Lead Spill Responder / Dangerous Waste Coordinator (Environmental Specialist 3 or 4) (In Training)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Lead Spill Responder / Dangerous Waste Coordinator (Environmental Specialist 4) within the Spill Prevention, Preparedness, and Response program.

Location:

• Southwest Region Office in Lacey, WA.
• Must live within a 60-minute commuting distance of the Southwest Region Office.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule:

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• This position requires field work and emergency response, while there is some office work and you may telework most of your office work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline: 

• Apply by February 26, 2026
• 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 respond to spills of oil and hazardous materials. You will have the opportunity to have a hands-on, direct, and immediate positive impact on and benefit to Washington’s residents and environment. You will also manage complex human health and environmental emergencies through coordination with other federal, state, local, and Tribal response partners.

What you will do:

• Respond to spills of oil and hazardous materials, abandoned waste, fish kills, pressurized cylinders, illegal drug manufacturing facilities, and other environmental and human health emergencies
• Coordinate responses to illegal drug manufacturing facilities with law enforcement partners
• Ensure safe storage and disposal of dangerous or hazardous waste following Ecology’s waste management rules and guidelines
• Provide guidance, training and mentoring to others responding to and cleaning-up oil and hazardous materials spills
• Perform hands-on clean-up work, including opening unknown drums or containers, sampling, repackaging chemicals, and transporting waste
• Complete case documentation in support of enforcement and cost recovery actions
• Participate in an after-hours and weekend on-call duty rotation that responds to spills 24/7/365

As a Spill Responder, you will be eligible for 10% Assignment Pay once required training and certifications are completed. Spill Responders are periodically required to be on call outside of their scheduled work hours but are paid an hourly Standby Rate (7% of their regular hourly rate). If they work on a response outside of their scheduled work hours they receive Responder Pay (150% of their regular hourly rate). Specialized clothing, equipment, and PPE is required for this position and will be provided.

Qualifications

This position offers an in-training plan and may be filled at the Environmental Specialist 3 or 4 level, depending on your qualifications. If you qualify at the ES3 level and are hired, you will progress through an in-training plan to become an ES4 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 Specialist 3 level (In-Training)

Pay Range 53, $4,882 - $6,576 monthly

Six years of combined experience and/or education. 

Experience: Performing environmental-based work, OR work related to any of the following:

• Incident Command and Emergency Response Leadership
   Experience serving as an initial Incident Commander or State On-Scene Coordinator, applying Incident Command System (ICS) principles to manage complex oil and hazardous materials incidents involving multiple agencies and competing priorities.
• Advanced Spill Response and Hazardous Materials Operations
   Skill in planning, directing, and performing hands-on response actions for oil spills, hazardous substance releases, abandoned waste, and illegal drug manufacturing facilities, including containment, cleanup, and mitigation in high-risk environments.
• Hazard Identification, Sampling, and Field Analysis
   Knowledge of hazardous substance identification, sampling techniques, field testing, and hazard classification, including safe handling of unknown materials and interpretation of monitoring data against health-based and regulatory standards.
• Dangerous Waste Management and Regulatory Compliance
   Knowledge of federal and state dangerous waste regulations and ability to ensure compliant waste handling, storage, transportation, disposal, inventory tracking, reporting, and emergency response planning.
• Interagency and Law Enforcement Coordination
   Skill in coordinating and leading response activities with local, state, federal, and tribal partners, including law enforcement agencies.
• Emergency Spill Response Operations
   Ability to independently respond to oil spills, hazardous substance releases, abandoned waste, and other environmental and human health emergencies, performing containment, control, and cleanup actions in accordance with established procedures.
• Incident Command System Participation
   Skill in functioning effectively within the Incident Command System as an Incident Commander for routine incidents or as a Command/General Staff member or technical specialist during complex responses under direction.
• Hazard Identification and Field Safety
   Knowledge of hazardous materials recognition, site safety principles, and hazard assessment, including safe work practices in IDLH environments and proper use of Levels B and C personal protective equipment.
• Sampling, Monitoring, and Waste Handling
   Experience in collecting environmental and waste samples, operating field monitoring instruments, interpreting results using established guidance, and safely packaging, labeling, and transporting hazardous and dangerous waste for disposal.
• Regulatory Knowledge and Application
   Knowledge of applicable state and federal spill response and dangerous waste regulations, with the ability to apply regulations, guidance, and standard operating procedures to incident response and compliance activities.
• Contractor and Responsible Party Management
   Experience observing, documenting, and/or supporting response actions conducted by spillers and environmental response contractors, escalating issues or non-compliance to supervisors as appropriate.
• Technical Communication and Documentation
   Skill in preparing clear, accurate, and timely incident documentation, reports, and data entries, and communicating technical information effectively to supervisors, response partners, and regulated parties.
• Equipment Operation and Readiness
   Demonstrated ability to safely operate and maintain spill response equipment, vehicles, boats, and monitoring instruments, and to maintain personal gear and assigned equipment in a state of readiness for emergency response.
• Teamwork, Reliability, and Adaptability
   Experience working effectively as part of a response team, with the ability to adapt to rapidly changing conditions, maintaining professionalism under stress, and supporting inclusive, respectful working relationships.

