Product Stewardship Unit Supervisor (WMS Band 1)

Salary : $87,184.00 - $109,740.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-SWM5393-02015
Department: Dept. of Ecology
Division: Solid Waste Management
Opening Date: 03/10/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Product Stewardship Unit Supervisor (WMS Band 1) within the Solid Waste Management (SWM) 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.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by March 23, 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
This is a new position in the Solid Waste Management Policy Section which will manage and help build a cohesive, collaborative Product Stewardship unit. Staff in this unit lead strategy and policy development, implement product stewardship laws, conduct bill analysis, and advocate for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Product Stewardship (PS) programs. In this role, you will help coordinate engagement on these topics with national, state, and local agencies, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, industry associations, and commercial and retail entities in accordance with our mission and direction prescribed in statutes.
What you will do:

• Supervise and support professional staff implementing diverse product stewardship laws, writing rules, and developing policy.
• Administer and coordinate statewide product stewardship law implementation, ensuring compliance with state rules, fiscal policies, and reporting requirements.
• Lead the Product Stewardship unit to ensure engagement, communication, and publications meet program and agency requirements.
• Coordinate with other Solid Waste Management and agency programs to ensure cooperation and understanding of product stewardship tasks and responsibilities.
• Formulate and present recommendations for program initiatives, policies, and procedures to the Section Manager and Program Management Team.

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


Required Qualifications:
Nine years of progressively responsible experience and/or education as described below:

• Experience in product stewardship programs or public sector project management, which must include five years of supervisory or team-lead experience.
  Experience must demonstrate the ability to perform the following tasks:
  • Interpret and apply state laws, administrative rules, and fiscal policies governing product stewardship programs.
  • Manage multiple projects, staff, and priorities in a dynamic environment while maintaining quality, compliance, and timeliness.
  • Provide effective leadership and supervision to professional staff, including performance management, coaching, and workload planning.
  • Communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, to diverse audiences including state and local governments, nonprofits, and the public.
  • Build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external partners, fostering trust, inclusivity, and accountability.
  • Understand principles of project development, planning, and implementation, including identifying staffing levels and costs to implement new projects.
  • Use data and performance measures to guide decision-making and evaluate program effectiveness.
  • Understand and apply Ecology's Core, Leadership, and DEIR Competencies, including service focus, adaptability, communication, integrity, and strategic thinking.
• Education involving a major study in public administration, environmental science, communications, business administration, or a related field.

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 or above.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must be able to travel frequently to meetings, collection or processing sites, or events throughout the state, occasionally requiring overnight stays

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience supervising professional staff in a public agency, local government, or nonprofit organization.
• Experience managing or administering statewide programs that impact multiple partners, including policy interpretation and fiscal oversight.
• Experience developing or overseeing public communication and outreach strategies.
• Strong understanding of solid waste, recycling, or materials management programs, including relevant state statutes and plans (e.g., RCW 70A.205, State Solid Waste Plan).

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 .

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 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.
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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Questions?

• For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Chery Sullivan 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 View email address on click.appcast.io

About the Solid Waste Management Program

The mission of the Solid Waste Management Program is to reduce wastes through prevention and reuse, keep toxics out of the environment, and safely manage what remains.
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), , 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.

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


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

02


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.
03


Have you ever worked for the Department of Ecology in any capacity including: Permanent, Non-permanent, Project, Intern, or Volunteer?

• Yes
• No

04


How many years of experience do you have in in product stewardship programs or public sector project management?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.

• One year
• Two years
• Three years
• Four years
• Five years
• Six years
• Seven years
• Eight years
• Nine years
• None of the above

05


Please provide additional details to support your response 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.
06


How many years of supervisory or team leadership experience do you have?

• Less than one year
• One to two years
• Two to three years
• Three to four years
• Four to five years
• More than five years

07


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
• Ph.D.
• None of the above

08


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.
09


How would you rate your ability to lead and supervise professional staff, including performance management, coaching, and workload planning?

