Communications Specialist (Communications Consultant 3)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

Are you enthusiastic and passionate about communicating Science? The Environmental Assessment Program (EAP) within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Communications Specialist (Communications Consultant 3) position. This position is located in our Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA. 

In this position, you will lead and coordinate program publication activities and help communicate complex and technical scientific work, with a specific focus on the product testing initiative to elevate the research we carry out to study toxics in consumer products. You will implement digital accessibility and gain experience in technical writing and project management.

You will have a chance to grow as a science communicator, writer and editor. There will be opportunities to learn new tools and technologies and build creative skills like graphic design, science communication, and social media messaging to engage specific audiences. You will also become experienced in how to apply digital accessibility practices in communications and outreach.

Join a small and dynamic team of communicators in the Environmental Assessment Program that is committed to sharing science through effective communications and outreach. Our team is always open to new ideas and values to meet our program’s and audiences’ needs.

Agency Mission: The mission of the Department of Ecology is to protect, preserve, and enhance Washington’s land, air and water for current and future generations.

Program Mission: The Environmental Assessment Program provides a range of scientific, monitoring, laboratory, and quality assurance services. Its mission is to measure, assess, and communicate environmental conditions in Washington State for the purpose of providing credible science to guide environmental decisions.

Tele-work options for this position: This position will be eligible for up to a 90% tele-work schedule. Applicants with questions about position location options, tele-work, and flexible or compressed schedules are encouraged to reach out to the contact person listed below in “other information.” Schedules are dependent upon position needs and is subject to change.

Application Timeline: This position will remain open until filled, with an initial screening date of March 02, 2023. In order to be considered for initial screening, please submit an application on or before of March 01, 2023. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

About the Department of Ecology

Protecting Washington State's environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We are a culture that is invested in making a difference. Join a team that is highly effective and collaborative, with leadership that embraces the value of people. To learn more, check out our Strategic Plan. 

• A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
• An Infants at Work Program that is based on the long-term health values of infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.
• Continuous growth and development opportunities. 
• A wellness program that offers education, fitness classes, and an agency-wide fondness for outdoor meetings.
• Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work.

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.

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.

What makes this role unique?

• Write, edit, plan, and prepare publications, reports, brochures, web content, presentations, social media posts, and other communications products.
• Read, edit, and check draft material prepared by staff for style, grammar, punctuation, continuity and clarity of expression.
• Oversee the program's publication activities, continually improving the publication development and review process.
• Help the Environmental Assessment Program (EAP) with Plain Talk and digital accessibility through our publications and outreach materials – updating and coordinating materials, training staff, and serving as a resource for the program.
• This position, under general direction from the Communications Manager, will determine the need and most appropriate methods and techniques to publicize and promote the program, with specific focus on the initiative to test toxics in consumer products.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
Experience for both required and desired qualifications can be gained through various combinations of formal professional employment, educational and volunteer experience. See below for how you may qualify.

Possible CombinationsCollege credit hours or degree – as listed aboveYears of required experience – as listed above

Combination 1No college credit hours or degree6 years of experience

Combination 230-59 semester or 45-89 quarter credits.5 years of experience

Combination 360-89 semester or 90-134 quarter credits (AA degree).4 years of experience

Combination 490-119 semester or 135-179 quarter credits.3 years of experience

Combination 5 A Bachelor's Degree2 years of experience

Combination 6 A Master's Degree or higherNo experience

• Experience communicating science, writing / editing and managing publications and outreach materials.
• Experience using Adobe creative products such as Photoshop, InDesign, and Acrobat (or similar graphic production software).
• Experience managing multiple deadlines and working with many teams concurrently.

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 candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.


Need an Accommodation in the application and/or screening process or this job announcement in an alternative format?

• Please call: (360) 407-6186 or email: careers@ecy.wa.gov and we will be happy to assist.
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can reach the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
• If you need assistance applying for this job, please e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not send an email to this address to follow-up on the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile's main page.
• If you are reading this announcement in print format, please enter the following URL to your search engine to apply: https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/Jobs-at-Ecology.   

• A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position.
• A resume outlining your experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to the minimum qualifications of this position.
• Three professional references.

• Please be sure to remove private information such as your social security number, date of birth, etc. 
• Do not attach documents that are password-protected, as these documents may not be reviewed and may cause errors within your application when downloaded. 

Per Governor Inslee’s Directive 22-13.1, state employees must be fully vaccinated effective November 4, 2022. Providing proof of being fully vaccinated is a condition of employment and your vaccine status will be verified prior to starting work. Being fully vaccinated means two weeks after you have received the second dose in a two-dose series of a COVID-19 vaccine or a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use, licensed or otherwise authorized or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or listed for emergency use or otherwise approved by the World Health Organization. If you have questions, please contact Careers@ecy.wa.gov with “COVID-19 vaccination” in the subject line.  

If you have specific questions about the position, please email Mugdha Flores at: Mugdha.Flores@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Mugdha to inquire about the status of your application.

To request the full position description: email careers@ecy.wa.gov

Why work for the Department of Ecology?

As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment for current and future generations. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.

Joining Ecology means becoming a part of a team committed to protecting and restoring Washington State's environment. A career in public service 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.

To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.