Program Analyst - Washington

Role Overview

This role will be responsible for conducting analysis of Washington's Recycling Reform Act program obligations and waste management systems to support the development of Washington’s program plan, which is due to Washington Department of Ecology October 1, 2028.

The Program Analyst will contribute to policy, analytical, and operational expertise to track and assess baseline conditions in Washington state and to inform opportunities to improve waste management systems access, capacities, and investment over time. The role will support CAA’s contributions to the needs assessment being conducted by Ecology including reviewing the vet baseline data and perform ongoing data and policy analysis to further enhance CAA’s understanding of Washington’s packaging and waste management systems for program planning. Overtime, this position will support the annual reporting requirements and inform ongoing improvements to Washington’s EPR program operations.

This role requires a blend of technical data analysis, regulatory insights, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure Washington’s EPR program is data-driven , equitable, and effective.

Key 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 & Competencies

• 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 leverage data science and analysis tools is preferred.
• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Certifications in data analytics, project management (PMP), or environmental auditing are a plus.
• 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.

Compensation & Other Information

• 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.
• Pay Rate: Based on a variety of factors in accordance with applicable law including the successful candidate’s relevant experience, skills, knowledge, and experience.
• Reports To: Washington State's Program Manager