Tag Archives: Climate Action

Paid Summer 2025 Internship for Graduate Students – Sustainable Purchasing Program, Green Building, & Strategic Climate Action Policy Implementation. Hybrid work environment. King County, Seattle, WA.

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Requisition # : 2025-LM23992. Salary Range: $23.88 – $30.27 Hourly. Application Closes: April 6, 2025.

Summary

King County’s Finance and Business Operations Division, Procurement & Payables section, is seeking a Sustainable Purchasing Graduate Intern to join our Education, Compliance and Training team!

This position is expected to begin in May or June and will continue through the 2025/2026 academic year. Interns must be enrolled in a Graduate (Master’s) program for the full duration of the internship and may be asked to provide proof of enrollment at any time. Typically, interns work part-time (10-20 hours per week) during the academic term and may work full-time (40 hours per week) during the summer and school breaks. 

Our ideal candidate is a quick and versatile learner with excellent research and communication skills and high attention to detail.  

This intern will be assisting the Sustainable Purchasing Program Manager in implementation of the County’s sustainable purchasing, green building and strategic climate action policies as they relate to reducing the environmental impact of county purchases.

Internship Learning Objectives:

  • Conduct research related to sustainable purchasing policies, environmental standards and certifications, product specifications, and industry best practices.
  • Assist with developing outreach tools, including policy implementation guidance and identifying sustainable products, services and contracts.
  • Collect, tabulate, and summarize purchasing data.
  • Assist in the 2025 Strategic Climate Action Plan update process as it relates to purchasing goals.
  • Assist with internal/external communications about sustainable policies, products and services, via e-mail, reports, training materials and website.
  • Maintain sustainable purchasing program website and on-line guides content.
  • Support meetings and training events; plan, organize, schedule, attend and present.
  • Support internal sustainable purchasing efforts as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Currently enrolled in graduate school for Business Administration, Public Administration/Policy, Environmental Science or another related program;
  • Basic knowledge of the principles of public procurement processes;
  • Basic principles of sustainability, including environmental, social and fiscal aspects;
  • Have an interest in and understanding of public sector and are responsible in a professional environment;
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, writing and customer service skills;
  • Intermediate level of technology proficiency using MS Office Productivity tools in your daily work;
  • Ability to manage your time and adapt to changing priorities, work on multiple priorities and projects simultaneously, meet quick deadlines, and produce timely and quality work products;
  • Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.

We would love it if you had:

  • A passion for sustainability
  • Knowledge of environmental attributes of products, including recycled content, resource efficient, toxicity, end-of-life management, product stewardship and total cost of ownership.
  • Knowledge of greenhouse gas emission impacts
  • Experience with LEAN processes and principles.
  • Experience with SharePoint, MS Teams and other collaborative online tools.

The Procurement & Payables Section is part of the larger Finance and Business Operations Division portfolio of countywide services. FBOD’s vision “Count on Us” reflects the division’s deep-seated commitment to customer success, equity, employee engagement, resource stewardship, and operational excellence. If these values align with your own, please apply and join FBOD for a rewarding internship!

Position Information:

  • Work Site Details: The work associated with this position will primarily be hybrid. FBOD employees are currently required to work two assigned days a week in the Seattle office. In office requirements may change as required by King County business needs.
  • Location Requirement: Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
  • Work Schedule: During the academic term, the work week will consist of 10-20 hours. During summer and other school breaks, the work week will consist of 40 hours. This position is Non-Exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and therefore is overtime eligible. Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule, every other Thursday.

Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop. When working remotely employees must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work, remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours, and follow FBOD’s Hybrid and Remote Guidelines including on-camera participation during virtual video meetings. King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. 

The Application/Selection Process:

  • A completed King County Application is required.
  • A Cover Letter is recommended.
  • A current Resume is recommended.

The selection process typically consists of a phone screen, video interview, and reference checking.  For some positions the process may also include skill testing, writing samples or additional interviews. Candidates will be updated on the status of their application via the email address used to apply.

Note: Online applications are preferred. However, if you cannot apply online, go to www.kingcounty.gov/jobs for other options. If you have any questions or concerns while applying, please contact: Lisa Manasan, Recruiter, lmanasan @kingcounty.gov.

