Public Disclosure Specialist (Management Analyst 3)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Public Disclosure Specialist (Management Analyst 3) within the Administrative Services Division (ASD).

Location:

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule:

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• A minimum of one day per week is required in the office. 
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline: 

• Apply by May 11, 2026
• This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after the date above may not be considered.

Duties

Are you ready to take on the increasingly complex arena of public records?  Electronic records are booming in volume and complexity. Records today are often being driven by ephemeral, dynamic, or AI generated sources. A myriad of technical challenges have arrived, and we want someone who loves a new challenge. The ideal candidate is a creative thinker, open to new technology and change, and is willing to experiment with fresh ideas to enhance timely record productions. You believe in great customer service and government transparency. You are not afraid to take risks, you are a detailed problem solver, you work well with others, and you can stay focused for long periods on large document sets. The service that you will provide enables Ecology to better serve the public with timely and accurate electronic records.

Join the Department of Ecology’s Information Governance team as our Public Disclosure Specialist, where you will play a central role in advancing government transparency in an era defined by artificial intelligence, rapidly expanding data volumes, and increasingly complex public records. This position supports Ecology’s mission to protect, preserve, and enhance Washington’s environment by ensuring the public has timely access to the information they need to participate meaningfully in environmental decision-making. You will serve as the primary authority for intake, tracking, and coordination of Public Records Act (PRA) requests, providing critical expertise that strengthens public trust and upholds statutory responsibilities.

As AI-enabled systems generate new categories of electronic records, this role leads the agency in navigating novel challenges in records identification, preservation, search, and production. You will leverage advanced eDiscovery tools—including AI-assisted document review—to process large, complex datasets, perform bulk culling of non-responsive material, and ensure defensible, repeatable workflows across programs and regions. Your work directly contributes to risk mitigation, transparency, and compliance by applying expert knowledge of exemptions, privilege, retention, case law, and Ecology’s recordkeeping systems.

This is a high-impact, collaborative role that works closely with the Public Records Officer, Information Governance Manager, Public Disclosure Coordinators, the Advance eDiscovery team, and staff across the agency. You will provide training, develop efficient workflows, support quality assurance, and lead statewide reporting and performance measurement, including JLARC metrics. If you are motivated by public service, energized by complex information challenges, and committed to strengthening government transparency in a dynamic technological landscape, we invite you to apply.

What you will do:

• Electronic Intake and coordination of public records requests.
• Coordination of targeted search criteria with eDiscovery team.
• Estimation of search volume and production timelines.
• Targeted culling efforts to systematically remove non-responsive records.
• Leverage AI assisted tools to assist in document review and volume reduction of AI generated records.
• Perform focused initial review of large record sets with targeted filters and bulk tags.

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

Seven years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Experience in analyzing policies, laws rules or regulations, formulating recommendations, and coordinating implementation and ongoing evaluations of programs.
  Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:
  
  • Public Records Knowledge & Compliance – Demonstrated ability to understand and apply public records laws, rules, and policies to ensure accurate, complete, and legally compliant responses.
     
  • Records Search, Collection & Production – Proven ability to plan and conduct records searches, gather information from various sources, and prepare complete and accurate responses.
     
  • Clear Communication & Collaboration – Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and work effectively with staff, managers, and external partners to support accurate and timely work outcomes.
     
  • Problem Solving & Sound Judgment – Demonstrated ability to analyze issues, identify practical solutions, and make well-reasoned decisions that support consistent and defensible practices.
     
  • Use of eDiscovery and Records Tools – Proven ability to use digital tools and platforms to search, review, redact, and produce records efficiently and accurately.
     
  • Consulting & Advising Others – Demonstrated ability to provide clear guidance to staff and leadership on public records processes, requirements, and best practices.
     
  • Data Analysis & Reporting – Demonstrated ability to gather, analyze, and report information and performance metrics to support decision making and process improvements.
     
  • Reviewing and Protecting Sensitive Information – Ability to evaluate records for confidentiality, exemptions, and privilege to protect sensitive information.
     
• Education involving a major study in business administration, public administration, health administration, law, environmental law, or public policy, or related field.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 7 years of experience.
• 6 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 5 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 4 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 3 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• 1 year of experience AND a Master’s degree.

Desired Qualifications:

• AI Enabled eDiscovery Automation – Ability to use advanced eDiscovery and AI tools to streamline how records are reviewed, classified, and prepared, ensuring they are produced accurately, on time, and in compliance with required standards.
• Process Mapping & Lean Techniques – Ability to visually map workflows and apply Lean or continuous improvement methods to identify waste and streamline processes.
• Project Coordination – Ability to coordinate multistep or cross team projects, monitor progress, and keep partners informed.
• Interagency Coordination – Ability to collaborate with external agencies or partner organizations to share best practices or coordinate multiagency responses.
• Data Quality Assurance – Ability to perform detailed accuracy checks on data inputs and outputs to support reliable metrics and reports.

If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.

Supplemental Information

Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

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.

Application Process

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 job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Click “Apply” at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:

• Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
• Resume

Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as “see resume” may be considered incomplete.

For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.

Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.

Need an Accommodation?

If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:

• Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or careers@ecy.wa.gov
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.

Questions?

• For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact William Falling at William.Falling@ecy.wa.gov 
• If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at careers@ecy.wa.gov

About the Department of Ecology

As the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology 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. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.

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, Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *Click here for more information

To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or our blog.

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.

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

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.