Program Analyst - Washington

Summary

Circular Action Alliance is seeking a Program Analyst to support analysis and planning for Washington’s Recycling Reform Act and extended producer responsibility program. The role will analyze waste management data, contribute to policy and program planning, develop performance metrics, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support an equitable and effective program.

Responsibilities

• Gather, validate, and analyze data about Washington’s waste management system including existing reporting on waste management by Washington jurisdictions
• Maintain a Washington system mapping of current EPR-relevant waste management infrastructure, policies, access to recycling, composting and reuse/refill programs, and planned changes to that system
• Review and contribute input to program plans, guidance, and annual reporting and feedback on proposed regulations for Washington’s EPR program
• Prepare briefs, white papers, or presentations to internal and external stakeholders
• Contribute analysis for compliance risk assessment and performance target tracking for Washington’s EPR program
• Contribute Washington-specific analysis to the work of Data and Analytics and Material Services teams as the operational strategies for Washington’s program are developed
• Contribute to the development of key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics for program success
• Monitor and report progress toward Washington’s waste diversion and recycling targets
• Support the data and systems optimization team as needed in developing protocols for future studies that may be required for Washington’s program implementation and assessment
• Develop and maintain data quality standards and documentation for Washington’s specific data sets
• Support the design and implementation of data collection frameworks for ongoing program monitoring
• May be asked to represent CAA in external meetings as assigned and manage certain interest holder relations
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Skills

• Experience with solid waste management data in Washington, including waste characterization, existing reporting mechanisms and requirements, recycling, composting, reuse/refill operations, and facilities
• Knowledge of packaging material flows, recycling markets, and commodity pricing dynamics
• Familiarity with environmental justice mapping tool (e.g., EPA EJScreen, Washington Environmental Health Disparities Map) and their application in waste infrastructure planning
• Understanding of circular economy principles, packaging design for recyclability, and end-of-life material management
• Familiarity with nation waste and recycling data systems (e.g., EPR reporting, MMBC/Recycle BC systems) and how they relate to state programs
• Experience with Washington state and local regulators
• Knowledge of Washington product stewardship laws, EPR for packaging and paper products, and solid water management statues, regulation, and ordinance
• Ability to quickly learn about policy, the project or program being developed
• Familiarity with data validation, governance and integration of best practices
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and identify actionable insights
• Ability to translate raw data into summaries, dashboards, and reports for executive and regulators
• Ability to synthesize and visualize data through tools like Power BI
• Ability to work internally and with a broad range of interested parties to establish structure and standards for data and information management
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, able to effectively collaborate with interest holders inside and outside the organization
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy, preciseness, and compliance
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, including working with remote employees across varied geographies and time zones
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment at a rapid pace with flexibility
• Bachelor's degree in related field, which may include Sustainability, Environmental Management, Data Analytics, Public Policy, Environmental Law, Environmental Science, Data Science, Urban Planning, or Engineering
• 3+ years of experience with solid waste management data analysis including in Washington
• 3+ years of experience with data analysis, data visualization, and system mapping
• Experience working with environmental agencies or utilities (e.g., EPA, Ecology, Utilities and Transportation Commission) on reporting, permitting, or program development
• Background in waste characterization studies, recycling facility operations, or municipal solid waste planning
• Location: Remote, must be based in Washington State
• Regular travel within Washington and occasional out-of-state travel may be required for site visits, stakeholder meetings, etc
• Ability to leverage data science and analysis tools is preferred
• Certifications in data analytics, project management (PMP), or environmental auditing are a plus

Qualifications

Must Haves

• Experience with solid waste management data in Washington, including waste characterization, existing reporting mechanisms and requirements, recycling, composting, reuse/refill operations, and facilities
• Knowledge of packaging material flows, recycling markets, and commodity pricing dynamics
• Familiarity with environmental justice mapping tool (e.g., EPA EJScreen, Washington Environmental Health Disparities Map) and their application in waste infrastructure planning
• Understanding of circular economy principles, packaging design for recyclability, and end-of-life material management
• Familiarity with nation waste and recycling data systems (e.g., EPR reporting, MMBC/Recycle BC systems) and how they relate to state programs
• Experience with Washington state and local regulators
• Knowledge of Washington product stewardship laws, EPR for packaging and paper products, and solid water management statues, regulation, and ordinance
• Ability to quickly learn about policy, the project or program being developed
• Familiarity with data validation, governance and integration of best practices
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and identify actionable insights
• Ability to translate raw data into summaries, dashboards, and reports for executive and regulators
• Ability to synthesize and visualize data through tools like Power BI
• Ability to work internally and with a broad range of interested parties to establish structure and standards for data and information management
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, able to effectively collaborate with interest holders inside and outside the organization
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy, preciseness, and compliance
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, including working with remote employees across varied geographies and time zones
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment at a rapid pace with flexibility
• Bachelor's degree in related field, which may include Sustainability, Environmental Management, Data Analytics, Public Policy, Environmental Law, Environmental Science, Data Science, Urban Planning, or Engineering
• 3+ years of experience with solid waste management data analysis including in Washington
• 3+ years of experience with data analysis, data visualization, and system mapping
• Experience working with environmental agencies or utilities (e.g., EPA, Ecology, Utilities and Transportation Commission) on reporting, permitting, or program development
• Background in waste characterization studies, recycling facility operations, or municipal solid waste planning
• Location: Remote, must be based in Washington State
• Regular travel within Washington and occasional out-of-state travel may be required for site visits, stakeholder meetings, etc

Nice to Haves

• Ability to leverage data science and analysis tools is preferred
• Certifications in data analytics, project management (PMP), or environmental auditing are a plus

Benefits

• Remote, must be based in Washington State