• None - I have limited supervisory experience and require guidance on setting expectations, evaluating performance, and assigning work.
• Foundational - I set basic goals, provide routine feedback, and assign tasks; I need assistance with corrective actions, developmental plans, or complex workload balancing.
• Intermediate - I conduct structured performance reviews, create development plans, coach for growth, and balance workload using capacity and priority data.
• Advanced - I lead teams through change, address complex performance issues fairly, formalize coaching frameworks, and proactively plan capacity against strategic needs.
• Expert - I build high-performing, inclusive teams; develop leaders; design equitable performance systems; and align workforce planning to organizational strategy.

10


How would you rate your ability to interpret and apply state laws, administrative rules, and fiscal policies that govern product stewardship programs?

• None - I have little or no familiarity with product stewardship statutes, rule frameworks, or fiscal policies and would require detailed guidance to apply them.
• Foundational - I can locate relevant statutes, rules, and policies and understand basic requirements, but I need supervision to interpret nuances or ensure compliance in typical scenarios.
• Intermediate - I can interpret common provisions, translate them into program procedures, and ensure routine compliance; I seek guidance for complex or novel situations.
• Advanced - I independently analyze legal/policy requirements, anticipate compliance impacts, advise partners, and help draft or refine procedures for complex scenarios.
• Expert - I lead interpretation and application across programs, advise leadership and counsel on statutory/rule intent, shape policy/fiscal guidance, and train others on complex compliance.

11


How would you rate your ability to communicate clearly and professionally-verbally and in writing-to diverse audiences (state/local governments, nonprofits, public)?

• None - I struggle to tailor messages and require support to prepare clear written or verbal communications.
• Foundational - I deliver basic, clear messages and write understandable documents; I need guidance to tailor communications to different audience needs or technical depth.
• Intermediate - I tailor content, tone, and structure to audience and purpose; I present confidently, write concise, accessible materials, and handle typical Q&A effectively.
• Advanced - I design communication strategies, facilitate complex meetings, translate technical content for non-experts, and manage sensitive topics with clarity and diplomacy.
• Expert - I serve as a trusted spokesperson, craft high-impact narratives for policy/program outcomes, train others in communication, and navigate contentious public settings.

12


How would you rate your ability to develop, plan, and implement projects-including scoping, scheduling, and identifying staffing levels and costs?

• None - I have minimal exposure to project lifecycle concepts or resource/cost estimation.
• Foundational - I can draft simple scopes and timelines; I need guidance to estimate staffing, costs, or manage risks during implementation.
• Intermediate - I create work breakdowns, schedules, and budgets; estimate staffing with reasonable accuracy; and manage risks/change for typical projects.
• Advanced - I design complex project plans with phased funding, detailed capacity models, benefit/cost analyses, and governance; I adjust plans to meet strategic outcomes.
• Expert - I architect large programs, build integrated resource/financial models, secure funding, and institutionalize planning standards that improve portfolio performance.

13


How would you rate your ability to use data and performance measures to guide decisions and evaluate program effectiveness?

• None - I rarely use data or metrics and need support to identify appropriate measures or interpret results.
• Foundational - I track basic activity/output measures and can create simple reports; I need guidance to select meaningful outcomes or analyze trends.
• Intermediate - I define SMART measures, analyze trends/variations, use dashboards, and incorporate findings into routine decisions and improvement actions.
• Advanced - I design measurement frameworks (logic models, KPIs), apply statistical/analytical methods, run evaluations, and drive program changes based on evidence.
• Expert - I lead evidence-based management, integrate data across systems, establish data governance, mentor analysts, and use evaluation results to shape strategy and policy.

14


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. Please tell us, what does it mean for you to have a commitment to DEIR in the workplace? What steps or actions have you taken to demonstrate your commitment previously?
15


Are you able to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

16


I understand that Ecology does not use the E-Verify system and is unable to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).

• Yes
• No

Required Question