Regional Biosolids Coordinator (Environmental Specialist 4) (In-Training)
- 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 Waste 2 Resources (W2R) program is looking to fill a Regional Biosolids Coordinator (Environmental Specialist 4 – In-Training) position. This position will be located in our Southwest Regional Office (SWRO) in Lacey, WA.
The Regional Biosolids Coordinator position serves as a technical expert in the Waste 2 Resources Program / SWRO in biosolids management and regulation, and the promotion of biosolids. Performs independent review of biosolids and biosolids-related solid waste permit applications, makes recommendations to approve or deny permits, and writes and issues individual permits or final letters of coverage under the State Wide Biosolids General Permit in accordance with accepted scientific principles, state laws, regulations, and guidance.
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 highly technical information with diverse audiences.
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.ecology.wa.gov.
Local efforts… Diverse people… Statewide impacts - Duties
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The mission of the Waste 2 Resources (W2R) program is to reduce the amount and the effects of wastes generated in Washington State.Some of the key work activities of the Regional Biosolids Coordinator position at the Environmental Specialist 4 level are:
Performs the following scientific activities:
- Analytical Data: Evaluates analytical data submitted following biosolids and soil analyses.
- Sampling and Analysis Plans: Reviews and critiques biosolids and soil sampling and analysis plans.
- Proposed Application Site Analysis: Reviews and makes determinations on proposed biosolids application sites.
- Agronomic Rate Calculations: In order to calculate an acceptable biosolids application rate, evaluates submitted soils and biosolids data, calculates existing soil nitrogen concentrations, determines crop nutrient needs, understands and applies nitrogen transformation dynamics, and considers the impact of previous applications of biosolids and other organic residuals.
- Pathogen Reduction Evaluations: Evaluates the methods used for achieving pathogen reduction in biosolids.
- Cumulative Pollutant Loading Rates: When sites receive biosolids that exceed the WAC 173-308-160 Table 3 pollutant concentrations, tracks for cumulative pollutant loading rates.
- Site Monitoring: Conducts onsite environmental monitoring.
Additional activities include:- Independently implements Chapters 70.95J RCW and Ch. 173-308 WAC and administers coverage under the state biosolids general permit.
- Responds to public inquiries, provides technical assistance and regulatory expertise to applicants, agencies, local governments, sewage treatment plant operators, consultants and other interested parties.
- Manages permits to assure compliance by conducting periodic inspections.
- Responds to complaints and works with individuals to develop solutions to problems and to gain voluntary compliance with regulations or permits.
- Takes appropriate enforcement actions in response to violations, and works cooperatively with the Attorney General’s office on regulatory enforcement actions.
- Prepares, reviews, and negotiates agreed orders and enforcement orders with the regulated community; recommends and drafts compliance schedules and formal enforcement actions as necessary.
This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be May 2, 2018. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before May 1, 2018. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.
To broaden the candidate pool, we will consider candidates that qualify at the Environmental Specialist 3 and 4 levels. Please read the qualifications section below to learn more about this exciting career growth and in-training opportunity. - Qualifications
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Required Qualifications:
The goal class for this position is an Environmental Specialist 4 (ES4). We will consider applicants who meet the requirements for both the ES4 and the ES3 levels. If the finalist meets the requirements for the ES3 level then they will be hired in as an ES3 and will be placed in a training program to become an ES4 within a specified period of time.
At the Environmental Specialist 4 level Pay Range 55 ($4085 – $5358 monthly) Goal Class
A Bachelor’s degree involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field AND five (5) years of professional-level experience in environmental analysis or control, or environmental planning which includes one (1) year equal to an Environmental Specialist 3 or above or two (2) years equal to an Environmental Specialist 2 or above.
Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education.
OR
A Master’s degree in one of the above fields and three (3) years of professional – level experience as required above which includes one (1) year equal to an Environmental Specialist 3 or above or two (2) years equal to an Environmental Specialist 2 or above.
OR
A Ph.D. in one of the above fields and two (2) years of professional-level experience as required above which includes one (1) year equal to an Environmental Specialist 3 or above or two (2) years equal to an Environmental Specialist 2 or above.
OR
Two (2) years of experience as an Environmental Specialist 3.
At the Environmental Specialist 3 level: Pay Range 49 ($3522 – $4623 – monthly) (In-Training)
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.
Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education.
A Master’s degree in one of the above fields will substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
OR
A Ph.D. in one of the above fields.
OR
One (1) year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 2.
Desired Qualifications:
Other desired education, training, and certifications:
- Compost facility operator certification.
- Ability to calculate an agronomic application rate.
- Competency in providing direct customer service, especially dealing with irate customers or customers that refuse to comply with what is being asked of them. Training related to developing interpersonal communication skills or providing high level customer service.
- Competency or formal training in negotiations. Be able to break down stated positions and conflict into basic underlying interests and needs. Seek common interests around which agreement may be reached.
The experience as an Environmental Specialist 3 can include a combination of the following: 1) investigating and / or resolving complaints involving science or technology content, 2) performing inspections, 3) drafting technical evaluations and reports, 4) develops plans for researching information used for technical projects, regulatory or policy development, 5) plan and facilitate public meetings and hearings, 6) project work requiring specialized knowledge of industry processes, pollutant sources or natural processes, 7) providing technical assistance for complex scientific content and/ or support for implementing scientific content programs, 8) conducting tests, analyzing and evaluating data, 9) using environmental databases to support technical projects, 10) developing scientific studies and resource management plans, 11) providing environmental technical and administrative assistance to grant/ contract/ loan recipients of environmental protection projects.
The experience as an Environmental Specialist 2 can include assisting in any of the following areas: 1) performing field surveys or studies, 2) responding to complaints involving scientific or technical content, 3) preparing public meetings and hearings, 4) assistance with routine inspections or investigations requiring specialized knowledge of industry processes, pollutant sources or natural processes, 5) responding to routine inquires or requests for technical assistance involving scientific content, 6) special projects that are scientific in nature, 7) conducting routine sampling and testing analyses, interprets data, writing reports 8) performing basic sampling data review, 9) maintaining an environmental data base to support technical projects, 10) providing routine environmental technical and administrative assistance to grant/ contract/ loan recipients of environmental protection projects.
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 (Download PDF reader), 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
- Supplemental Information
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Application Instructions:In order to be considered, applicants MUST attach the following documents as an attachment to their application:
- A cover letter describing how your experience, skills and abilities meet the required/desired 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 send an email to Peter Lyon at: Peter.lyon@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Peter Lyon 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 level of education 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 Doctorate degree.
- None of the above statements apply.
04Please indicate your degree and major.05Please select the statement that best describes your professional level 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 at least three years of experience.
- I have at least four years of experience.
- I have at least five years of experience.
- I have at least six years of experience.
- I have at least seven years of experience.
- I have at least eight years of experience.
- I have at least nine years of experience.
- None of the above statements apply.
06Please select the statement that best describes your experience.- I have at least one year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 3 or above.
- I have at least two years of experience as an Environmental Specialist 2 or above.
- None of the above statements apply.
07Please provide additional information to support your response to questions 5 and 6 above. 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.08Please describe your experience in biosolids management. 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.Required Question
- Agency
- State of Washington
- Address
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View Job Posting for Agency Information
View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
- Phone
- View Posting for Agency Contact
- Website
- http://www.careers.wa.gov