Consumer Products Compliance Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4)(Internal Only)

State of Washington

  • Lacey, WA
  • 2 days ago
  • $69,348–$93,288 Per Year

Highlights

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 (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *Click here for more information. This Consumer Products Compliance Specialist position plays a central role in advancing Ecology's mission by leading implementation and enforcement of Washington's Children's Safe Products Act (CSPA), the Children's Safe Products Reporting Rule, and Safer Products for Washington (SPWA) Restrictions and Reporting.

Numbers & Facts

LocationLacey, WA
Salary$69,348–$93,288 Per Year

Description

Consumer Products Compliance Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4)(Internal Only)

Salary

$69,348.00 - $93,288.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Lacey, WA

Job Type

Agency Internal - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-HWTR3906-07771

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction

Opening Date

10/08/2026

Closing Date

10/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

Description

This recruitment is open only to current Department of Ecology employees, including those on temporary or project assignments, and Ecologys Washington Conservation Corps members.

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Consumer Products Compliance Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4)(Internal Only) within the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program (HWTR).

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.

  • A minimum of one day per week is required in the office.

  • Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Duties

This Consumer Products Compliance Specialist position plays a central role in advancing Ecology's mission by leading implementation and enforcement of Washington's Children's Safe Products Act (CSPA), the Children's Safe Products Reporting Rule, and Safer Products for Washington (SPWA) Restrictions and Reporting. In this role, you will serve as a senior subject matter expert responsible for ensuring that manufacturers, distributors, and importers understand and meet Washington's chemical restriction and reporting requirements for children's products and consumer products. You will shape compliance strategies, guide regulated parties through complex environmental regulations, and ensure decisions are consistent, technically sound, and defensible.

You will lead high-level compliance assistance and enforcement activities, including evaluating product information, coordinating product testing, developing guidance, preparing enforcement documents, and representing Ecology in formal proceedings. You will also coordinate reporting oversight through the High Priority Chemicals Data System (HPCDS), analyze reported data to identify trends and potential violations, and collaborate with chemists and program leadership to inform regulatory actions. Your work will support statewide implementation of multiple laws regulating toxic chemicals in consumer products, strengthen compliance outcomes, and help reduce harmful exposures for Washington's residents.

What you will do:

  • Lead implementation of compliance assistance and enforcement for CSPA and SPWA product restrictions, ensuring regulated parties understand and meet statutory and rule requirements.
  • Serve as a senior compliance expert for consumer product testing initiatives, including scoping testing projects, coordinating with laboratories, and integrating results into enforcement determinations.
  • Respond to inquiries and complaints from internal partners, regulated companies, and the public, providing clear, technically accurate guidance on chemical restrictions, reporting obligations, and regulatory expectations.
  • Prepare enforcement documents, support penalty issuance, and represent Ecology in hearings or legal proceedings related to violations of CSPA or SPWA.
  • Review and process HPCDS submissions, verify completeness and accuracy, identify under-reporting or potential violations, and collaborate with chemists to evaluate reported chemical information.
  • Analyze submitted data to identify emerging product trends, recurring compliance gaps, or opportunities for improved regulatory clarity, and communicate findings to program leadership and other product-related teams.
  • Develop, maintain, and update guidance materials, outreach tools, and decision-support documents that clarify reporting and restriction requirements for regulated companies and internal staff.
  • Participate in rulemaking efforts by reviewing petitions, evaluating compliance implications, and coordinating with the Rules Unit to ensure regulatory updates are clear, implementable, and enforceable.
  • Support legislative analysis related to consumer product regulations by evaluating proposed bills and providing concise summaries of regulatory or programmatic impacts.
  • Coordinate and complete SPWA Orders under the direction of the Safer Products Compliance Lead, ensuring all actions align with statutory requirements and program priorities.
  • Review confidentiality requests, prepare supporting documentation, and recommend appropriate actions to management.
  • Participate in the SPWA steering committee and collaborate with teams working on related laws such as the Toxics Free Cosmetics Act and Toxics in Packaging.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with internal teams and partner agencies to improve coordination, information sharing, and alignment across consumer product regulatory efforts.
  • Support additional compliance programs as needed, including Better Brakes, Toxics in Packaging, and other toxics-related product laws.

