Hazardous Waste Compliance Inspector (Environmental Specialist 3) (Two Positions)
- Description
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Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
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. If you want to join a team that is highly effective, collaborative, has leadership that embraces the value of people, and believes in the fun factor, Ecology is a good fit.The Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction (HWTR) program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill TWO Hazardous Waste Compliance Inspector (Environmental Specialist 3) positions. The positions will be housed in our Southwest Regional Office (SWRO) in Lacey, WA.
The Hazardous Waste Compliance Inspector positions work within Ecology’s Southwest Region as compliance inspectors for the Hazardous Waste & Toxics Reduction Program (HWTR). Under the direction and supervision of the HWTR Section Manager and Compliance Unit Supervisor, the positions conduct field investigations of businesses, industries and public agencies that generate, transport and manage hazardous wastes. The positions provide technical assistance to persons subject to hazardous waste regulations with the goal of improving understanding and achieving voluntary compliance.
We are looking for applicants who possess the curiosity and willingness to research deep into regulations, successfully translate those regulations and associated complex ideas to a variety of audiences, and are willing to engage in potentially contentious discussions while possessing the ability to diffuse conflict when necessary.
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
- Duties
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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 Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction (HWTR) Program is made up of people dedicated to fostering sustainability, preventing pollution, and promoting safe waste management. We do many different things in a coordinated approach to protect the people and environment of Washington from pollution from hazardous products and waste.
Some of the key work activities of the Hazardous Waste Compliance Inspector positions include:
- Serves as staff environmentalists who independently plan, prioritize, and conduct inspections of dangerous waste generators, transporters, used oil processors, and treatment/storage/disposal/recycling facilities to determine compliance with regulations and facility permits.
- Provides compliance assistance to educate the regulated community.
- Leads investigations and responds to complaints which includes interviewing, sampling, and coordinating with responsible public agencies.
- Prepares written documentation of inspections to be used in both informal and formal enforcement actions consistent with agency/program policies and procedures.
The positions:
Provide protection of human health and the environment through inspection of hazardous waste generators and handlers in every community.The positions have an opportunity to:
Work with businesses ranging from the corner dry cleaner and big box retailers, to universities and hospitals, to military installations and aircraft manufacturers. Whether the risk is from toxics in products or dangerous waste from industry, our focus is on helping the public and businesses make informed choices about the use of hazardous substances and their ultimate safe disposal.Interesting aspects of the positions:
These public service positions are a tangible way to contribute to the protection of Washington’s air, land, and water and provide for the success of future generations. And while you contribute, you will be learning about how clothes are dry cleaned, what happens to customer returns and damaged packages, how schools and hospitals meet the demand for services, and in general, how things are made.Challenging aspects of the positions:
Your inspection may not necessarily be the highlight of anyone else’s day. Business owners are protective of their investments. You may encounter resistance to the actions required to be in compliance. You may be intensely involved in the legal process, including being deposed by defense attorneys and testifying on behalf of the agency in court to support the observations and documentation of your fieldwork behind Ecology’s orders and penalties. Hazardous/dangerous waste presents risks to your health particularly if safety procedures are not implemented correctly.Program and Team culture:
Ecology is the life science of connections and teamwork is the core of our approach to work at Ecology. Each inspection requires a thorough assessment of knowledge, skills, abilities, and authorities needed to resolve the site-specific situations that we encounter. That can mean working with multiple programs and agencies such as Water Quality, local health departments, fire departments, and USEPA. - Qualifications
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Required Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field and two (2) years of professional-level experience in environmental analysis or control, or environmental planning.
OR
A Master’s degree as described above and one (1) year of professional-level experience in environmental analysis or control, or environmental planning.
OR
One (1) year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 2.
AND
- Demonstrated ability to understand hazardous waste legislation and regulations at the federal, state, and local level.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate through both informal and formal documents and discussions with sensitivity appropriate to working with Federal, State, and local colleagues.
- Demonstrated ability to apply negotiation and conflict resolution skills in both formal and informal circumstances.
- Demonstrated ability to review and understand hazardous waste technical documents.
Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment:
Must have or be able to obtain and maintain Driver’s License.
- Supplemental Information
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Application Instructions:In order to be considered, applicants MUST include the following documents as an attachment to their 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 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 Dave Misko at: dmis461@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Dave 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.
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More than Just a Paycheck!Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.Insurance BenefitsEmployees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.Retirement and Deferred CompensationState Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems‘ web site.Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Vacation (Annual Leave)You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.Holidays
Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:HOLIDAYDATENew Year’s DayJanuary 1Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthdayThird Monday in JanuaryPresidents’ DayThird Monday in FebruaryMemorial DayLast Monday in MayIndependence DayJuly 4Labor DayFirst Monday in SeptemberVeterans’ DayNovember 11Thanksgiving DayFourth Thursday in November & Friday afterChristmas DayDecember 25Personal HolidayEmployee’s selection each calendar year*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Social SecurityAll state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.Sick LeaveFull-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.
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01How did you learn about this job posting?
- Community Based Organization
- Community / Technical College
- Ecology Employee
- Ecology Recruiter
- Ecology Jobs Page
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- Newspaper
- Other State Agency
- Other Website
- Professional Association
- Radio
- University Job Board
- WorkSource
- www.careers.wa.gov
02If you selected Community Based Organization, Community / Technical College, Job Board, Job Fair, LinkedIn Group, Newspaper, Other State Agency, Other Website, Professional Association, Radio, University Job Board or WorkSource location then please share which one.03Please select the statement that best describes your education level involving a major study in environmental, physical or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field?- I have 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter credits.
- I have 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter credits (AA Degree).
- I have 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter credits.
- I have a Bachelor’s Degree.
- I have a Master’s Degree.
- I have a PhD.
- None of the above statements apply.
04Please indicate your degree and major.05Please select the statement that best describes your professional-level work experience in environmental analysis or control, or environmental planning.- I have at least one year of experience.
- I have at least two years of experience.
- I have one year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 2.
- None of the above statements apply.
06Please provide additional information to support your response to question number 5. The following information is needed: position title(s), specific duties, and periods of employment. Make sure your responses specifically address the qualifications above. An incomplete answer, including “please see resume” may remove you from further consideration.07Please describe your experience working with environmental legislation and/or regulations at the federal, state, and/or local level.08Please describe your experience reviewing and understanding complex technical documents.09Please describe your experience with effective communications both oral and written.10Please describe your experience with negotiations and conflict resolution.Required Question
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- State of Washington
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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
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- http://www.careers.wa.gov