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: in environmental science, engineering, chemistry, biology, or a closely related scientific or technical field that provides knowledge of emergency hazardous materials response.

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.
•  a Master’s degree.

At the Environmental Specialist 4 level (Goal Class)

Pay Range 59, $5,666 - $7,622 monthly

Nine years of combined experience and/or education. 

Experience: Performing environmental-based work, OR work related to any of the following:

• Incident Command and Emergency Response Leadership
  Ability to serve as an initial Incident Commander or State On-Scene Coordinator, applying Incident Command System (ICS) principles to manage complex oil and hazardous materials incidents involving multiple agencies and competing priorities.
• Advanced Spill Response and Hazardous Materials Operations
  Skill in planning, directing, and performing hands-on response actions for oil spills, hazardous substance releases, abandoned waste, and illegal drug manufacturing facilities, including containment, cleanup, and mitigation in high-risk environments.
• Hazard Identification, Sampling, and Field Analysis
  Knowledge of hazardous substance identification, sampling techniques, field testing, and hazard classification, including safe handling of unknown materials and interpretation of monitoring data against health-based and regulatory standards.
• Dangerous Waste Management and Regulatory Compliance
  Knowledge of federal and state dangerous waste regulations and ability to ensure compliant waste handling, storage, transportation, disposal, inventory tracking, reporting, and emergency response planning.
• Interagency and Law Enforcement Coordination
  Skill in coordinating and leading response activities with local, state, federal, and tribal partners, including law enforcement agencies.

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: in environmental science, engineering, chemistry, biology, or a closely related scientific or technical field that provides knowledge of emergency hazardous materials response.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 9 years of experience.
• 8 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 7 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 6 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 5 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• 3 years of experience AND a Master’s degree.
• 2 years of experience AND a Ph.D.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must hold and maintain a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a motor vehicle.
• Must pass employment medical surveillance physical and demonstrate and maintain the ability to wear respiratory protection and chemical protective clothing. 
• Must be able to pass a detailed background check required to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Must successfully complete initial SAFETRAC requirements and other required training outlined in Spills Program Policy and Procedures within 6 months of entering the position.
• Must be prepared for a minimum 3-day field deployment within 1 hour of notification.
• Must hold and maintain eligibility and certification (valid passport or enhanced driver’s license) to permit travel to Canada in the event of a transboundary spill.
• This position is identified as an Essential Agency Employee and is expected to work during facility closures and natural disasters.
• This position is required to perform after-hours on-call duty on a rotation.
• Must notify supervisor immediately if the employee is unable to obtain any of the above required licenses or certifications, or if any of the above are revoked, expired or suspended for any reason.
• Must live within a 60-minute commuting distance of the Southwest Region Office in Lacey, WA..

Desired Qualifications:

• Technical Oversight of Contractors and Response Resources
   Ability to oversee and direct responsible parties and environmental response contractors, ensuring response actions are technically sound, timely, safe, and compliant with agency standards and legal requirements.
• Responder Safety and High-Risk Work Capability
   Ability to safely operate in Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) environments while wearing Levels B and C personal protective equipment, maintaining situational awareness, sound judgment, and compliance with safety protocols under extreme conditions.
• Team Leadership, Training, and Mentorship
   Skill in providing leadership, mentoring, and technical guidance to less experienced staff, coordinating training and HAZWOPER compliance, and ensuring region responder and equipment readiness.
• Technical Communication, Documentation, and Data Analysis
  Ability to clearly communicate technical and regulatory information verbally and in writing, prepare accurate incident reports and enforcement documentation, analyze response and compliance data, and brief supervisors and interested parties on issues with program or policy implications. 

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.

Our Commitment to DEIR

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.

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 Alison Meyers at Alison.Meyers@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

The Spills Program’s mission is to protect, preserve, and restore Washington’s environment. Our vision is to create a zero spills world. 

The compelling motivation for this work is public service and the ability to use science to solve environmental and public health challenges. We are looking for applicants who possess a strong public service ethic, are comfortable working in a leadership role, who excel working on a team, and thrive in a dynamic ever-changing work environment with shifting priorities and schedule changes. If you enjoy a mix of field work and office work and are motivated by making a difference protecting human health and the environment, then this position is for you.

About the Department of Ecology

As the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology 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. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.

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.

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