure quality and compliance with all applicable guidelines.
  • Develop, maintain, and ensure the accuracy and completeness of Washington's list of approved third party verifiers and ensure that all approved verifiers and verification bodies meet certification requirements.
  • Provide support in reporting and verification efforts; work closely with other Ecology and external experts to design, improve, implement, and maintain tracking databases, tools and systems.
  • Develop and regularly update forms and procedures relevant to third party verifiers and their activities; lead and coordinate the development and implementation of guidance documents and standards for verifiers.
  • Serve as subject matter expert on third party verifiers in other jurisdictions such as California, applicable laws and regulations, best practices, and developments in this subject area.
  • Support the members of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting and Verification Unit in compliance activities and procedures, and potential enforcement actions.
QualificationsFor detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our .Required Qualifications:Nine years of experience and/or education in:
  • Land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related field.
  • Experience must include at least one of the following:
  • Administering programs that involve collecting, reporting, or reviewing environmental or regulatory information - like permits, reports, audits, or certifications.
  • Collecting, reviewing, and analyzing program or regulatory data to check for accuracy, identify trends, and help inform decisions, track performance, or support policy recommendations.
  • Writing or updating policies, procedures, or guidance documents and helping explain them to others through training, workshops, or one-on-one support.
  • Working with agencies, businesses, or contractors to ensure program compliance, reviewing reports or documents for accuracy, and helping improve how programs operate.
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.
  • One year of experience as an Environmental Planner 3, at the Department of Ecology.
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:
  • Working knowledge of:
  • Greenhouse gas reporting and verification
  • Emission reporting and tracking systems and protocols
  • Carbon trading programs and cap-and-invest programs
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.Supplemental InformationEcology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit .Our Commitment to DEIRDiversity, 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 ProcessEcology 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 ApplyClick “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. A resume and cover letter accompanying your application is very strongly encouraged.
For detailed application information, please visit our .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
  • 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 Eli Levitt at
. * 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
.About the Climate Pollution Reduction ProgramThe Climate Pollution Reduction Program's (CPRP's) mission is to implement policies and programs to reduce carbon emissions in the state of Washington so that the state meets its statutory greenhouse gas emission limits. The CPRP focuses long-term, requiring creative and strategic decision-making for implementation to achieve broad statewide and interstate success reducing carbon emissions in the state of Washington so residents have a healthy environment and climate.The Cap-and-Invest Group is responsible for the implementation and operation 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 are required to obtain allowances tied to their emissions, which can be bought, sold, and traded. The market for these commodities began in January 2023, and the proceeds are invested by the state in projects to decarbonize transportation and other sectors of the economy, promote clean energy, and advance equity and environmental justice.Ecology employees may be eligible for the following: , , *, *, , , & *To learn more about Ecology, please visit our , explore , check out our , and connect with us on , , , , or our .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.

Washington State