Air Sensor Calibration & Repair Specialist

Per Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14.2 (Download PDF reader), Washington State employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination as part of the hiring process, prior to their start date. Requests for medical and religious exemptions will be considered. If you have questions, please contact Careers@ecy.wa.gov with “COVID-19 vaccination” in the subject line.  

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Air Quality Program (AQP) within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill an Air Sensor Calibration & Repair Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) (In-Training) position. This position is located in our Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.

Help protect Washington’s future: You can help to protect our communities from air pollution and protect our state’s future from the threat of climate change. As part of the Climate Commitment Act, a new law designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Washington, the Legislature established a linked program to monitor air quality in communities that today bear a disproportionate burden from air pollution, and take steps to reduce that pollution.

As the senior section specialist, you will use advanced scientific knowledge of air monitoring methods and principles to provide vital technical support and coordination of the Air Quality Program’s ambient air monitoring efforts, with a focus in overburdened communities consistent with the implementation of the environmental justice provisions of the Climate Commitment Act. In this position, you will be an integral member of a highly collaborative statewide air monitoring team helping to gather critical information that the Air Quality Program will use to protect and improve air quality in Washington State. You will assemble, test, calibrate, repair, and prepare low-cost air pollution sensors and Federal Reference or Equivalent Method (FRM or FEM) air monitors and associated equipment for deployment to identified overburdened communities throughout the state, while ensuring collected data are accurate and meet quality system requirements.

Everyone deserves clean air to breathe and a sustainable future that addresses the challenges of climate change. The Air Quality Program works to monitor air quality and reduce air pollution to protect the health of everyone who lives, works, and plays in Washington.

The mission of the Air Quality Program (AQP) is to protect and improve air quality in Washington. The Air Quality Program’s vision is clean, healthy air and climate for all of Washington. One of our goals is to inform decisions, and raise public awareness and engagement by providing accurate and timely information on ambient air pollution and its impacts.
 
The Calibration & Repair Laboratory is part of the NWRO/SWRO & Air Quality Operations Unit, which includes the Quality Assurance (QA) Team as well as the NWRO and SWRO Air Monitoring Site Operators, who collaborate internally and with operators and other air quality professionals in the statewide air monitoring team to gather that air pollution information. This position plays a vital role in helping the statewide air monitoring team also implement new monitoring in overburdened communities in accordance with the environmental justice provisions of the Climate Commitment Act.

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. Join a team that is highly effective and collaborative, with leadership that embraces the value of people.

Ecology cares deeply about employee wellness; we go beyond traditional benefits, proudly offering:

• A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
• An Infants at Work Program that is based on the long-term health values of infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.
• Continuous growth and development opportunities. 
• A wellness program that offers education, fitness classes, and an agency-wide fondness for outdoor meetings.
• Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology’s work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.

Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions. 

Equity: We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive. 

Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology’s work. 

Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement. 

We believe that DEIR is both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued. 

During Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery, employees are working a combination of in-office and/or telework based on position and business need. Ecology is following current state guidance regarding mask requirements, health screening questions before entry, and social distancing. 

Application Timeline: This position will remain open until filled, with an initial screening date of February 21, 2022. In order to be considered for initial screening, please submit an application on or before February 20, 2022. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date. 

Duties

What makes this role unique? 

As the senior section specialist tasked with supporting environmental justice provisions in the Climate Commitment Act, you are integral to measuring our progress in reducing criteria pollutants and implementing new monitoring in the communities most affected by pollution. In this position, you will interact with others often, using advanced scientific knowledge of air monitoring operations and equipment to provide technical assistance, support, and training to local, state, and federal agencies, tribal nations, academia, contractors, and the public. Based in the Calibration and Repair Laboratory, the work includes solving advanced technical challenges as well as field support, providing the opportunity to enjoy Washington’s beautiful and diverse landscapes and weather as you travel between Lacey and supported monitoring sites around the state.
 

What you will do: 

• Configure air sensors, FEM/FRM monitors, and other equipment for telemetry and monitoring needs.
• Coordinate the deployment of low-cost air pollution sensors and other FEM/FRM monitors with AQP, local air agency, and other agency/tribal air monitoring operators.
• Develop and recommend policies and guidelines for ambient air monitoring approaches within overburdened communities. 
• Review and analyze collected overburdened community ambient air monitoring raw data, quality control information, and associated information for adherence to EPA and AQP quality system requirements to ensure data are accurate and defensible.
• Investigate and advise the Quality Assurance team regarding quality assurance protocols for low-cost sensors.
• Provide mentoring to Ecology and partner agency air monitoring operators on the deployment, operation, quality control, and maintenance of air sensors and FEM/FRM monitors in overburdened communities to ensure accurate air pollution measurement and reporting across the state. 
• Develop and teach classes to professional-level air monitoring operators on the operation, calibration, maintenance, and quality control of air sensors, FEM and FRM particulate monitors, and other equipment to ensure operators are well trained and consistent in data collection across the state.
• Provide backup support for Calibration & Repair Lab and Southwest Regional Office (SWRO) air monitoring operations. Duties include calibration and repair of instruments as well as quality control checks and installation and retrieval of samples at air monitoring sites in the SWRO jurisdiction.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
Experience for both required and desired qualifications can be gained through various combinations of formal professional employment, educational, volunteer experience. See below for how you may qualify.

The goal class for this position is an Environmental Specialist 4  (ES4). We will consider applicants who meet the requirements for the Environmental Specialist 3 & 4 levels. If the finalist meets the requirements for the ES3 level, then they will be placed into a training program to become an ES4 within a specified period of time.

