Commercial and Industrial Air Quality Inspector (Environmental Specialist 3)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Commercial and Industrial Air Quality Inspector (Environmental Specialist 3) within the Air Quality Program (AQP)

Location:

• Central Region Office in Union Gap, WA.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule:

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• A minimum of one day per week is required in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by December 14, 2025
• This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after the date above may not be considered.

Duties

In this role, you will be able to work with a variety of businesses and citizens in our region to ensure that they’re operating within state and federal air quality regulations as well as their permit conditions.  You’ll have the opportunity to educate permit holders on their expectations and help them come into compliance as needed.  Besides your supervisor, you will also receive technical direction from a Lead Inspector position based out of the Eastern Region Office (ERO).  We’re also working to improve the coordination and consistency between ERO and Central Region Office (CRO), so you will have the opportunity to have a hand shaping that.

What you will do:

• Conduct Compliance Inspections; Independently plan, prioritize, and perform scheduled and unannounced on-site inspections of minor industrial air pollution sources to determine compliance with state and federal air quality regulations and permit conditions.

• Perform File & Data Reviews; Review permits, emission data, facility records, and prior inspection files to identify applicable requirements, compliance issues, and questions in advance of site visits.

• Determine Regulatory Compliance; Evaluate industrial processes, equipment, and emissions and use applicable laws, regulations, and permits to make objective compliance determinations.

• Provide Technical Assistance; Educate facility staff on air quality requirements, control technologies, best practices, permit conditions, and corrective actions needed for compliance.

• Document Inspections & Maintain Records; Prepare written inspection reports, document observations, submit field data, and maintain accurate records in electronic and paper systems consistent with agency policies.

• Conduct Enforcement Actions; Initiate and support enforcement actions when violations are identified; collaborate with agency staff and the Attorney General’s Office, and testify in hearings as required.

• Manage Source Registration Information; Update and maintain source information in the registration system; notify facilities of overdue reports or fees; track compliance obligations.

• Respond to Complaints & Evaluate Source Tests; Investigate air quality complaints, document findings in the ERTS system, review source test protocols and results, attend tests, and compare outcomes to permit limits.

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

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

Experience in performing environmental-based work, OR work related to the position, that includes two or more of the following: 

Compliance Experience- Determining the compliance or status of an organization or group against a set of expectations, metrics or standards. 
Regulatory Experience-Analyzing and understanding rules, regulations or laws and comparing business or operational activities in comparison. 
Communications-Communicating complex requirements to individuals or organizations in a professional manner. 

Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets: 

Using critical / analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to make decisions or determine a course of action.
Reviewing / assessing information and data to draw conclusions and recommending decisions or actions. 
Conducting research and performing data analysis on both qualitative and quantitative data. 


Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning, or a related academic discipline.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 6 years of experience.
• 5 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 4 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 3 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 2 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• no experience needed AND a Master’s degree or higher.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to review and understand environmental regulations and complex technical documents.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with a diverse set of clients and coworkers.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain complete and accurate data and records within timelines and using required procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask in an ever changing fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated understanding of mechanical processes.

If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.

Supplemental Information

Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Application Process

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 job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Click “Apply” at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:

• Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
• Resume

Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as “see resume” may be considered incomplete.

For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.

Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.

Need an Accommodation?

If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:

• Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or careers@ecy.wa.gov
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.

Questions?

• For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Will Strand at will.strand@ecy.wa.gov
• If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at careers@ecy.wa.gov

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.

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.

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, Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *Click here for more information

To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or our blog.

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.

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

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.

Ecology Job Opportunities | Careers at Ecology