Nonpoint Inspector and Compliance Specialist (Environmental Specialist 3)

The State of Washington is hiring a Nonpoint Inspector and Compliance Specialist for the Water Quality Program. This role involves evaluating water quality issues, conducting fieldwork, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Candidates should have strong communication skills and experience in environmental sciences. The position is primarily remote due to Covid-19, with virtual recruitment and web-based interviews, though it requires frequent site visits in the Central Region.
The Department of Ecology's priority during the Covid-19 health crisis is to keep our staff, candidates, and the public safe. We are still hiring and encourage you to apply to open positions. The majority of our staff are currently working from home; we have transitioned to a virtual recruitment process, to include web-based interviews.

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Water Quality Program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Nonpoint Inspector and Compliance Specialist position in our Central Regional Office in Union Gap, WA.

We are looking for applicants who possess excellent people skills, the ability to quickly assess a situation and make a decision, and the ability to communicate with a diverse audience.

This is a great opportunity for someone looking to be a part of a small, collaborative work group, and who wants to be involved in a wide variety of water quality issues throughout the Central Region. This position will require frequent fieldwork and site visits throughout Ecology's Central Region.

Ecology's Central Region is in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains. The region is uncrowded and affordable with many small communities with unique characteristics.

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.

Local efforts... Diverse people... Statewide impacts

Agency Mission: Ecology's mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment and to promote the wise management of our air, land and water for the benefit of current and future generations.

Program Mission: The Water Quality Program mission is to protect and restore Washington's waters to sustain healthy watersheds and communities. Our work ensures that state waters support beneficial uses including recreational and business activities, supplies for clean drinking water, and the protection of fish, shellfish, wildlife, and public health.

What does this position do?

This position will work with the public and agency staff to evaluate and investigate water quality impairments, identify opportunities to improve water quality in Ecology's Central Region, and bring water and discharges into compliance with water quality rules. This includes:
• Visiting sites to determine if pollution has the potential to impact water quality
• Contacting parties responsible for reported or suspected water pollution
• Contributing to the development and use of data collection systems that include Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Writing reports and correspondence to document pollution, corrective actions, and compliance with water quality regulations
• Potentially testifying in enforcement cases, when needed

This position will remain open until filled. The initial review date of applications for this position will be September 3, 2019. To be considered for the initial review date, please apply online by September 2, 2019. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial review date.

Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor's degree involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field AND two years of professional level experience in environmental analysis or control, or environmental planning

Additional qualifying experience will substitute year for year for education

A Master's degree in one of the above fields will substitute for one year of the required experience

OR

A Ph.D. in one of the above fields

Desired Qualifications
• Experience working with environmental legislation and regulations at the federal, state, and local level
• Experience with oral and written communication of complex issues and interpreting technical documents for a variety of audiences
• Experience in applying negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Experience with GIS systems and associated mobile devices
• Experience working with a pollution identification project (PIC)
• Experience or demonstrated familiarity with the agricultural sector
• A Bachelor's degree involving major study in environmental or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field

Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment:

Must have a valid Driver's License

Why work for Ecology?

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 the health and financial security of you and your family a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to work/life 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, Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth

Student debt and how working for Ecology can help
Employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.
• See the Benefits tab in this announcement for more information

Application Instructions:

Please include the following documents as an attachment to your application:
• A cover letter describing how your experience, skills and abilities meet the required qualifications of this position.
• A resume outlining your professional experience.

Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.
Please complete the applicant profile when applying for this position. Or, you may paste the text of your resume within the profile's resume text field.

Please read the supplemental questions carefully and answer completely. Incomplete responses, including "please see resume" may disqualify you from further consideration.

Department of 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 at (360) 407-6186.

If you are reading this announcement in print format, please visit www.careers.wa.gov to access the online recruitment system. Click on "Look for Jobs" and select Dept. of Ecology under the "Department" search list. Click "Apply Search."

Other Information:

If you need assistance applying for this job, please call Human Resources at (360) 407-6186 or e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not call this number or send an email to this address to follow-up the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile's main page.
If you have specific questions about the position, please email Mark Peterschmidt at: Mark.Peterschmidt@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Mark to inquire about the status of your application.

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.

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

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 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.