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Treatment Storage Disposal Facility Specialist (Environmental Specialist 5)(In-Training)

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 Hazardous Waste Toxics Reduction program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Treatment, Storage, Disposal Facility Specialist – Burlington Environmental LLC (Clean Earth)(Environmental Specialist 5)(In-Training) position.

This position is located in at one of the following locations:

Southwest Region Office within the Headquarters Building in Lacey, WA .

Northwest Region Office (NWRO) in Shoreline, WA.

Central Region Office (CRO) in Union Gap, WA.

Eastern Region Office (ERO) in Spokane, WA.

Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Please Note: The salary posted above does not include the additional 5% premium pay that this position will receive due to this position's location in King County.

Do you enjoy a challenge? Do you enjoy problem solving? Do you enjoy working within a team of skilled individuals towards a common goal? As a Treatment, Storage, Disposal Facility Specialist, you will be faced with evaluating the complexity of how dangerous wastes generated at a variety of businesses and institutions are accepted and managed for treatment, storage and disposal. The ability to see the big picture and at the same time drill down to the details is key to success. Problem solving and strategizing to foster safe waste management and protection of human health and the environment are key aspects of this position. The successful applicant will be great at prioritizing and keeping organized, and expert at communicating verbally and in writing to a variety of audiences, including internal managers and colleagues and externally with the facility’s representatives and other regulatory agencies and the general public. The work is characterized as “running a marathon, not a sprint”.

The mission of the HWTR 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. The HWTR vision is to be national leaders in minimizing and eliminating the impacts of toxic chemicals and hazardous waste.

About the Department of 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.

Our commitment to DEIR

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. This position is not currently required to work in the office on a daily basis. 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 November 10, 2022. In order to be considered for initial screening, please submit an application on or before November 9, 2022. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

Duties

What makes this role unique?

If you like a work environment that allows you to use your problem solving, negotiation and facilitation skills, this is the job for you. This position works within the Compliance Unit at the Southwest Region Office. The team, when fully staffed includes 10 compliance positions working within the region to provide compliance oversight an assistance to a variety of businesses.. The team works together to regulate hundreds of businesses generating and managing dangerous wastes. Treatment, Storage and Disposal facilities manage wastes from businesses, to include storage and treatment of such wastes to facilitate proper final disposal. You will also work across the program with our permit writer, our permit engineer, your partner TSD Specialist assigned to our other commercial TSD, and across the state with other inspectors in a consulting role when they have questions about how a businesses’ waste is being managed at the TSD.

What you will do:

Understand and interpret the facility specific permit conditions in order to evaluate the facility’s compliance.
Conduct periodic inspections of the facility and its associated transfer facilities within the state to determine compliance.
Investigate incidents such as releases, fires, explosions and reactions from managing dangerous wastes.
Identify issues at the facility that may result in threats to human health and the environment and develop compliance strategies to mitigate those threats.
Collaborate with other agencies, such as EPA, Labor & Industries, the local water quality and solid waste programs and the local air agency.
Communicate internally with the permit writer, permit engineer and corrective action (clean-up) staff regarding the facility operations. Communicate externally with the facility staff regarding ongoing operations and permit conditions applicable to those operations.
Support the other TSD Specialist through collaborative discussions and meetings, helping to maintain consistent oversight of these important facilities.

Qualifications

This is an In-Training position. The goal class for this position is an Environmental Specialist 5 (ES5). We will consider applicants who meet the requirements for the ES4 or the ES5 levels. If the finalist meets the requirements at the ES4 level, then they will be hired as an ES4 and will be placed in a training program to become an ES5 within a specified period of time.

Required Qualifications:

Experience for both required and desired qualifications can be gained through various combinations of formal professional employment, educational and volunteer experience. See below for how you may qualify.