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

Nine (9) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:

  • Regulatory Compliance Implementation: Ability to interpret environmental statutes or rules, apply product-related chemical restrictions, conduct compliance evaluations, and perform enforcement actions within established procedures.
  • Chemical Data Review: Ability to evaluate chemical information submitted by manufacturers, verify accuracy or completeness, identify potential compliance issues, and support regulatory decision-making through structured chemical data review.
  • Data Analysis: Ability to analyze large or complex datasets, identify compliance trends or anomalies, interpret reported information and collaborate with scientific specialists when deeper analysis is required.
  • Industry Guidance: Ability to provide clear technical assistance to regulated manufacturers or distributors, respond to inquiries regarding reporting or restrictions, and support regulated entities in meeting compliance expectations.
  • Compliance Documentation: Ability to prepare enforcement documents, draft professional correspondence, develop guidance materials that outline regulatory requirements, and document compliance determinations with precision.
  • Regulatory Leadership: Ability to facilitate cooperative compliance outcomes by engaging regulated entities constructively, applying persuasive communication and fostering shared understanding of regulatory goals.

Education: Involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field.

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 or above

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience with consumer product regulations and compliance.

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 Ecologys 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 Kimberly Grieves at Kimberly.Grieves@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 Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program

The mission of the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction program is to protect Washington's residents and environment by reducing the use of toxic chemicals, safely managing dangerous waste, preventing new contaminated sites, and cleaning up contamination.

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 (Download PDF reader), 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.

#LI-DNI

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. Thats 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

01

How did you hear about this job?

  • Community Based Organization
  • Community / Technical College
  • Ecology Employee
  • Ecology Recruiter
  • Ecology Jobs Page
  • Facebook
  • Job Board
  • Job Fair
  • LinkedIn
  • Newspaper
  • Other State Agency
  • Other Website
  • Professional Association
  • Twitter
  • University Job Board
  • WorkSource
  • Other

02

If you selected Community Based Organization, Community / Technical College, Job Board, Job Fair, LinkedIn Group, Newspaper, Other State Agency, Other Website, Professional Association, University Job Board, WorkSource, or Other, please share which one.

03

Have you ever worked for the Department of Ecology in any capacity including: Permanent, Non-permanent, Project, Intern, or Volunteer?

  • Yes
  • No

04

How many years of experience do you have related to the duties of the position? Note this means full time experience (working 40 hours per week). Any part-time experience, where working hours were less than 40 hours per week, will be prorated to meet the equivalency of full-time. We calculate this by looking at the total hours worked per week, dividing this by 40, and then multiplying by the total number of months worked. Note that experience gained from academic coursework, class projects, or other degree requirements is assessed in later questions.

  • Three years
  • Four years
  • Five years
  • Six years
  • Seven years
  • Eight years
  • Nine or more years
  • None of the above

05

Please provide additional details to support your response above. The following information is needed: position title(s), specific duties, and periods of employment. Make sure your response specifically addresses the qualification above. An incomplete answer, including "NA" or "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.

06

What is your level of education?

  • 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits
  • 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (AA degree)
  • 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits
  • Bachelors degree
  • Masters degree or above
  • None of the above

07

If you have college credits or a degree, please list your major(s) or field(s) of study and any degree(s) earned. If you dont have this education, put N/A.

08

The State of Washington and the Department of Ecology, play a vital role in fostering a Diverse, Equitable, Inclusive, and Respectful (DEIR) workplace and contributing to equitable outcomes for the communities we serve. We view DEIR 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. We believe it is everyones job to contribute to a DEIR workplace. Please tell us, what does it mean for you to have a commitment to DEIR in the workplace? What steps or actions have you taken to demonstrate your commitment previously?

09

I understand that Ecology does not use the E-Verify system and is unable to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).

  • Yes
  • No

10

This recruitment is open only to current Department of Ecology employees (including those in temporary or project assignments) and Ecology's Washington Conservation Corps members. Applications from individuals who do not meet this requirement will not be considered. Do you meet this requirement?

  • Yes, I am a current Department of Ecology employee (including temporary or project)
  • Yes, I am a current Washington Conservation Corps member
  • No, I am not a current Department of Ecology employee or WCC member (not eligible for this recruitment)

11

Which level best describes your experience interpreting environmental laws or rules and applying product-related chemical restrictions during compliance evaluations and enforcement activities?

  • None - I have no experience interpreting environmental regulations or conducting compliance evaluations.
  • Foundational - I have basic exposure to environmental rules and can follow established instructions to check products or information for potential compliance issues.
  • Intermediate - I routinely interpret environmental statutes or rules, apply product-specific chemical restrictions, and conduct compliance reviews with some guidance.
  • Advanced - I independently perform compliance evaluations, apply chemical restrictions accurately, and carry out enforcement actions according to established procedures.
  • Expert - I consistently lead regulatory compliance efforts, interpret complex environmental statutes, guide others, and ensure enforcement actions are defensible and aligned with regulatory intent.

