Description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Climate Change: Cap-and-Invest Senior Market Monitor (Financial Examiner 4) within the Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP).

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. This position is expected to be in the office for a full workday every Tuesday as well as during up to nine Wednesdays per year when auctions occur (four are guaranteed to occur each year).
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by September 1, 2026.
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.
   

Duties
 

The Senior Market Monitor role is part of the Auctions and Market Section of the Cap-and-Invest Program. This work is critical to the state's efforts to address climate change, decarbonize the economy, and prepare Washington for a leadership role in the green economy of the future. You and your team are tasked with successfully managing allowance auctions and trading to ensure a free and fair cap-and-invest market. Other responsibilities include developing proposed improvements to the market program based on performance, economic and policy analyses, and lessons learned from other jurisdictions, and producing reports and revenue forecasts related to the Cap-and-Invest program for the agency, the Governor’s office, and the Legislature. You will also represent Ecology in working with other state agencies, regulated industry, and national and international groups on issues related to the allowance auctions, market, and Cap-and-Invest program.

The primary emphasis of your role as Senior Market Monitor will be to complete market surveillance of participants in the cap-and-invest market coming from the financial sector or ‘general market participants’ through the following duties:

• 
  Ensure Cap-and-Invest entities are in compliance with state and federal laws and industry standards in partnership with federal agencies (e.g., Internal Revenue Service, Securities and Exchange Commission, and Commodity Futures Trading Commission); market operators (e.g., the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) and Nodal); and relevant state agencies (e.g., the State Attorney General’s office).
• Maintain contact with futures markets that list relevant futures contracts and use your expert judgement to review futures and bilateral allowance and offset contracts.
• Apply your knowledge of environmental markets and finance to closely review and monitor complex financial market participants as they join and participate in Washington's cap-and-invest market.
• Identify and propose regulatory options to minimize regulatory arbitrage across jurisdictions and markets.
• Regularly revisit the program's approach to market monitoring and seek out potential improvements.
• Evaluate financial records and documents across financial and other market entities that are connected through corporate association groups as defined by regulation.
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of finance, commodity markets, and related fields and apply concepts from these fields in market monitoring work.
    
  Qualifications
   

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

Required Qualifications:

Nine years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:

• Advanced Financial & Market Analysis – Ability to evaluate complex financial institutions, commodity markets, and futures products to identify risks, unusual activity, and trends that strengthen regulatory decision-making.
• Regulatory Interpretation & Compliance Oversight – Skilled in applying state and federal financial regulations to evaluate entity behavior, identify potential violations, and support compliance and enforcement activities.
• Market Surveillance & Risk Identification – Experienced in using financial monitoring tools, statistical methods, and market intelligence to detect manipulation, compliance concerns, and systemic risks across multiple markets.
• Analytical Method Development & Continuous Improvement – Ability to design, refine, and enhance analytical approaches and work processes that improve the team’s ability to assess complex financial entities and emerging market conditions.
• Confidential Information Management – Demonstrated competence in securely managing confidential and market-sensitive information and monitoring for improper use to maintain confidence in market operations.
• Risk-Focused Examination & Enforcement Support – Skilled in planning and conducting risk-based examinations in financial, securities, or commodity market settings to identify violations and contribute to enforcement recommendations.
• Complex Program & Market Integration Analysis – Ability to analyze how external climate programs, financial regulations, and market developments influence a regulated market and apply that insight to strengthen oversight strategies.
  

Education involving major study in fields including—but not limited to—finance, business administration, economics, accounting, policy, data science, and related fields.

Examples of how to qualify:

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

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:

• Professional Financial Credentialing & Training – Relevant FINRA licenses (e.g., Series 7, Series 66) or other finance-related certifications (Chartered Financial Analyst, Certified Public Accountant, Project Management Professional, financial analysis, statistics, or market analysis) to support high-quality financial and market analysis.
• Applied Commodity & Financial Market Knowledge – Skilled in evaluating firm behavior or conducting analysis within financial or commodity markets (such as energy, fuels, metals, agriculture, or greenhouse gas markets).
• Climate & Greenhouse Gas Market Experience – Experienced in climate-related market mechanisms, mitigation strategies, or participation in environmental or greenhouse gas markets.
• Quantitative & Analytical Modeling Skills – Ability to use statistical analysis, mathematical methods, programming, or modeling tools to analyze market data, identify anomalies, and support advanced monitoring.
• Complex Project Leadership – Skilled in leading multifaceted analytical work, coordinating inputs from multiple contributors, and delivering clear, timely, high-quality technical products.

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.

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 Mike Johnson at Mike.Johnson@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 Climate Pollution Reduction Program

The Climate Pollution Reduction Program's (CPRP's) mission is to guide Washington to a net zero future by 2050. We implement policies that encourage businesses and individuals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a clean energy economy.

The Cap-and-Invest Group (CIG) is responsible for the implementation and operation of Washington’s Cap-and-Invest Program, which employs a market mechanism to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a cost-effective manner. As part of the Cap-and-Invest Program, businesses and entities are required to obtain and retire compliance instruments equivalent to their emissions. These compliance instruments, which include emissions allowances, offset credits, can be bought, sold, and traded. The market for these commodities began in January 2023, the first allowance auction was held in February of that year, and the proceeds of the auctions are invested by the state in projects to decarbonize transportation and other sectors of the economy, promote clean energy, and advance equity and environmental justice. The allowance auctions that the Auctions and Market Section have generated over $5 billion dollars to date, and provide a critical and necessary funding stream to support the achievement of Washington’s ambitious state-wide greenhouse gas reduction mandates.

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.

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.

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.

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 Incentive, 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.