Environmental Engineer

Per Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14.2 (Download PDF reader), Washington State employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination as part of the hiring process, prior to their start date. Requests for medical and religious exemptions will be considered. If you have questions, please contact Careers@ecy.wa.gov with “COVID-19 vaccination” in the subject line.  

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Solid Waste Management (SWM) program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill an Environmental Engineer (Environmental Engineer 3) (In-Training) position. This position is located in our Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with large industries throughout the state of Washington and gain diverse environmental engineering experience. Our engineers perform a wide range of tasks to ensure that the facilities that we regulate minimize their impact on the air, land, and water. These responsibilities will allow you to become familiar with many of the programs within the agency and provide an opportunity to work on diverse and challenging projects. We also perform our work throughout the state of Washington and often engage with many stakeholders, including other state agency staff, EPA staff, facility and industry representatives, tribal members and governments, and the public.  

The mission of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) program is to reduce wastes through prevention and reuse, keep toxics out of the environment, and safely manage what remains. While our section is located within the Solid Waste Management Program, the focus of our work is on other media such as air quality, water quality, dangerous waste, and cleanup.    

About Ecology:   

Protecting Washington State's environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We are a culture that is invested in making a difference. Join a team that is highly effective and collaborative, with leadership that embraces the value of people.
 

Ecology cares deeply about employee wellness; we go beyond traditional benefits, proudly offering:

• A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
• An Infants at Work Program that is based on the long-term health values of infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.
• Continuous growth and development opportunities. 
• A wellness program that offers education, fitness classes, and an agency-wide fondness for outdoor meetings.
• Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work.


• Core Values:  
  
  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. 
  
  During Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery, employees are working a combination of in-office and/or telework based on position and business need. Ecology is following current state guidance regarding mask requirements, health screening questions before entry, and social distancing. Looking ahead, Ecology has recently updated the agency policies on telework and flexible and compressed work schedules. Applicants with questions about position location options, telework, and flexible or compressed schedules are encouraged to reach out to the contact person listed below in “other information.”
   

  Application Timeline: This position will remain open until filled, with an initial screening date of May 5, 2022. In order to be considered for initial screening, please submit an application on or before May 4, 2022. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

   

   

   

  Duties

   

   

  

   

  What makes this role unique? 

  We regulate specific types of facilities (pulp and paper mills, oil refineries, and aluminum smelters), which allows our engineers to develop a deeper understanding of their processes and associated environmental issues. For your assigned facilities, you will be required to understand and enforce a large number of state and federal rules for each of the different media (water quality, air quality, dangerous waste, and cleanup). We also often have a lot of public interest associated with our actions due to the types of facilities that we regulate.  

  
  What you will do: 
   
  • Develop and issue permits and regulatory orders.
  • Conduct inspections of control and process equipment.
  • Review and approve engineering and technical reports.
  • Review environmental monitoring data to determine compliance with permit and regulatory requirements.
  • Provide technical assistance to industries, their consultants, and other agencies.
  • Prepare and issue enforcement actions.
  • Investigate spills and complaints.
  • Present information to the public at public hearings.

   

   

   

  Qualifications

   

  Required Qualifications:

  The goal class for this position is an Environmental Engineer 3 (EE3). We will consider applicants who meet the requirements for the EE3 or the EE2, or the EE1 levels. If the finalist meets the requirements at the EE1/EE2 level, then they will be hired as an EE1/EE2 and will be placed in a training program to become an EE3 within a specified period of time.
      
  At the Environmental Engineer 1 level: Pay Range 55 ($4,509 - $5,913 – monthly) (In-Training)

  Option 1: 
  An Engineer-In-Training Certificate or a Bachelor's degree with a major study in one of the following engineering fields: sanitary, civil, geotechnical, water resource, environmental, chemical, mechanical or related field
  AND 
  One year of experience in environmental engineering.

  Option 2: 
  A Master's degree or above with major study in one of the following engineering fields: sanitary, civil, geotechnical, water resource, environmental, chemical, mechanical or related field
   
  At the Environmental Engineer 2 level: Pay Range 61 ($5,229 - $6,862 – monthly) (In-Training)

  Option 1: 
  An Engineer-In-Training Certificate or a Bachelor's degree with a major study in one of the following engineering fields: sanitary, civil, geotechnical, water resource, environmental, chemical, mechanical or related field
  AND 
  Two years of experience in environmental engineering.