12

Which level best describes your experience reviewing chemical information submitted by manufacturers to assess accuracy, completeness, and compliance?

  • None - I have no experience reviewing chemical information submitted by manufacturers.
  • Foundational - I have limited exposure to product or chemical documents and can complete basic checks when given clear criteria.
  • Intermediate - I routinely review chemical information for completeness or accuracy and can identify potential compliance issues with occasional guidance.
  • Advanced - I independently evaluate detailed chemical submissions, verify regulatory applicability, identify inconsistencies, and support compliance determinations.
  • Expert - I consistently conduct complex chemical data reviews, guide decision-making based on regulatory requirements, and mentor others on evaluating chemical information.

13

Which level best describes your experience analyzing large or complex datasets to identify compliance trends, anomalies, or reporting concerns?

  • None - I have no experience analyzing datasets for compliance or reporting purposes.
  • Foundational - I can review basic datasets and identify obvious errors or missing information with established instructions.
  • Intermediate - I routinely analyze data to identify trends, inconsistencies, or potential violations and collaborate with technical staff as needed.
  • Advanced - I independently analyze large or complex datasets, interpret results, identify meaningful patterns, and support regulatory decision-making.
  • Expert - I consistently lead complex data analysis efforts, apply advanced techniques to identify emerging compliance issues, and guide others in interpreting dataset results.

14

Which level best describes your experience providing technical assistance to regulated companies on chemical restrictions, reporting requirements, or compliance expectations?

  • None - I have no experience providing technical assistance related to chemical restrictions or reporting requirements.
  • Foundational - I can respond to basic questions when provided clear guidance or scripts and can direct companies to relevant resources.
  • Intermediate - I routinely provide technical assistance, answer questions about reporting or restrictions, and help regulated companies understand compliance obligations.
  • Advanced - I independently deliver detailed technical guidance, clarify complex requirements, and help companies resolve compliance issues.
  • Expert - I consistently serve as a primary technical resource, proactively guide companies through complex regulatory requirements, and enhance understanding of compliance obligations.

15

Which level best describes your experience preparing enforcement documents, drafting professional regulatory correspondence, and developing formal guidance materials?

  • None - I have no experience preparing enforcement documents or regulatory guidance.
  • Foundational - I can prepare basic correspondence or simple summaries when provided templates or clear instructions.
  • Intermediate - I routinely draft professional communications, document compliance determinations, and prepare regulatory materials with some oversight.
  • Advanced - I independently prepare enforcement documents, develop guidance materials, and ensure all documentation is accurate, clear, and aligned with regulatory standards.
  • Expert - I consistently produce high-quality enforcement documentation, lead development of guidance materials, and help others improve accuracy and clarity in regulatory communications.

16

Which level best describes your experience facilitating cooperative compliance outcomes using persuasive communication and constructive engagement with regulated companies?

  • None - I have no experience engaging regulated companies to support compliance outcomes.
  • Foundational - I can participate in basic discussions and convey straightforward regulatory information when supported by clear direction.
  • Intermediate - I routinely engage regulated companies, explain requirements, and help resolve routine compliance questions through constructive communication.
  • Advanced - I independently facilitate productive compliance discussions, apply persuasive communication effectively, and help companies understand regulatory goals.
  • Expert - I consistently lead complex compliance interactions, foster collaborative outcomes, and use high-level communication strategies to guide companies toward full regulatory alignment.

17

For all six competency ratings you selected in Questions 11-16, please describe the reasoning behind each of your choices. For every competency, explain the experiences, responsibilities, or accomplishments that support the level you selected. For example, if you selected "Advanced" or "Expert," describe what makes you confident in that assessment. Your responses will help us better understand the context for your self-evaluation.

18

This recruitment is open only to current Department of Ecology employees (including those in temporary or project assignments) and Ecology's Washington Conservation Corps members. Applications from individuals who do not meet this requirement will not be considered. Do you meet this requirement?

  • Yes, I am a current Department of Ecology employee (including temporary or project)
  • Yes, I am a current Washington Conservation Corps member
  • No, I am not a current Department of Ecology employee or WCC member (not eligible for this recruitment)

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov

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