Description
Our Mission: Keep Washington Safe and Working! Our Values: Customer Focus, One L&I, Respect, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Learning and Growth, Reliability Help Shape the Rules That Keep Washington Workers Safe Do you thrive on turning complex technical and legal requirements into clear, workable rules? Are you skilled at keeping projects on track, bringing people together, and getting results? The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), is looking for a Rulemaking Program Manager to lead workplace safety and health rulemaking projects from start to finish. As the Rulemaking Program Manager in DOSH’s Policy and Technical Services program, you will guide proposed rules through every stage of the rulemaking process. You will coordinate technical experts, engage employers, workers, and other interested parties, and make sure Washington’s safety and health standards are clear, effective, and legally sound. This is your opportunity to do more than manage a process. You will help shape the standards that protect workers across Washington. The salary offer will be based on the candidate’s job-related skills, experience and training. The target pay range of consideration for this exempt position is typically $81,984-119,628 annually. The full band pay range is $72,420-$132,924 annually.
*Please note the application process for this recruitment includes a writing sample 5 pages or less that relates to policy development At L&I, our Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) is on a mission to keep Washington’s workers safe and healthy. We administer the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA), Chapter 49.17 RCW, by developing and enforcing workplace safety and health standards that protect workers from hazardous job conditions. We value our employees and their work-life balance by encouraging flexible schedules. This position can be offered with a flexible schedule (4/10’s, 5/8’s, etc.) once fully trained and approved by management. This position is eligible teleworking, with occasional travel for public hearings, stakeholder meetings, and outreach events, depending on business needs and supervisor approval. Learn more about DOSH here: 50 Years of DOSH 50 Years of DOSH
Duties Some of what you will do: This role is pivotal in maintaining Washington’s status as an OSHA-approved State Plan program, one that is “at least as effective” as the federal standard.
- Lead rulemaking projects. Manage safety and health rulemaking projects from initial concept through adoption, including project plans, timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
- Navigate the rulemaking process. Prepare and track required rulemaking documents and filings under the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 34.05 RCW) and the Washington Administrative Code (Title 296 WAC), such as pre-proposal statements of inquiry, proposals, and adoption notices.
- Keep Washington at least as effective as OSHA. Monitor federal OSHA rule changes and help ensure Washington’s standards are adopted, updated, or amended within required timeframes.
- Engage interested parties. Plan and facilitate stakeholder meetings, advisory committees, public hearings, and comment periods. Work with employers, workers, industry associations, and labor organizations to gather input.
- Coordinate the experts. Work with DOSH technical staff, Assistant Attorneys General, economists, and other L&I programs to develop rule language and the supporting analyses (such as cost-benefit analyses and small business economic impact statements).
- Make rules understandable. Draft and review rule language, summaries, and public-facing materials in clear, plain language without losing technical or legal accuracy.
- Respond to the public. Review and summarize public comments and help prepare responses that explain the agency’s decisions.
- Keep everyone informed. Provide status updates, briefings, and reports to DOSH leadership and other partners, and flag risks and issues early.
- Support implementation. Help communicate adopted rules to staff and the public, including related guidance, fact sheets, and outreach.
- And other impactful work that supports our mission.
Driving is an essential function of this position. The incumbent is required to travel between worksites or meeting locations to perform assigned duties and must operate a state-issued vehicle, motor pool vehicle, or personally owned vehicle (POV), as appropriate. Use of a POV will be reimbursed at the current state mileage reimbursement rate. What makes you a great fit? You bring a strong foundation in workplace safety and health, or in regulatory and policy work, and you know how to keep complex projects moving. In addition to your innovating thinking, you can bring together people with different perspectives and turn their input into clear, practical rules.
You are someone who:
- Has experience managing projects, from planning and scheduling through delivery.
- Understands how state rulemaking works and how regulations are developed, reviewed, and adopted.
- Has sound knowledge of occupational safety and health, or the ability to quickly learn technical subject matter and work with experts.
- Writes and communicates complex information in clear, plain language.
- Facilitates meetings and builds productive relationships with employers, workers, labor, industry, and agency partners.
