Greenhouse Gas Emissions Engineering Specialist (Environmental Engineer 2 or 3) Two Positions

The salary listed above includes the scheduled 2% general salary increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring two Greenhouse Gas Emissions Engineering Specialist (Environmental Engineer 2 or 3) positions within the Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP).

This is a project position that is funded until June 30, 2027.

Location: 

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, 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. This position is expected to be in the office for a full workday every Tuesday.

• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by July 12, 2026.

• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties

Are you an engineer who enjoys solving complex problems at the center of science, policy, and climate action? As a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Engineering Specialist, you will help ensure the accuracy and integrity of Washington’s greenhouse gas reporting under the Climate Commitment Act, work that directly supports the success of the state’s climate programs. You’ll apply engineering analysis to deeply technical emissions data, help shape reporting systems and tools, and guide continuous improvements to how Washington collects and verifies greenhouse gas information. You will also work closely with regulated facilities and partners across the Climate Pollution Reduction Program, offering clear technical guidance and helping navigate sensitive or challenging issues. This position is a chance to use your engineering skills in meaningful climate work while collaborating with diverse industries, supporting colleagues, and contributing to groundbreaking statewide climate policy.

What you will do: 

• Conduct engineering analyses and review protocols, policies, and guidance and technical analyses of greenhouse gas reporting and related rules for facilities, such as power plants and landfills. Calculate and review reported facility carbon or energy intensity.
• Develop, cultivate, and maintain relationships and ongoing communication with interested parties and regulated entities.
• Conduct detailed reviews of facility emissions monitoring methodologies and supporting documentation to verify alignment with regulatory requirements., and assist in development of regulatory guidance.
• Support, collaborate, and communicate with IT staff in application and platform development, and serve as lead tester for IT applications and platforms.
• Participate in agile development activities by providing technical clarifications, contributing to backlog refinement, and reviewing sprint deliverables.
• Define technical needs and functional requirements for greenhouse gas reporting tools in collaboration with IT and program staff.
• Develop and execute user acceptance testing (UAT) scenarios that reflect real-world facility reporting to ensure system functionality and regulatory accuracy.
• Draft technical recommendations that improve greenhouse gas reporting processes, data quality, and program effectiveness. Handle, manage, and protect information that is confidential in nature and may be considered market sensitive.

Learn more about what it is like to be an Engineer at the Department of Ecology

Qualifications

This position offers an in-training plan and may be filled at the Environmental Engineering (EE) 2 or 3 level, depending on your qualifications. If you qualify at the EE2 level and are hired, you will progress through an in-training plan to become an EE3 within a specified time period.  

For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

At the Environmental Engineer 2 level (In-Training)

Pay Range 62, $6,229 - $8,374 monthly

Six years of engineering experience (environmental, water resource, civil, chemical, mechanical or related field) and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:

• Technical Evaluation of Emissions Data – Ability to review and analyze emissions calculations, monitoring methods, and supporting data to support accurate greenhouse gas reporting and verification.
• Understanding and Applying Regulations – Ability to interpret and apply EPA 40 CFR Part 98 and state greenhouse gas reporting rules to determine applicability and support consistent implementation.
• Analytical Problem-Solving – Demonstrated competence in identifying data issues, evaluating calculation methods, and recommending improvements that enhance reporting accuracy and data quality.
• Data and IT Systems Support – Ability to contribute to the development, testing, and refinement of databases, reporting tools, and IT applications to ensure accurate and reliable data workflows.
• Quality Assurance and User Acceptance Testing – Experience with developing or executing test scenarios, validating system outputs, and identifying defects to ensure tools meet program requirements.
• Technical Assistance and Customer Support – Ability to provide guidance to facilities, local governments, and internal staff on reporting requirements, data entry, and interpretation of technical materials.
• Policy and Program Support – Competence in contributing engineering analyses to support rule updates, protocol revisions, and program guidance to improve consistency and clarity.
• Multi-Party Communication and Collaboration – Experience working with businesses, agencies, and consultants to answer technical questions, promote accurate reporting, and maintain strong program relationships.

