Protecting Washington State’s environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We have a culture that is invested in making a difference. If you want to join a team that is highly effective, collaborative, has leadership that embraces the value of people, Ecology is a good fit.

The Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP) is looking to fill an Underground Storage Tank Inspector (Environmental Specialist 3) position. The position will be located in our Northwest Regional Office (NWRO) in Bellevue, WA.

The goal of the Underground Storage Tank Inspector position is to prevent pollution of the soil and groundwater by inspecting and regulating underground storage tanks (USTs). In addition, serves as the staff environmental specialist on UST technical equipment operation and UST regulations, and performs UST facility inspections in Ecology’s Northwest region. Serves as a resource on UST regulations and their implementation. 

We are looking for applicants who are reliable, patient, have excellent written and verbal communication skills, are detail oriented and are able to handle challenging customer situations.

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. Maybe you’ve seen some of our recent stories on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.

To learn more about our agency, please visit our website at www.ecy.wa.gov.

Local efforts… Diverse people… Statewide impacts 

Accidental spills of dangerous materials and past business practices have contaminated land and water throughout the state. The Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP) works to remedy these situations, which range from cleaning up contamination from leaking underground storage tanks, to large, complex projects requiring engineering solutions. Our mission is to get and keep contaminants out of the environment.
 
Some of the key work activities for the Underground Storage Tank Inspector are:

UST Inspection and Enforcement
Ensure that UST system inspections follow the Environmental Protections Agency’s (EPA) Significant Operation Compliance (SOC) guidance and demonstrate an ability to apply sound professional judgment in identifying and resolving violations of UST regulations. Conduct thorough inspections of the UST facilities you are assigned, issue enforcement actions in accordance with the “UST Inspector Enforcement Manual,” and assist with inspection/enforcement follow-up activities in order to return facility owner and operator to compliance. Conduct UST system installation, retrofit, and decommissioning inspections. Complaint investigation and initial investigations of suspected LUSTs are also conducted by UST inspectors.
 
Technical Assistance
Provide technical assistance and education on UST related topics to others for TCP. Act as regional contacts for external customers and statewide contact for internal customers regarding UST regulations, forms, and technical questions. When directed, represent TCP and Ecology on UST related issues in public meetings and workshops.
 
UST Project Management
Attend and participate in section meetings, UST unit meetings and UST inspector meetings. Direct and coordinate with owners and operators of UST systems, UST contractors, local government agencies, and others on complex UST projects.  Completion of special projects such as the creation of new guidance documents, the updating of old guidance documents, and the development of new tools to assist UST inspectors in the performance of their duties is also completed when possible.
 
Database and File Management
Document UST system information and compliance related data in physical files and electronic databases. Review UST related submittals (e.g. checklists, UST system test results, etc.) to ensure that databases and files contain complete and accurate information. When requested, recommend new or modified performance measures related to UST compliance.

This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be June 19, 2017.  In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before June 18, 2017. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree with major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences and two years of professional level experience in environmental analysis or control including enforcement, or environmental planning.
 
Additional qualifying education/experience will substitute, year for year for experience.
 
A Master’s degree in one of the above fields will substitute for one year of the required experience.
 
OR
 
A Ph.D degree in one of the above fields.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of UST systems.
• Compliance and enforcement experience.
• Strong capacity for scientific data assimilation and analysis.
• Experience in regulation interpretation and reporting.
• Routine work with database and spreadsheet software for data management and interpretation.

Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment:

A valid driver’s license.

                                                                 
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.”

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 Bob Warren at: bob.warren@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Bob 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 position is included in the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) union bargaining unit for the Department of Ecology. All employees covered by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the WFSE will, as a condition of employment, either become members of the WFSE and pay membership dues or, as non-members, pay a representation fee as described in the CBA, no later than the 30th day following the effective date of this CBA or the beginning of their employment.

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.