CAP-AND-INVEST GROUP ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 3) - NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

Washington has adopted ground-breaking legislation to address climate change by sharply reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and achieve carbon neutrality.

Do you care passionately about climate change? Are you seeking a challenging and rewarding job in which you will be directly addressing the climate crisis?

Then join us as we implement this historic legislation.

The Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP) within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Cap-and-Invest Group Administrative Assistant (Administrative Assistant 3) position.

This position is located in our Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

In 2021, Washington's Legislature passed the landmark Climate Commitment Act (CCA) - a sweeping piece of legislation that directs Ecology to develop and implement the state's first Cap-and-Invest Program and commits our state to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 95% by 2050.

It's a big task with even bigger long-term impacts on the state's greenhouse gas emissions and the global fight against climate change.

The Cap-and-Invest Group is already hard at work and looking to hire a diverse range of mission-focused professionals to help us bring this important legislation to life.

In this position, you will be part of the Cap-and-Invest Group charged with implementing all aspects of the Cap-and-Invest Program.

In your role, you will primarily support the Cap-and-Invest Group Manager and the Auctions and Markets section, and to a lesser extent the Emissions Reporting and Verifications section, and the Cap-and-Invest Policy section.

You will join staff from all over the United States that have come to Washington to implement this critical new legislation on behalf of the people of Washington state.

You will serve as an integral resource for the entire team as we work together to develop, implement, and maintain this powerful emissions-reduction program.

Your work will look a little different every day as your efforts contribute to almost every aspect of daily operations of the Cap-and-Invest Implementation Group.

If you are organized, an effective communicator, and a multi-tasker, we need you on this team!

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.

Tele-work options for this position : This position will have flexibility of a hybrid schedule, empowering work from home and office, providing less time in traffic and shrinking your carbon footprint.

This position will be eligible to tele-work up to 3 days per week. 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 are subject to change.

Application Timeline : This position will remain open until filled; we will review applications on August 19, 2024. In order to be considered, please submit an application on or before August 18, 2024.

If your application isn't received by this date, it may not be considered. The agency reserves the right to make a Hire any time after the initial screening date.

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

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.

Ecology cares deeply about employee wellness; we go beyond traditional benefits, proudly offering :

• 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.
• 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.

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 DEIR is 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.

The Cap-and-Invest Group is leading the design and implementation of Washington's new Cap-and-Invest program, which employs market mechanisms to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in a cost-effective manner.

As part of the Cap-and-Invest program, businesses and organizations are required to obtain allowances tied to their emissions, which can be bought, sold, and traded.

This market began in January 2023, and the proceeds are being invested in initiatives to decarbonize transportation and other sectors of the economy, promote clean energy, and advance equity and environmental justice.

In addition to providing a wide range of administrative duties, these positions are responsible for scheduling meetings with internal and external individuals and entities, assisting with recruitment, creating and formatting documents, coordinating travel arrangements, and preparing correspondence.

What you will do :

• Review, assign, edit, draft, and track executive correspondence to ensure deadlines are met and letters are completed in accordance with agency and governor guidelines.
• Independently coordinate preparation, proofreading, signatures, and packaging of documents for briefing and / or approval.
• Complete and process internal and external correspondence, including typing, proofreading / formatting, distributing, and filing documents reflecting agency standards.
• Maintain confidentiality of confidential and market-sensitive data.
• Coordinate travel arrangements and agency required documentation. This includes completion of travel vouchers, reimbursement requests, and training requests.
• Coordinate transition for new hires within the section and ensure that necessary paperwork for new hires is complete in a timely manner.
• Coordinate enforcement efforts and ensure enforcement action packages are ready for signature.
• Assist with successfully managing calendars, ensuring that calendars are kept up to date and accurate.
• Monitor budget status and expenditures.
• Maintain the Cap-and-Invest Group SharePoint sites.

Required Qualifications :

Years of required experience indicated below are full-time equivalent years. Full-time equivalent experience means that any experience where working hours were less than 40 hours per week will be prorated in order to meet the equivalency of full-time.

We would calculate this by looking at the total hours worked per week, divide this by 40, and then multiply by the total number of months worked.

Examples of the proration calculations are :

• 30 hours worked per week for 20 months : (30 / 40) x 20 months 15 months full-time equivalent
• 20 hours worked per week for 12 months : (20 / 40) x 12 months 6 months full-time equivalent

Experience for both required and desired qualifications can be gained through various combinations of formal professional employment, education, and volunteer experience.

See below for how you may qualify.

A high school diploma or equivalent, and a total of four years of experience and / or education as described below :

• Experience : In clerical, secretarial, bookkeeping, accounting, or general administrative office work
• Education : In business administration, public administration, or closely allied field

All experience and education combinations that meet the requirements for this position :

Possible CombinationsCollege credit hours or degreeYears of required experienceCombination 1No college credit hours or degree4 years of experienceCombination 230-59 semester or 45-89 quarter credits.

3 years of experienceCombination 360-89 semester or 90-134 quarter credits (AA degree).2 years of experienceCombination 490-119 semester or 135-179 quarter credits.

1 year of experienceCombination 5 A Bachelor's Degree or higher.No experience required

One year of experience as an Administrative Assistant 2, at the Department of Ecology.

Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment :

A background check will be conducted, which may include criminal record history, fingerprinting, and credit history. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Desired Qualifications :

We highly encourage you to apply even if you do not have some (or all) of the desired experience below.

• Demonstrated success in managing detailed administrative tasks and projects in support of program wide functions.
• Knowledge of office procedures and practices; business management, communication and correspondence practices.
• Excellent computer skills and a high level of proficiency using Microsoft's Windows Operating System and Microsoft Office software (including Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Power Point).
• Experience administering webinars and other web-based communications using software such as WebEx and Skype for Business.

Note : Having some (or all) of this desired experience may make your application more competitive in a highly competitive applicant pool.

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 : [email protected] 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 1-800-833-6384.
• If you need assistance applying for this job, please e-mail [email protected]. 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.

Application Instructions :

It's in the applicant's best interest to submit all of the documents listed below. Applications without these documents may be declined.

• 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.

Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage / salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.

For Your Privacy :

When attaching documents to your application (such as Resume, Cover Letter, Transcripts, DD-214, etc.) :

• 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.

Additional Application Instructions for Current Ecology Employees :

Please make sure to answer the agency-wide questions regarding permanent status as a classified employee within the Washington General Service or Washington Management Service.

Do not forget to select Department of Ecology as a response to question 2, and type your personnel ID number for question 3.

If you are not sure of your status or do not know your personnel ID number, please contact Human Resources.

Application Attestation :

The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful.

The state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.

Other Information :

If you have specific questions about the position, please email Derek Nixon at : [email protected]. Please do not contact Derek to inquire about the status of your application.

To request the full position description : email [email protected]

Why work for 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.

Collective Bargaining : This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.

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.

Persons needing accommodation in the application / testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 407-6186.

Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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.

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