Supplemental Information

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State’s best employers. Together, with leadership and our employees, we’re changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation’s best places to live, work and play. Guided by our “True North”, we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles – we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

Entry-Level Position: Climate Pollution Reduction Rulemaking Planner (Environmental Planner 3), Washington Department of Ecology, Lacey, WA (hybrid/telework option available).

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Requisition # 2025-CPRP1314-01520. Salary Range: $55,584.00 – $88,800.00 Annually, depending on experience. Application closes: March 18th, 2025.

Overview of Position

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Climate Pollution Reduction Rulemaking Planner (Environmental Planner 3) (In-Training) within the Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP).

This is a project position that is funded until June 30, 2026.

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.
  • You may telework most of your work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities.
  • Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Duties

As the Climate Pollution Reduction Rulemaking Planner in the Policy and Planning Section, you will project manage and engage with rulemaking and projects that provide the regulatory foundation to ensure a healthy environment for Washingtonians. You’ll be analyzing and developing rules to implement major climate pollution reduction legislation, such as the Motor Vehicle Emissions Standards, Limiting Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Hydrofluorocarbons Emissions Reduction, Climate Commitment Act, and the Clean Fuels Program. 

In this role, you will orchestrate the development of rules and plans to protect public health and the environment. You’ll engage with technical experts throughout the Department of Ecology for rule development, as well as provide expertise and policy development assistance to other teams throughout the program. Rulemaking related to climate pollution reduction is highly complex and controversial, laws are potentially subject to multiple legal interpretations, leading to heightened political sensitivity, polarized interest from various parties, and a heightened potential for litigation. This is an exciting opportunity for a strong communicator and critical thinker, with a passion for the environment and project management to join our dynamic team. If you’re excited by this challenge, we welcome you to apply!
  
Additional duties will include: 

  • Coordinate the development and implementation of rulemaking and policy related to all aspects of climate pollution regulations.
  • Prepare all required documents for each phase of rulemaking, including rule development plans, environmental checklists, written response to comments, implementation plans, technical reports, and administrative regulations.
  • Develop a project management plan for each assigned agency rulemaking action and facilitate project teams to identify regulatory options, reach consensus, and make recommendations. 
  • Work with agency technical experts to understand issues, review options, and develop preliminary draft rule language.
  • Research and analyze policy and technical issues related to rulemaking to incorporate information into rule proposals to ensure they meet the goals of state law.  
  • Plan and facilitate public meetings and hearings to offer Washington residents the opportunity to interact with rule writers and technical and policy experts and provide input on the development of rules and policies. 
  • Write reports and other materials to relay complex information in a manner best suited for the audience.
  • Facilitate public meetings, listening to questions and gathering input in a professional manner to ensure all speakers are heard and their ideas considered. 

Qualifications

This position offers an in-training plan and may be filled at the Environmental Planner (EP) 2 or 3 level, depending on your qualifications. If you qualify at the EP2 level and are hired, you will progress through an in-training plan to become an EP3 within a specified time period.

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

Required Qualifications:

At the Environmental Planner 2 level (In-Training)Pay Range 52, $4,632 – $6,227 monthly

Seven years of experience and/or education which may include some or all of the following:

  • Developing policy or rules for government.
  • 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.
  • Finance, business administration, or economics.
  • Developing or analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations related to equity or environmental justice. 

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.
  • 1 year of experience as an Environmental Planner 1, at the Department of Ecology.

At the Environmental Planner 3 level (Goal Class)Pay Range 59, $5,501 – $7,400 monthly

Eight years of experience and/or education which may include some or all of the following:

  • Developing policy or rules for government.
  • 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.
  • Finance, business administration, or economics.
  • Developing or analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations related to equity or environmental justice. 

Examples of how to qualify:

  • 8 years of experience.
  • 7 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
  • 6 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
  • 5 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
  • 4 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
  • 2 years of experience AND a Master’s degree or above.
  • 1 year of experience as an Environmental Planner 2, at the Department of Ecology.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Planning: Ability to identify tasks, activities, work plans and timelines needed to achieve key results.
  • Policy Development: Knowledge of the policy development processes.
  • Technical Writing: Ability to learn, understand, and communicate data and technical information.
  • Demonstrated experience using equity assessments and environmental justice analyses.
  • Understanding of Tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, government-to-government relationships, inherent rights of indigenous people, and since time immemorial tribal culture and history.
  • Experience communicating findings and recommendations to diverse audiences.

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 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 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 Joshua Grice at Joshua.Grice@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

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.

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), 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.