Environmental Specialist 3 (Salary Range 49:  $3887-$5102 Monthly)

A total of Six (6) years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Professional level Experience in: environmental analysis or control or environmental planning. Experience may include:
  • Investigating and / or resolving complaints involving science or technology content
  • Performing inspections 
  • Drafting technical evaluations and reports 
  • Develops plans for researching information used for technical projects, regulatory or policy development 
  • Plan and facilitate public meetings and hearings 
  • Project work requiring specialized knowledge of industry processes, pollutant sources or natural processes 
  • Providing technical assistance for complex scientific content and/ or support for implementing scientific content programs 
  • Conducting tests, analyzing and evaluating data 
  • Using environmental databases to support technical projects
  • Developing scientific studies and resource management plans 
  • Providing environmental technical and administrative assistance to grant/ contract/ loan recipients of environmental protection projects 
  • Experience in operations and maintenance of air monitoring instrumentation or closely allied environmental sampling field

• Education: involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field.  

See chart below for a list of ways to qualify for this position:

Possible Combinations. | College credit hours or degree. | Years of professional level experience.

Combination 1 | No college credit hours or degree | 6 years of experience

Combination 2 | I have 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter credits. | 5 years of experience

Combination 3 | I have 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter credits (AA degree). | 4 years of experience

Combination 4 | I have 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter credits. | 3 years of experience

Combination 5 | A Bachelor's Degree | 2 years of experience

Combination 6 | A Master's Degree | 1 years of experience

Combination 7 | A Ph.D. | 0 years of experience

Environmental Specialist 4 (goal class) (Salary Range 55: $4509-$5913 Monthly)

A total of Nine (9) years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Professional level Experience in: environmental analysis or control or environmental planning. Experience may include:
• Investigating and / or resolving complaints involving science or technology content
• Performing inspections 
• Drafting technical evaluations and reports 
• Develops plans for researching information used for technical projects, regulatory or policy development 
• Plan and facilitate public meetings and hearings 
• Project work requiring specialized knowledge of industry processes, pollutant sources or natural processes 
• Providing technical assistance for complex scientific content and/ or support for implementing scientific content programs 
• Conducting tests, analyzing and evaluating data 
• Using environmental databases to support technical projects
• Developing scientific studies and resource management plans 
• Providing environmental technical and administrative assistance to grant/ contract/ loan recipients of environmental protection projects 

Experience must Include: One (1) year of the professional level experience in the operations and maintenance of air monitoring instrumentation or closely allied environmental sampling field to qualify at the ES 4 level. 

• Education: involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field.  

See chart below for a list of ways to qualify for this position:

Possible Combinations. | College credit hours or degree. | Years of professional level experience.

Combination 1 | No college credit hours or degree | 9 years of experience

Combination 2 | I have 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter credits. | 8 years of experience

Combination 3 | I have 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter credits (AA degree). | 7 years of experience

Combination 4 | I have 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter credits. | 6 years of experience

Combination 5 | A Bachelor's Degree | 5 years of experience

Combination 6 | A Master's Degree | 3 years of experience

Combination 7 | A Ph.D. | 2 years of experience 

OR 

Two years of experience as an Environmental Specialist 3 at the Department of Ecology.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 

• Must have a Driver's License. 

Desired Qualifications:
We highly encourage you to apply even if you do not have some (or all) of the desired experience below.

• Experience testing, deploying, and analyzing data from low-cost air sensors and regulatory air monitors to characterize air quality.
• Experience calibrating, maintaining, and operating air monitoring or similar analytical equipment.
• Knowledge of electronics and pneumatics.
• Extensive knowledge of 40 CFR Parts 50and 58
• Previous experience interpreting and applying federal and state laws, regulations, rules, policy and guidance.
• Previous experience using R or other data analysis software.
• Ability to interpret and explain technical information to non-technical individuals.

Note: Having some (or all) of this desired experience may make your application more competitive in a highly competitive applicant pool.

Supplemental Information

Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.


Need an Accommodation in the application and/or screening process or this job announcement in an alternative format?

• Please call: (360) 407-6186 or email: careers@ecy.wa.gov and we will be happy to assist.
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can reach the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
• If you need assistance applying for this job, please e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not send an email to this address to follow-up on the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile's main page.
• If you are reading this announcement in print format, please enter the following URL to your search engine to apply: https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/Jobs-at-Ecology.   

Application Instructions:

It's in the applicant's best interest to submit all of the documents listed below. Applications without these documents may be declined.

• A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position.
• A resume outlining your experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to the minimum qualifications of this position.
• If applicable, a copy of transcripts (unofficial copy will be accepted).
• Three professional references.

Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.  
 
For Your Privacy:
When attaching documents to your application (such as Resume, Cover Letter, Transcripts, DD-214, etc.):

• Please be sure to remove private information such as your social security number, date of birth, etc. 
• Do not attach documents that are password-protected, as these documents may not be reviewed and may cause errors within your application when downloaded. 

Additional Application Instructions for Current 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.

Application Attestation: 

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. 

Other Information:

If you have specific questions about the position, please email Scott Dubble at: Scott.Dubble@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Scott to inquire about the status of your application.
 
To request the full position description: email careers@ecy.wa.gov

Why work for Ecology?

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.

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 your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work 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 *See the Benefits tab in this announcement for more information 

Student debt: how working for Ecology can help
The Department of Ecology is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Forgiveness Program (PSLF). See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.

To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.

Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.   

Equal Opportunity Employer: 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, military spouses 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.

Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days. 

Air Sensor Calibration & Repair Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) (In-Training)