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:

• Eastern Region Office in Spokane, 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 July 30, 2026.

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

Duties

Do you envision clean, healthy air and climate for all of Washington? Would you enjoy working with a dynamic team to communicate requirements to commercial and industrial facilities located in Eastern Washington?

Ecology’s Air Quality Program is looking for an inspector to join our Commercial Industrial Unit. In this role, you will work with a variety of businesses to ensure they are operating within state and federal air quality regulations, and you’ll have the opportunity to provide education and technical assistance to facilities as they navigate these requirements. This position conducts inspections throughout the twelve-county Eastern Region and coordinates with the Air Quality Program’s Central Region to inspect sources that operate in both regions.

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.

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:

• Regulatory & Technical Review – Ability to review and understand environmental regulations and complex technical documents. 
• Data & Records Management – Ability to maintain complete and accurate data and records within timelines and using required procedures 
• Multitasking & Adaptability – Ability to multitask effectively in an ever-changing, fast-paced environment 
• Mechanical Experience – Ability to understand and apply knowledge of mechanical processes 

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 Gail Wright at Gail.Wright@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