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 Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP) within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill an Environmental Specialist 3 position. This position will work out of our Southwest Regional Office (SWRO) in Lacey, WA.

This position serves as the SWRO Initial Investigator of Environmental Report Tracking System (ERTS) complaints under the authority of the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA), and performs Site Hazard Assessments (SHAs) of sites listed on the Department’s Confirmed and Suspected Contaminated Sites List. The position conducts Initial Investigations (IIs) on public complaints received through ERTS of potential contamination, and conducts SHAs on previously listed sites within SWRO.

This position gives you the opportunity to be exposed to interesting and unique situations involving toxics cleanup and the public, to establish relationships with local governments, and to help keep small sites from turning into larger sites through communication of the MTCA requirements and sharing best practices of the handling of chemicals and/or toxics with the regulated community.

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

• Plans, conducts, and/or oversees inspections, reviews industry-submitted reports for data analysis/completeness, and analyzes complaints to determine soil and/or water contamination impacts.
• Independently interprets observable conditions at sites, assess conditions using relevant regulations, consults with local officials as required, and makes decisions on further actions to be taken by the Department.
• Prepares written reports summarizing site activities, observations, and analytical sampling results.
• Performs Site Hazard Assessments (SHAs) of sites listed on the Confirmed and Suspected Contaminated Sites List. The SHA process involves selecting and prioritizing sites for assessment in conjunction with Unit Supervisor, reviewing files for pertinent sites data, and determining the need for on-site field sampling. If sampling is needed, takes lead role in preparing and implementing a Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) and Health and Safety Plan (HASP) with input and support from the TCP SHA Coordinator and SWRO II/SHA Coordinator. After collecting all necessary data, ranks the site using the Washington Ranking Method (WARM) and prepares a written ll SHA report for review by the TCP SHA Coordinator and SWRO II/SHA Coordinator. The SHA report summarizes the file review, site activities and observations, analytical sampling results, and includes either a recommendation of No Further Action or proposed WARM ranking.
• During the course of an investigation, identifies contamination problems and provides technical assistance to property owners on small-scale cleanups (such as oil drips).
• When requested by Unit Supervisor, provides mentoring and technical assistance to new county investigators in sample collection, documentation, and interpretation of chemical data.
• Maintains a working knowledge of applicable laws and regulations, including RCW 70.105D WAC 173-340 (MTCA Cleanup Regulation), and RCW 90.76 WAC 173-360 (Underground Storage Tank Regulation).

Required Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning, or other allied field

AND

Two years of professional level experience in environmental analysis or control or environmental planning.

The 2 years of experience 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) researching information used for routine technical projects, regulatory or policy development, 5) assistance with public meetings and hearings, 6) project work requiring specialized knowledge of industry processes, pollutant sources or natural processes, 7) providing technical assistance for 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.
Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education.

A Master’s degree in one of the above fields will substitute for one year of experience,

OR

A Ph.D. in one of the above fields will substitute for two years of experience,

OR

One year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 2.

A valid driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications

Familiarity with the MTCA cleanup regulation and underground storage tank regulations.

Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment

Initial 40-hour hazardous materials training followed by annual 8-hour refresher.