- Uses sound judgment, research, and problem-solving skills to resolve competing needs and deadlines.
- Pays close attention to detail while keeping sight of the big picture.
- Is comfortable using technology to manage projects, documents, and public engagement.
Qualifications
REQUIRED:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Public Administration, Communications, Computer Science, Statistics, Economics, Public Safety or Health, or related field or related experience.
AND
- Three (3) or more years of experience in writing, evaluating, and implementing rules, policies and regulations for a municipal, county, state or federal government organization or other similar organization.
AND
- Two (2) or more years of progressive responsible management and leadership experience showing successful performance management to reach targeted results in a complex matrix program or organization that provided regulatory enforcement functions in occupational safety and health.
AND
- Must possess a valid and unrestricted driver’s license.
Other Required Qualifications
- Effective public speaking and written communication skills.
- Ability to lead problem solving activities to improve program performance.
- Expert knowledge of public sector management and leadership principles.
- Experience in and expert knowledge of federal and state occupational safety and health programs, policies and regulations.
- Skills to manage perceptions in a highly political environment, build partnerships, and address multiple issues to include competing priorities and diverse interests of internal and external parties.
- Ability to lead problem-solving activities to improve program performance.
- The ability to take action to learn and grow - Demonstrates initiative and accountability in pursuing opportunities for personal and professional development. Actively seeks feedback, acquires new knowledge or skills, and applies learning to improve performance and contribute to organizational success.
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of others - Demonstrates responsiveness and initiative in identifying, understanding, and addressing the needs of colleagues, stakeholders, and customers. Acts with empathy and accountability to provide timely support, resolve concerns, and deliver value that strengthens relationships and organizational outcomes.
Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies:
- Master's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Communications, Computer Science, Statistics, Economics, Public Safety or Health, or related field.
- Juris Doctor
- Three (3) years of experience as a Project Manager and/or Business Analyst.
- One(1) year of experience as a Lean, Six Sigma, and/or Agile facilitator.
Bring your project management skills. Bring your commitment to clear, fair rules. Help us make Washington’s workplaces safer. Join L&I and help us Keep Washington Safe and Working. See all of our current L&I DOSH position openings here: Current L&I DOSH open positions Research suggests that women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they are confident they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, and allow us to evaluate your combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities demonstrated using an intentional equity lens. Supplemental Information Things You Need To Know State employees who meet the qualifications will become eligible for a generous retirement package at the end of the employee’s career. Click on the “Benefits” tab to learn more. At L&I, your voice matters. In addition, L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washington’s 3.3 million workers. Take a look at this brief video and learn more about why L&I is an employer of choice. Application process We will contact the top candidates directly to interview for this position. Because we base the selection on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described in the announcement.
Please include the following documents with your application:
- A cover letter describing specific qualifications.
- A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.
- A writing sample 5 pages or less that relates to policy development
- A list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.
Background Check Notice:
Prior to a placement in this position, a background check, including criminal history record, will be conducted. Information from your background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining your eligibility to perform the requirements of the position. Other information
- For positions requiring travel, you must have a valid unrestricted driver’s license and have insurance if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
- Candidates who are offered a job with L&I must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
- The Department of Labor & Industries complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.
- Please note: L&I may use this announcement to fill multiple permanent and/or non-permanent positions.
Did You Know? Washington is America’s Top State to live, play, and work, according to U.S. News (2021). Join the L&I team and enjoy all the Evergreen State has to offer. In addition to offering a positive balance between life and work, L&I provides one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We also believe your voice matters. We value our employees and their work-life balance by encouraging flexible schedules. L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washington’s 3 million workers. Veterans Preference Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach to their application a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as Social Security numbers. For further information, contact L&I’s Jobs@lni.wa.gov. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer L&I employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contributes to the success of the agency mission. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest source of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures to provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone and we strongly mean everyone. The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need accommodation in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 360-902-5700. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service. You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization. For more Information If you have any questions regarding this job posting, program, or the agency, please contact the recruiter, Steve Camerer, at cste235@lni.wa.gov
Benefits
More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave Leave Sharing Parental Leave Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