An Engineer-In-Training Certificate or education involving a major study in one of the following engineering fields, sanitary, water resource, civil, geotechnical, environmental, chemical, mechanical, or related field.

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.

• 2 years of experience AND an Engineer-in-Training certificate.

• 1 year of experience AND a Master’s degree or above.

At the Environmental Engineer 3 level (Goal Class)

Pay Range 68, $7,224 - $9,712 monthly

Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington AND
Three years of experience in engineering (environmental, water resource, civil, chemical, mechanical or related field), related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:

• Engineering Review and Verification – Demonstrated competence in conducting engineering analyses of facility emissions calculations, monitoring methods, and reported data to ensure technically accurate and defensible greenhouse gas submissions.

• Regulatory Interpretation and Application – Ability to interpret and apply EPA 40 CFR Part 98 and state greenhouse gas reporting requirements to determine applicability, assess compliance, and ensure consistent regulatory implementation.

• Professional Engineering Judgment – Experience with exercising independent engineering judgment to validate complex emissions data and take final responsibility for the accuracy and regulatory defensibility of determinations.

• Technical Leadership and Subject Matter Expertise – Demonstrated competence in serving as the agency’s subject matter expert on greenhouse gas emissions verification to guide program direction, provide expert consultation, and support policy development.

• Systems and Data Integrity Oversight – Skilled in reviewing, validating, and leading testing of databases, reporting tools, and electronic platforms to ensure accurate, reliable, and regulatory-aligned data collection and analysis.

• Quality Assurance and User Acceptance Testing – Experience with developing or executing test scenarios, validating system outputs, and identifying defects to ensure tools meet program requirements.

• Multi-Party Representation and Engagement – Ability to represent the department as a licensed professional engineer to regulated entities, consultants, and interested parties to support compliance, resolve disputes, and communicate complex technical requirements.

• Training and Mentorship – Experience with training, guiding, and mentoring engineers and technical staff to build internal capability and ensure consistent, technically sound program implementation.

• Compliance Oversight and Enforcement Support – Ability to evaluate reported data, identify noncompliance, and support or issue notices of violation to uphold program integrity and ensure accurate, timely reporting.
  
  NOTE: Requirements for professional registration as an engineer in the state of Washington are eight years of professional experience (which may include up to four years of college-level engineering education) and successful completion of sixteen hours of professional licensing exams. Applicants qualifying through the licensing equivalency option must achieve professional registration as an engineer in the state of Washington within six months of appointment to this class.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 

• A background check will be conducted, which may include criminal record history, fingerprinting, and credit history. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

• For the EE3 level: Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington.

NOTE: Individuals who are licensed as professional engineers in another U.S. jurisdiction or foreign country and wish to apply for this position must qualify for licensure in Washington State by comity. Applicants are responsible for reviewing and ensuring they meet Washington's comity requirements before submitting application materials. 

Licensing requirements can be found on the Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors website: How To Get Your Professional Engineer License When Licensed in Another Jurisdiction.

Desired Qualifications:

• Advanced Knowledge of Greenhouse Gas Science – Demonstrated knowledge of greenhouse gases, climate change, emissions calculations, and/or energy accounting to support technically accurate evaluation of facility-reported emissions.

• Industry-Specific Process Expertise – Expertise or advanced knowledge in one or more of the following production processes to strengthen engineering review and verification accuracy: petroleum refining; natural gas distribution; metal, glass, or cement manufacturing; pulp and paper production; or chemical manufacturing.

• Complex Regulatory Interpretation – Ability to interpret and apply complex federal and stateregulations associated with greenhouse gas reporting and climate programs to ensure consistent,defensible, and compliant program implementation.

• Advanced Data and Systems Competency – Experience working with environmental data systems,engineering calculations, or technical software platforms to support high-quality data analysis,verification, and quality assurance activities.

• High-Level Multi-Party Engagement Skills – Demonstrated experience collaborating with regulatedentities, consultants, and interagency partners to resolve complex technical issues and maintain strong,constructive working relationships.

If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.

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 Eli Levitt at Eli.Levitt@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 Incentive, 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.

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