Stormwater Compliance Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4)

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Stormwater Compliance Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4)

Salary
$49,020.00 – $64,296.00 Annually
Location
Whatcom County – Bellingham, WA
Job Type
Full Time – Permanent
Department
Dept. of Ecology
Job Number
2018-WQ4164-05312
Closing
Continuous
Description
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Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is recruiting for a Stormwater Compliance Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) in the Water Quality Program to evaluate and manage environmental grants and loans as part of our Northwest Region in Bellingham, WA.  If you like working with a diverse audience of local businesses, contractors and environmental stewards, are a good communicator, and like working in a vibrant field office, this may be a great opportunity for you.

This position works out of Ecology’s Bellingham Field Office serving as senior water quality inspector for Construction, Industrial, Sand and Gravel and Boatyard Stormwater NPDES permits. This position ensures that permitted operators adhere to state permit regulations to protect water quality, primarily in Whatcom County.

As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve, and enhance Washington’s environment for current and future generations. Our work ensures that state waters support beneficial uses including recreational and business activities, supplies for clean drinking water, and the protection of fish, shellfish, wildlife, and public health. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.

To learn more about our agency, check us out on our websiteTwitterFacebookInstagram or our blog.

Local efforts… Diverse people… Statewide impacts

Duties
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The mission of the Water Quality Program is to protect and restore Washington’s waters to sustain healthy watersheds and communities. Our work ensures that state waters support beneficial uses including recreational and business activities, supplies for clean drinking water, and the protection of fish, shellfish, wildlife, and public health.

The Stormwater Compliance Specialist provides technical assistance to businesses and individuals to assist them in doing their work in a way that prevents discharges of pollutants into state waters. This includes:

  • Preventing and cleaning up water pollution – inspecting facilities holding National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for compliance with permit requirements and investigating potential violations for unpermitted discharges.
  • Assisting permittees, local governments, other Ecology staff, state agencies and environmental stakeholders in understanding and implementing NPDES permits for industrial sites, construction sites, boatyards and sand/gravel operations.
  • Providing direct technical assistance to facility operators/owners to help them avoid and mitigate discharge violations.
  • Based on inspections and investigations, developing evidence and other information to support formal compliance and enforcement actions, when necessary.  Preparing formal and informal compliance documents such as warning letters, violations notices, orders and penalties.

This position will also serve as the section specialist on the intersection between stormwater point and nonpoint pollution related to accelerated stream erosion, agricultural activities and other land disturbances. This includes:

  • Responding to highly complex inquiries for technical assistance related to nonpoint stream erosion/restoration, and agricultural pollution/best management practices.
  • Tracking stormwater projects that intersect with nonpoint activities.
  • Identifying and highlighting successful projects implemented by nonpoint permit regulated communities.

This position will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be on June 20, 2018. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before June 19, 2018. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

Qualifications
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 five years of professional level experience in environmental analysis or control or environmental planning which includes one year equal to an Environmental Specialist 3 or above, or two 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 years of professional level experience in environmental analysis or control or environmental planning which includes one year equal to an Environmental Specialist 3 or above, or two years equal to an Environmental Specialist 2 or above.

OR

A Ph.D. in one of the above fields AND two years of professional level experience in environmental analysis or control or environmental planning which includes one year equal to an Environmental Specialist 3 or above, or two years equal to an Environmental Specialist 2 or above.

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 analysis, 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.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experiencing interpreting and enforcing laws pertaining to Washington State’s Water Pollution Control Act and Federal Clean Water Act.
  • Experience with NPDES permits and conducting site inspections, investigations, or enforcement.
  • Education or experience in Washington State Water Quality Law and standards, water quality sampling, pollution prevention practices or natural resources management.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Must possess a valid 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 ForgivenessTuition Waiver,  Long Term Disability & Life InsuranceDeferred Compensation ProgramsDependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP),  Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA)Employee Assistance ProgramCommute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader)Combined Fund DriveSmartHealth

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
 

Application Instructions:
Please include the following documents as an attachment to your 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 Doug Allen at: doug.allen@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Doug 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.

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 Benefits
Employees 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 Compensation
State 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:

HOLIDAY
DATE
New Year’s Day
January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday
Third Monday in January
Presidents’ Day
Third Monday in February
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
Independence Day
July 4
Labor Day
First Monday in September
Veterans’ Day
November 11
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
Christmas Day
December 25
Personal Holiday
Employee’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 Security
All 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 Leave
Full-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.
01
How did you first learn about this job posting?

  • Community Based Organization
  • Community / Technical College
  • Ecology Employee
  • Ecology Recruiter
  • Ecology Jobs Page
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Job Board
  • Job Fair
  • Other State Agency
  • Other Website
  • Professional Association
  • Twitter
  • University Job Board
  • WorkSource
  • www.careers.wa.gov
02
If 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.
03
Please 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 Ph.D.
  • None of the above statements apply.
04
Please indicate your degree and major.
05
Please select the statement that best describes your professional 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.
06
Please provide additional information to support your response to question’s 5 above. The following information is needed: position title(s), specific duties, and periods of employment. Make sure your response specifically addresses the qualification above. An incomplete answer, including “please see resume” may remove you from further consideration.
07
Please describe your experience interpreting and enforcing laws pertaining to Washington State’s Water Pollution Control Act and Federal Clean Water Act. If you do not have this experience, please type NA.
08
Please describe your experience with NPDES permits and conducting site inspections, investigations, or enforcement. If you do not have this experience, please type NA.
09
Please describe your education or experience in Washington State Water Quality Law and standards, water quality sampling, pollution prevention practices or natural resources management. If you do not have this education or experience, please type NA.
10
Do you have a valid Driver’s License?

  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Phone
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