At the Environmental Specialist 4 level:(Salary Range 55: $4,656-$6,105 Monthly)

Option 1:

Nine (9) years of education and/ or experience as described below:

Education: involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field.
Experience: in environmental analysis or control or environmental planning, which may include:

Two (2) years of experience implementing Washington’s “Dangerous Waste Regulations”, chapter 173-303 WAC and conducting Dangerous Waste compliance inspections of regulated generators.
Demonstrated ability to understand how we adopt and implement the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act regulations through the Washington State Dangerous Waste regulations WAC 173-303.
Knowledge of the principles, practices and methods of environmental or resource management and environmental pollution prevention and control.
Experience conducting field investigations.
Experience applying negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
Experience coaching or mentoring other staff.

Option 2:

Bachelor’s degree involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field.
Five(5) years of experience in environmental analysis or control or environmental planning, which may include:

Two (2) years of experience implementing Washington’s “Dangerous Waste Regulations”, chapter 173-303 WAC and conducting Dangerous Waste compliance inspections of regulated generators. (Experience may be gained at the same time as the
Demonstrated ability to understand how we adopt and implement the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act regulations through the Washington State Dangerous Waste regulations WAC 173-303.
Knowledge of the principles, practices and methods of environmental or resource management and environmental pollution prevention and control.
Experience conducting field investigations.
Experience applying negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
Experience coaching or mentoring other staff.

All experience and education combinations that meet the requirements for this position:

Possible CombinationsCollege credit hours or degreeYears of required experienceCombination 1No college credit hours or degree10 years of experienceCombination 230-59 semester or 45-89 quarter credits.9 years of experienceCombination 360-89 semester or 90-134 quarter credits (AA degree).8 years of experienceCombination 490-119 semester or 135-179 quarter credits.7 years of experienceCombination 5 A Bachelor's Degree6 years of experienceCombination 6 A Master's Degree4 years of experienceCombination 7A PhD3 years of experience

Two years of experience as an Environmental Specialist 3 at the Department of Ecology

At the Environmental Specialist 5 level (Goal Class)(Salary Range 59: $5,136-$6,746 Monthly)

Option 1:

Ten (10) years of education and/ or experience as described below:

Education: involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field.
Experience: in environmental analysis or control or environmental planning, which may include:

Two (2) years of experience implementing Washington’s “Dangerous Waste Regulations”, chapter 173-303 WAC and conducting Dangerous Waste compliance inspections of regulated generators. (Experience may be gained at the same time as the
Demonstrated ability to understand how we adopt and implement the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act regulations through the Washington State Dangerous Waste regulations WAC 173-303.
Knowledge of the principles, practices and methods of environmental or resource management and environmental pollution prevention and control.
Experience conducting field investigations.
Experience applying negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
Experience coaching or mentoring other staff.

Option 2:

Bachelor’s degree involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field.
Six (6) years of experience in environmental analysis or control or environmental planning, which may include:

Two (2) years of experience implementing Washington’s “Dangerous Waste Regulations”, chapter 173-303 WAC and conducting Dangerous Waste compliance inspections of regulated generators. (Experience may be gained at the same time as the
Demonstrated ability to understand how we adopt and implement the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act regulations through the Washington State Dangerous Waste regulations WAC 173-303.
Knowledge of the principles, practices and methods of environmental or resource management and environmental pollution prevention and control.
Experience conducting field investigations.
Experience applying negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
Experience coaching or mentoring other staff.

All experience and education combinations that meet the requirements for this position:

One year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 4 at the Department of Ecology

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Must have or be able to obtain and maintain Driver’s License.
Must have or be able to obtain and maintain 40-hour HAZWOPER certification.

Desired Qualifications:

We highly encourage you to apply even if you do not have some (or all) of the desired experience below.

Experience applying negotiation and conflict resolution skills to reach successful conclusions
Experience reviewing and understanding complex technical documents and making them understandable by a wide range of audiences including managers, professional colleagues, facilities, and the public.
Strong chemistry knowledge and knowledge of common high hazard and complex waste streams.
Hands on knowledge of waste management (e.g., experience as a hazardous waste technician or manager)

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 Leslie Morris at: Leslie.Morris@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Leslie 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.