Program Analyst

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Washington.

📋 Description

• Analyze the obligations of Washington’s Recycling Reform Act program and assess waste management systems.

• Assist in the development of Washington’s program plan mandated by the Washington Department of Ecology by October 1, 2028.

• Monitor and evaluate the baseline conditions across Washington state.

• Identify avenues for enhancing access, capacity, and investment in the waste management system.

• Aid CAA’s contributions to the Department of Ecology needs assessment.

• Review baseline data and conduct continuous data and policy analysis.

• Support annual reporting obligations and ongoing enhancements to Washington’s EPR program operations.

• Collect, validate, and analyze data regarding Washington’s waste management system.

• Maintain a mapping system for EPR-relevant infrastructure, policies, recycling, composting, and reuse/refill initiatives.

• Review and contribute to program plans, guidance documents, annual reports, and proposed regulations.

• Prepare briefs, white papers, and presentations for both internal and external stakeholders.

• Contribute to compliance risk assessments and the tracking of performance targets.

• Provide Washington-specific analyses to the Data and Analytics and Material Services teams.

• Assist in the establishment of KPIs and metrics for program success.

• Monitor and report on progress towards waste diversion and recycling goals.

• Aid in the development of protocols for future studies.

• Establish and maintain data quality standards and documentation.

• Support the design and implementation of data collection frameworks.

• Represent CAA in external meetings as assigned and manage certain stakeholder relations.

• Carry out other related duties as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as Sustainability, Environmental Management, Data Analytics, Public Policy, Environmental Law, Environmental Science, Data Science, Urban Planning, or Engineering.

• Over 3 years of experience in solid waste management data analysis, including experience in Washington.

• More than 3 years of experience in data analysis, data visualization, and system mapping.

• Experience collaborating with environmental agencies or utilities on reporting, permitting, or program development.

• Background in waste characterization studies, recycling facility operations, or municipal solid waste planning.

• Experience handling solid waste management data in Washington, covering waste characterization, reporting mechanisms, recycling, composting, reuse/refill operations, and facilities.

• Knowledge of packaging material flows, recycling markets, and dynamics of commodity pricing.

• Familiarity with environmental justice mapping tools such as EPA EJScreen or Washington Environmental Health Disparities Map.

• Understanding of circular economy principles, packaging design for recyclability, and end-of-life material management.

• Familiarity with national waste and recycling data systems, including EPR reporting and MMBC/Recycle BC systems.

• Proven experience with Washington state and local regulators.

• Awareness of Washington product stewardship laws, EPR for packaging and paper products, and solid waste management statutes, regulations, and ordinances.

• Familiarity with best practices in data validation, governance, and integration.

• Ability to interpret complex data and derive actionable insights.

• Capability to convert raw data into summaries, dashboards, and reports for executives and regulators.

• Proficiency in synthesizing and visualizing data using tools like Power BI.

• Ability to utilize data science and analysis tools is preferred.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

• Detail-oriented, with a focus on accuracy, precision, and compliance.

• Strong time management and organizational abilities.

• Capability to collaborate with remote employees across diverse geographies and time zones.

• Adaptable to a dynamic, fast-paced environment with flexibility.

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

🏝️ Benefits

• Occasional travel within Washington and out-of-state may be necessary for site visits, stakeholder meetings, etc.

• Equal employment opportunity employer.

• Reasonable accommodations provided during the application process.