Eastern Regional Agricultural and Outdoor Burn Team (Environmental Specialist 3) (In-Training)
- Description
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Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
If you are interested in an exciting career opportunity at Ecology, please read on….How would you like to be a part of the award winning Ecology smoke management team? Join a dynamic group of highly motivated people who make a difference every day of the year! This full time environmental specialist position will be based in Spokane at the Eastern Regional Office and will focus on agricultural, and outdoor burning, on compliance, technical assistance, and smoke management. This position will be involved in the regulation of our air quality in twelve counties.
If being part of a team that takes ownership of an important component of Eastern Washington air quality, works collaboratively with other air quality experts, at the federal, state and local level, this job is for you.
The Air Quality Program (AQ) is looking to fill an Eastern Regional Agricultural and Outdoor Burn Team (Environmental Specialist 3) position. This position is located in our Eastern Regional Office (ERO) in Spokane, WA.
Some of the responsibilities of the Eastern Regional Agricultural and Outdoor Burn Team position include: permitting, database management, enforcement, meteorological forecasting for daily burn decisions, technical assistance, complaint response, and information tracking and management. This position may conduct compliance inspections and provide technical assistance to small industrial sources throughout the region. This position develops sustainable partnerships with cities, counties and local stakeholders to reduce fine particle air pollution or PM2.5. The decisions made by this position have a broad potential impact, involve multiple stakeholders with competing interests, and have significant public health, environmental, economic, and political consequences.
We are looking for applicants who possess excellent people skills, the ability to quickly assess a situation and make a decision, possess the ability to communicate with a diverse audience and who are able to work both as a team member and individually.
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 Air Quality Program’s mission is to protect, preserve, and enhance the air quality of Washington to safeguard public health and the environment, and support high quality of life for current and future citizens.
The Air Quality Program and its partners use the data collected within the Washington ambient air monitoring network to:
- Determine if air quality is meeting federal standards.
- Provide near-real-time air quality information for the protection of public health.
- Forecast air quality.
- Make daily burn decisions and curtailment calls.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of air pollution control programs.
- Evaluate the effects of air pollution on public health.
- Determine air quality trends.
- Identify and develop responsible and cost-effective pollution control strategies.
Some of the key work activities at the Environmental Specialist 3 level include:
- Reviews and issues burn permits.
- Makes daily smoke management decisions, Investigates complaints, conducts field inspections.
- Works closely with a variety of people and other government agencies.
The position:
Has the ability to make smoke management decisions that allow burning but protect public health. Be able to review permit applications and either issue or deny permits. To assist the team to help reduce burning throughout Eastern Washington.The position has an opportunity to:
Solve permitting, complaints and alternatives to burning that make sense.Interesting aspects of this position:
In this role you have an opportunity to work with a diverse set of people, smoke management, permitting, and the protection of public health.Challenging aspects of the position:
This position will work long hours that at times might be very stressful and some weekends. Must be able to work both independently and with a team. This position will work with people that can be challenging.This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be May 18, 2018. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before May 17, 2018. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.
- Qualifications
- The goal class for this position is an Environmental Specialist 3 (ES3). We will consider applicants who meet the requirements for the Environmental Specialist 2 or 3 levels. If the finalist meets the requirements for the ES2 level, they will be placed into a training program to become an ES3 within a specified period of time.
Required Qualifications:
At the Environmental Specialist 2 Level: Pay Range – 45 ($3203 – $4191) Monthly
A Bachelor’s degree involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field AND one (1) year of professional-level experience in environmental analysis or control, or environmental planning.Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education.
OR
One (1) year as an Environmental Specialist 1.
OR
A Master’s degree involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field.
At the Environmental Specialist 3 Level: Pay Range – 49 ($3522 – $4623) Monthly (Goal Classification)
A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other closely related science 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.
OR
One (1) year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 2.
OR
A Master’s degree involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field; and one (1) year of professional-level experience in environmental analysis or control, or environmental planning.
Desired Qualifications:
- Preferred education and advanced experience in computer programs/ applications such as Access, Excel, GIS, Web Applications, modeling, etc.
- Can be relied upon to achieve excellent results with little need for oversight; earns the trust, respect, and confidence of coworkers and customers through consistent honesty, forthrightness and professionalism in all interactions; logically integrates various ideas, intentions, and information to form effective goals, objectives, timelines, action plans, and solutions.
- Must be able to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with a diverse set of clients and coworkers.
Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment:
Must have or be able to obtain and maintain Driver’s License.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 email Kary Peterson at:
kary.peterson@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Kary 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 Jobs Page
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- Newspaper
- Other State Agency
- Other Website
- Professional Association
- Radio
- University Job Board
- Ecology Recruiter
- 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 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 study.05Please select the statement that best describes your professional experience in environmental analysis or control or environmental planning.- I have at least one year of (full time) of experience as an Environmental Specialist 1.
- I have at least one year of (full time) of experience as an Environmental Specialist 2.
- I have at least one year of (full time) professional experience.
- I have at least two years of (full time) professional experience.
- I have at least three years of (full time)experience.
- I have at least four years of (full time) experience.
- I have at least five years of (full time) experience.
- I have at least six years of (full time) experience.
- None of the above statements apply.
06Please provide additional information to support your responses to question 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.07Do you have experience using such programs as: MS Access, Excel, GIS, Web applications (FrontPage, Perl, etc.) modeling etc.? If yes, please list the programs you have experience using, your level of proficiency and some of the common activities performed in each program.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