Job Description

Posting number: 2026-WQ2664-06182

Department: Dept. of Ecology

Division: Water Quality

Job classification: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Environmental Services, Public Health, Water Treatment, Water Agency, Natural Resources, Wastewater, Sciences, Green-Collar/Environmental, Stormwater

Summary

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Permit Manager and Data Quality Specialist (Environmental Specialist 3)(In-Training) within the Water Quality Program.

Location:

• Eastern Region Office in Spokane, WA.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule:

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• A minimum of one day per week is required in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by October 19, 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Examples of duties

This is your opportunity to join a high performing team that’s shaping the future of water quality in the Eastern Washington region. In this role, you’ll partner with facility owners and operators as they navigate the permitting process. You’ll build out database tools that keep critical information organized, track important permit records, review submittals to ensure they meet environmental laws and rules, conduct occasional inspections, and help coordinate responses to environmental incidents reported by the public.

As you grow in this work, you’ll gain hands-on experience that prepares you to advance your career in environmental permitting, compliance, and inspection. If you're excited about protecting Washington’s waters and supporting responsible facility operations, this is a role where you can truly make an impact.

What you will do:

• Implement and manage water quality permits.
• Provide technical assistance to facilities to improve compliance.
• Conduct inspections and respond to complaints.
• Manage the permit application acceptance process.
• Develop database tables for facilities to report required discharge monitoring results.
• Draft documents for compliance and enforcement efforts.
• Manage the regional program’s Environmental Incident response and reporting.

Qualifications

This position offers an in-training plan and may be filled at the Environmental Specialist 2 or 3 level, depending on your qualifications. If you qualify at the ES2 level and are hired, you will progress through an in-training plan to become an ES3 within a specified time period.

For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

At the Environmental Specialist 2 level (In-Training)

Pay Range 47, $4,300 - $5,779 monthly

Five (5) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which must include the following:

• Permit and Compliance Management – Ability to understand and apply environmental requirements to review applications, make permitting decisions, and ensure facilities meet regulatory obligations.
• Inspection and Incident Evaluation – Ability to assess sites and environmental incidents to identify problems, document conditions, and determine the appropriate follow-up actions.
• Enforcement Documentation and Case Support – Ability to prepare clear, accurate enforcement materials and records to support fair and defensible compliance actions.
• Data and Information Management – Ability to set up, manage, and maintain data systems to ensure information used for compliance, reporting, and decision-making is accurate and reliable.
• Technical and Scientific Analysis – Ability to review technical documents, interpret environmental data, and evaluate potential impacts to support sound regulatory decisions.
• Communication and Collaboration – Ability to explain technical information clearly and work effectively with facilities, colleagues, and partner agencies to support compliance and coordinated work.

Education involving a major study in an environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning; or an academic discipline related to the duties of the of the position.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 5 years of experience.
• 4 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 3 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 2 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 1 year of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• Master’s degree or higher.

At the Environmental Specialist 3 level (Goal Class)

Pay Range 53, $4,980 - $6,708 monthly

Six (6) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which must include the following:

• Permit and Compliance Management – Ability to understand and apply environmental requirements to review applications, make permitting decisions, and ensure facilities meet regulatory obligations.
• Inspection and Incident Evaluation – Ability to assess sites and environmental incidents to identify problems, document conditions, and determine the appropriate follow-up actions.
• Enforcement Documentation and Case Support – Ability to prepare clear, accurate enforcement materials and records to support fair and defensible compliance actions.
• Data and Information Management – Ability to set up, manage, and maintain data systems to ensure information used for compliance, reporting, and decision-making is accurate and reliable.
• Technical and Scientific Analysis – Ability to review technical documents, interpret environmental data, and evaluate potential impacts to support sound regulatory decisions.
• Communication and Collaboration – Ability to explain technical information clearly and work effectively with facilities, colleagues, and partner agencies to support compliance and coordinated work.

Education involving a major study in an environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning; or an academic discipline related to the duties of the of the position.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 6 years of experience.
• 5 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 4 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 3 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 2 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• Master’s degree or higher.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license or provide alternate reliable transportation for travel within the state of Washington.
• Regular travel is required between Ecology headquarters, regional offices, and assigned inspection sites/facilities.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with environmental regulations.
• Experience with customer service.
• Experience in preparation of professional documents and data management.

If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.

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 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.

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 Art Jenkins at Art.Jenkins@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 Water Quality Program

The mission of the Water Quality Program (WQP) is to ensure that all aquatic life, and communities in the watershed, experience cool, clean water to refresh and sustain us in a changing climate. The Program’s Eastern Region Office is in Spokane, Washington and offers flexible work schedules and a dynamic, collaborative group of employees committed to protecting Washington's surface and groundwaters. Spokane is located 92 miles from the Canadian border and is neighbors with Idaho. We are located near mountains and forests with many streams and lakes within a short drive.

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 Incentive, 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.

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