Agency Rulemaking Lead and Governmental Policy Analyst; Environmental Planner

The Department of Ecology is hiring an Agency Rule making Lead and Governmental Policy Analyst (Environmental Planner
5) within the Rules and Accountability Section of the Governmental Relations Office.

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA .
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• You may telework most of your work time, with required in-office staff meetings every other Thursday as well as other in-person meetings and activities as needed.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

• Apply by October 12, 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

As the Agency Rule making Lead and Governmental Policy Analyst, you will provide essential oversight, direction, and project management for the agency’s rule making and hearing officer processes. You will serve as the program legislative lead, analyzing proposed legislation and policies, assessing impacts, and recommending effective implementation strategies while supporting staff and programs throughout the process. We are seeking someone who is strategic, adaptable, detail focused, can understand and explain complex processes, analyze laws and rules to guide agency action, and bring strong skills in policy implementation, project management, collaboration, problem-solving, and facilitation.

• Developing policies and policy interpretations that marry complex legal, technical, and political dynamics.
• Managing agency-wide processes in a consistent manner across programs that differ in structure and operational needs.
• Maintaining a consistent and defensible rule making process for the agency.
• Meeting program hearing officer needs for public hearings and meetings.

• Work in a fast-paced environment with all of Ecology's programs to support the development of rules and policies.
• Engage with staff on a wide variety of topics while collaborating with multiple teams.

• Some travel and evening hours may be required.
• Presenting to large groups and facilitating complex meetings.

• Provide oversight, guidance, and mentoring on the agency’s rule making process and hearing officers.
• Analyze legislation, policies, and projects with agency-wide impact.
• Serve as the Agency Hearings Officer, facilitating public hearings and meetings and certifying other agency staff through training and mentoring.
• Develop and implement new agency-wide policies or processes.
• Provide training and mentoring to staff on rule making, hearings, and related responsibilities.
• Advise and brief executive leadership on rule making and other key policy topics.
• Implement the agency's online commenting system.
• Serve as SharePoint co-administrator for the Rules and Accountability Section.

For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website .

Eleven (11) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which must include the following:

• Government and Rule making Knowledge – Extensive working knowledge of state government, the rule making process, the Washington Administrative Procedures Act, and the legislative process.
• Rule making Coordination – Ability to guide and coordinate rule making activities to ensure legal compliance and alignment with agency leadership; understanding of steps in the process and ability to explain to others.
• Policy and Legislative Analysis…