Salary : $75,108.00 - $100,980.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-CPR5383-08712
Department: Dept. of Ecology
Division: Climate Pollution Reduction Program
Opening Date: 12/18/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Greenhouse Gas Inventory Planner (Environmental Planner 4)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 one day per week, every Tuesday, is required in the office.
- Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline: - Apply by January 9, 2026.
- 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 date above may not be considered.
Duties Join our team as a senior-level Environmental Planner in the Greenhouse Gas Inventory Unit, where you will play a pivotal role in advancing the state's climate initiatives. In this position, you will lead and coordinate policy assessment of state efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing inventory reporting. You will manage the flow of critical emissions data across state agencies, including the Department of Commerce, the Utilities and Trade Commission, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Natural Resources. In addition, you will establish emissions calculation processes, develop and refine sector-specific emissions analyses, and ensure the reliability of data in collaboration with your team. Your work will provide actionable insights on greenhouse gas emissions, supporting informed policy decisions and delivering clear, accurate information to both governmental and public audiences. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the state's climate goals while applying cutting-edge methods and best practices in greenhouse gas inventory and emissions analysis.
What you will do:- Lead the design, implementation, and improvement of methods for assessing greenhouse gas emissions reductions from existing policies and forecasting potential reductions.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners to establish and maintain data-sharing agreements, information flows, and inventory calculation processes.
- Review and analyze state greenhouse gas reduction policies and proposals, providing clear characterizations of their emissions implications.
- Support statewide greenhouse gas inventory reporting, including drafting and reviewing reports and technical memoranda.
- Adapt national and international greenhouse gas accounting protocols to develop sector-specific inventory processes, ensuring relevance to state policy.
- Serve as a subject matter expert and agency representative in interagency working groups and public-facing initiatives on greenhouse gas data and reporting.
- Continuously monitor federal and state legislation, scientific developments, and best practices to maintain up-to-date expertise in greenhouse gas inventory methods.
- Identify gaps in analysis and collaborate with colleagues to improve the State inventory's relevance to policy.
- Create tables, figures, and narrative description in the completion of legislative reports and technical memoranda related to greenhouse gas inventories.
- Provide plain-talked written responses to internal and external correspondence and responses related to Greenhouse Gas Inventory Unit work, including constituent queries, and requests from legislators or the executive branch.
Qualifications For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our
Nine years of experience and/or education in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with environmental emphasis, or closely related experience,
which must include two or more of the following: - Demonstrated experience with climate policy analysis, assessment, or implementation.
- Demonstrated experience with carbon accounting or greenhouse gas inventory.
- Demonstrated experience with climate planning across multiple sectors.
- Demonstrated experience with interagency or multi-institution project planning.
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 or above.
- 1 year of experience as an Environmental Planner 3, at the Department of Ecology.
Desired Qualifications: - Demonstrated experience leading greenhouse gas inventory, for example Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reporting of greenhouse gas emissions, use of EPA State Inventory Tool or similar accounting method.
- Demonstrated experience with project management at scale.
- Demonstrated experience applying Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change methodologies.
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 candidate needed for this or other roles.
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 .
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
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-###-#### or
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-###-####.
Questions? - For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Anthony Abbott 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 ...@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 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.
Located within the Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Transportation (GHGIT) Section, the Greenhouse Gas Inventory Planner supports Washington's attainment of net zero emissions by 2050.
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 DEIRis 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), , 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, Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *
Click here for more information To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore , 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.
#LI-Hybrid
More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits: The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for
exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
Have you ever worked for the Department of Ecology in any capacity including: Permanent, Non-permanent, Project, Intern, or Volunteer?
02
How did you hear about this job?
- Community Based Organization
- Community / Technical College
- Ecology Employee
- Ecology Recruiter
- Ecology Jobs Page
- Facebook
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- LinkedIn
- Newspaper
- Other State Agency
- Other Website
- Professional Association
- Twitter
- University Job Board
- WorkSource
- Other
03
If you selected Community Based Organization, Community / Technical College, Job Board, Job Fair, LinkedIn Group, Newspaper, Other State Agency, Other Website, Professional Association, University Job Board, WorkSource, or Other, please share which one.
04
How many years of experience do you have performing land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related experience? Please include any experience gained through employment, internships, and/or volunteer positions. Note that experience gained from academic coursework, class projects, or other degree requirements is assessed in later questions.
- Three years
- Four years
- Five years
- Six years
- Seven years
- Eight years
- Nine or more years
- None of the above
05
Please select all areas where you have demonstrable experience:
- Climate policy analysis, assessment, or implementation.
- Carbon accounting or greenhouse gas inventory.
- Climate planning across multiple sectors.
- Interagency or multi-institution project planning.
- None of the above.
06
Please provide additional details to support your responses to Questions 4 and 5 above. The following information is needed: position title(s), specific duties, and periods of employment. Make sure your response specifically addresses the qualification above. An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.
07
In 250 words or less, describe a project where you analyzed or implemented climate or greenhouse gas reduction policy. What was your role? What were the outcomes? (If you do not have specific experience enter N/A)
08
In 250 words or less, describe your work with carbon accounting or greenhouse gas inventory. What was your role? What were the outcomes? (If you do not have specific experience enter N/A)
09
In 250 words or less, describe your work with climate planning. Can you highlight sectors where you have particular expertise? (If you do not have specific experience enter N/A)
10
In 250 words or less, describe a project where you worked to coordinate interagency or multi-institution project planning. (If you do not have specific experience enter N/A)
11
What is your level of education?
- 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits
- 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (AA degree)
- 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree or Ph.D.
- None of the above
12
If you have college credits or a degree, please list your major(s) or field(s) of study and any degree(s) earned. If you don't have this education, put N/A.
13
The State of Washington and the Department of Ecology, play a vital role in fostering a Diverse, Equitable, Inclusive, and Respectful (DEIR) workplace and contributing to equitable outcomes for the communities we serve. We view DEIR 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. We believe it is everyone's job to contribute to a DEIR workplace. What experiences have you had working with people whose backgrounds are very different from your own? What impact did those experiences have on how you worked?
14
I understand that Ecology does not use the E-Verify system and is unable to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Required Question