Climate Pollution Reduction Communications Consultant (Communications Consultant 4)

The salary listed does not include the scheduled 3% general salary increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2025. 

 

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Climate Pollution Reduction Communications Consultant (Communications Consultant 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 is required in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Duties

As a Communications Consultant, you’ll shape communication strategies for several policy areas within Ecology’s Climate Pollution Reduction Program. The Climate Pollution Reduction Program tracks statewide greenhouse gas emissions and implements several major policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions: the Climate Commitment Act, vehicle emissions standards, the Clean Fuel Standard, and fluorinated gas refrigerant regulations.

You’ll work with experts throughout the program, synthesizing their knowledge to create informative and accessible content for both niche and broad audiences. You’ll propose strategy and craft messaging, along with leading collaboration and execution. You’ll work on a wide range of deliverables, from communication plans to media responses, talking points, press releases, blogs, graphics, web content, video and more. If you enjoy wonky details, creative challenges, and working alongside purpose-driven colleagues, we encourage you to apply!
  
Some duties of the Climate Pollution Reduction Communications Consultant include:

• Developing effective relationships with subject matter experts, senior agency leadership and external groups.
• Managing complex review processes and ensuring deadlines are met.
• Developing and routinely updating communications plans, key messages and talking points.
• Drafting press releases and blogs.
• Writing and editing other written materials such as handouts, reports, emails, and social media copy.
• Proactively contacting and interfacing with news media.
• Tracking news coverage and other external developments.
• Responding to inquiries from citizens, community groups, reporters, and regulated entities.
• Updating web content and creating new web content following accessibility and user-centered design best practices.
• Creating visual content, such as presentations, graphics and video.
• Tracking and sharing analytics.

Qualifications

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

Required Qualifications:

Seven years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Experience may include, but is not limited to, journalism, public relations/information, news media, marketing, digital accessibility or writing/editing. Experience must include or demonstrate:
  • Writing and editing.
  • Developing web content strategy, writing/editing and managing web content.
  • Working with the media.
  • Strategic communications.
  • Using project management tools to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
  • Working effectively both as part of a team and independently.
  • Proficient use of Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and Adobe products, such as Photoshop, Acrobat Pro and InDesign.
• Education involving major study in journalism, communications, public relations, news media, digital/social media, English, marketing, humanities, or closely allied 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.

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:

• Experience with a content management system. 
• Experience with InDesign or similar graphic production software.
• Experience with video recording and editing.

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 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. The following supplemental documents must be attached:

• Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
• Resume
• Two required writing samples:
  • One writing sample showing your ability to explain a complex topic to a lay audience.
  • One example of multimedia communications that you have worked on. 
  • For each sample, please provide a description of your process/role for developing and publishing each of the work samples. 

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. Applications submitted without the required cover letter, resume, and writing samples as requested above will not be considered.

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 Caroline Halter at Caroline.Halter@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

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.

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.