The Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County is searching for a dynamic leader to provide a wide range of policy-related support for our multi-jurisdictional program. To learn more about the Program visit www.hazwastehelp.org. This policy liaison role calls for experience and skill working to enact new laws, ordinances, and policies to achieve the Program’s goals of reducing toxics use and managing hazardous materials. We are looking for someone who cares passionately that all people living in King County should have the chance to reach their full potential in a healthy environment. We want someone who can build coalitions and partnerships with agencies, jurisdictions and community groups and work directly with elected officials to make that happen.

This high-level professional position will work closely with other Program policy staff and the Director. The role involves in-depth analysis of policies, research, planning and policy development, the ability to present and recommend policy initiatives, and follow through with action. The role will require the incumbent to be flexible in communication, and skilled in networking and building and maintaining relationships.  Program staff are hired by one of several participating agencies. This position will be hired by the Environmental Health Services Division of Public Health-Seattle & King County, whose mission is to identify and sustain environmental conditions that promote healthy people and healthy communities.

Current examples of this position’s work include providing comments on the L&I lead standard, participating in the Washington State Department of Ecology PFAS Chemical Action Plan stakeholder committee, product stewardship initiatives at local and state levels, policy changes through local and state ordinances, laws, licensing, building codes, purchasing guidelines, and other requirements.
 

• Liaison:
  • Develop effective networks that help accomplish the Program’s strategic goals and determine the proper level of involvement with each group including community groups.
  • Act as a high-level liaison to organizations and groups including councils, boards and legislative committees, as well as state and federal agencies.
  • Take part in legislative and rule-making processes, including meeting with elected officials, negotiating, and providing written comments, testimony and legislative language.

• Coordination:
  • Manage projects or actions involving multiple agencies, organizations, and community groups.
  • Carry out the Program’s Service Equity policy. Work in a culturally competent manner with individuals and communities of diverse race, ethnicity, religion, gender, ability, age, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status.
  • When required, lead and direct the work of other staff, mentor staff, and help negotiate agreement among program staff, consultants, and others.
     
• Technical Expert on Policy:
  • Provide in-depth policy analysis and develop action plans for policies that conflict with or are counter-productive to Program goals.
  • Review and track laws, codes, rules and recommend the Program’s level of involvement in legislative actions at local, state, and federal levels.
  • Develop communication strategies, prepare white papers and briefings, lead meetings, train and mentor speakers, give public presentations, and prepare written communications of all types
     

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL:

• Be able to build and maintain positive working relationships with peers, partners, stakeholders and interest groups, including county and state agencies, organizations and associations.

• Have experience or education in public policy or a related field equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree; AND have five years’ experience in programs that involve public policy development, communications OR an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the skills necessary to perform the primary job duties.

• Be able to research, document, analyze, make recommendations, and brief others on administrative changes, legislation, and national actions needed to change public policies.
   
• Be skilled in policy analysis and development of local legislation and administrative rule change and in analyzing bills and drafting bill language.

• Be able to present policy initiatives and follow them through the legislative process, working with elected officials on policy change.
   
• Have the ability to act as a liaison and manage projects for organizations including public health and environmental coalitions, boards and legislative committees, and city, state and federal agencies.
   
• Be skilled in applying or promoting the principles of equity and social justice in service-based programs. Experience working or supporting work with diverse individuals or groups in a culturally appropriate manner: including race, ethnicity, religion, gender, ability, age, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status.  Working knowledge of community engagement, equity, and inclusion best practices.
   
• Have experience in program evaluation, policy analysis, advocacy, and promotion.
   
• Be self-directed, work independently, and perform duties with little supervision.

• Demonstrated experience working directly with ethnic chambers of commerce, local elected officials, cities, school districts, Boards of Health or other bodies to enact policy change.

Forbes recently 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 your recruiter listed on this job announcement.

Who may apply:
This full-time Career Service position is open to all qualified applicants.

Application Process
This exciting career opportunity is open to all applicants. No prior knowledge of King County or the Hazardous Waste Management Program is required to compete successfully for this position. Please submit your King County application form, response to supplemental questions, and cover letter online at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs. Applications without the required material may not be considered.

• The selection process may include but is not limited to: evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and testing. For more information on our selection process, please refer to www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/jobs/hiring.  

• The selected candidate will be required to submit to a thorough background investigation. Records are not automatically disqualifying.
• Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.  
• Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing required training on time.
• Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and the development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.
• Staff may be required to play an active role in the event of a public health emergency, which may include changes in responsibilities, work location, and working hours.