  Option 2: 
  A Master's degree or above with major study in one of the following engineering fields: sanitary, civil, geotechnical, water resource, environmental, chemical, mechanical or related field
  AND 
  One year of experience in environmental engineering.
  
   At the Environmental Engineer 3 level: Pay Range 67 ($6,063 - $7,957 monthly) (Goal Class) 
    
  Option 1: 
  An Engineer-In-Training Certificate or a Bachelor's degree with a major study in one of the following engineering fields: sanitary, civil, geotechnical, water resource, environmental, chemical, mechanical or related field
  AND 
  Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington AND three years of experience in environmental engineering.

  Option 2:
  A Master's degree with major study in one of the following engineering fields: sanitary, civil, geotechnical, water resource, environmental, chemical, mechanical or related field
  AND 
  Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington AND two years of experience in environmental engineering.

  Option 3:
  A Ph.D. degree with major study in one of the following engineering fields: sanitary, civil, geotechnical, water resource, environmental, chemical, mechanical or related field
  AND 
  Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington AND one year of experience in environmental engineering.

  NOTE: Requirements for professional registration as an engineer in the state of Washington are eight years of professional experience (which may include up to four years of college-level engineering education) and successful completion of sixteen hours of professional licensing exams. Applicants qualifying through the licensing equivalency option must achieve professional registration as an engineer in the state of Washington within six months of appointment to this class.
  Individuals who are interested in applying to this position, and believe they meet licensing requirements for the State of Washington based on reciprocity, are responsible for ensuring they meet licensing requirements for the State of Washington prior to submitting their application materials. These requirements can be found at the following website: WA State: Board of Registration for Professional Engineers: How to get your license: Professional engineer by comity.
   

  Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 
   
  • Registration as a professional engineer in the State of Washington (only for EE 3 level). 
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
  
  Desired Qualifications:
  We highly encourage you to apply even if you do not have some (or all) of the desired experience below.
  
  It is preferred that the required education include at least 15 quarter credits or 10 semester credits of course work in air and water pollution control, waste management, and environmental sampling and analysis.
  
  Note: Having some (or all) of this desired experience may make your application more competitive in a highly competitive applicant pool.

   

   

   

  Supplemental Information

  
  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 candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
  
  
  Need an Accommodation in the application and/or screening process or this job announcement in an alternative format?
   

  • Please call: (360) 407-6186 or email: careers@ecy.wa.gov and we will be happy to assist.
  • If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can reach the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
  • If you need assistance applying for this job, please e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not send an email to this address to follow-up on the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile's main page.
  • If you are reading this announcement in print format, please enter the following URL to your search engine to apply: https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/Jobs-at-Ecology.   
  Application Instructions:
  
  It's in the applicant's best interest to submit all of the documents listed below. Applications without these documents may be declined.
   
  • A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position.
  • A resume outlining your experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to the minimum qualifications of this position.
  • Three professional references.
  
  Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.  
   
  For Your Privacy:
  When attaching documents to your application (such as Resume, Cover Letter, Transcripts, DD-214, etc.):
   
• Please be sure to remove private information such as your social security number, date of birth, etc. 
• Do not attach documents that are password-protected, as these documents may not be reviewed and may cause errors within your application when downloaded. 


• Additional Application Instructions for Current Ecology Employees: 
   
  Please make sure to answer the agency-wide questions regarding permanent status as a classified employee within the Washington General Service or Washington Management Service. Do not forget to select Department of Ecology as a response to question 2, and type your personnel ID number for question 3. If you are not sure of your status or do not know your personnel ID number, please contact Human Resources.
  
  Application Attestation: 
  
  The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of your application or dismissal if employed. 
  
  Other Information:

  If you have specific questions about the position, please email Shingo Yamazaki at: Shingo.Yamazaki@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Shingo to inquire about the status of your application.

  To request the full position description: email careers@ecy.wa.gov

   

  Why work for Ecology?
  
  As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment for current and future generations. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.
  
  Joining Ecology means becoming a part of a team committed to protecting and restoring Washington State's environment. A career in public service 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.
  
  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 *See the Benefits tab in this announcement for more information 
  
  Student debt: how working for Ecology can help
  The Department of Ecology is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Forgiveness Program (PSLF). See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.

  To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.

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

   

  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. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 407-6186. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

  
  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.