Small Source Compliance Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) (In Training)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Small Source Compliance Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) (In Training) 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.
• Your schedule will include field work and a minimum of one day per week is required in the office, with additional occasional in-person meetings and activities.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline: 

• Apply by March 23, 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

Do you envision clean, healthy air and climate for all of Washington? Do you have experience determining compliance with state and federal regulations? 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 a specialist to join our Commercial/Industrial Unit. As the Small Source Compliance Specialist, you will serve as the section expert on reviewing operations and assessing compliance of small businesses and industries within Ecology’s Eastern Region. You will also serve in a critical role in protecting air quality by ensuring facilities that emit 10 tons of pollutants per year or less throughout the twelve-county region comply with permits and regulations.

What you will do:

• Independently coordinate, conduct, and document compliance inspections at minor air pollution sources.
• Review annual reports and source test protocols, attend source tests, assess test results, and respond to complaints to verify compliance with permit conditions and air regulations.
• Ensure facilities submit their annual emission inventories and fees.
• Document, make recommendations, and draft enforcement actions to correct violations.
• Work daily with other compliance staff and permit writers within the Commercial/Industrial Unit. You will also regularly interact with compliance staff from Central Region Office, other Air Quality Program staff, and commercial and industrial facilities. On occasion, you will interact with local air agencies, Environmental Protection Agency staff, consultants, local government officials, and the attorney general’s office.

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

Six years of experience performing environmental-based work, OR work related to the essential functions and key activities of the position, that includes all of the following: 

• Regulatory Experience - Understanding of federal and state regulations with the ability to interpret, apply and communicate regulatory standards accurately. 

• Compliance Experience – Determining the compliance or status of an organization or group against a set of expectations, metrics or standards.

Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets: 

• Communication- Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information effectively in writing and verbally with a diverse set of clients and coworkers. 

• Critical Thinking- Applies analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to make decisions or determine a course of action. 

• Decision Making- Ability to assess information and data to draw conclusions and recommend decisions or actions. 

• Data Analysis- Conducting research and performing data analysis on both qualitative and quantitative data.

Education in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning, 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.
• A Master’s degree or higher.

At the Environmental Specialist 4 level (Goal Class)
Pay Range 59, $5,666 - $7,622 monthly

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

Nine years of experience performing environmental-based work, OR work related to the essential functions and key activities of the position, that includes three or more of the following: 

• Regulatory Experience - In depth knowledge of state and federal regulations with the ability to interpret, apply, communicate and enforce regulatory standards accurately. 

• Permitting Experience - Knowledge and understanding of permitting frameworks and conditions to include the ability to evaluate permit applicability, enforceability and compliance requirements. 

• Inspection Experience - Ability to independently plan and conduct inspections by reviewing, evaluating data to make defensible determinations. 

• Compliance Experience - Determining the compliance or status of an organization or group against a set of expectations, metrics or standards.

Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets: 

• Critical and Analytical Thinking- Ability to analyze regulatory requirements and data to identify compliance issues when making determinations. 

• Judgment and Decision-Making- Exercises sound professional judgement when making determinations by utilizing expertise, application regulations and other resource materials. 

• Communication- Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information effectively in writing and verbally with a diverse set of clients and coworkers. 

• Workload Management- Demonstrated ability to maintain complete and accurate data and records within timelines and using required procedures while prioritizing workload (scheduled inspections and assignments) to meet program goals and deadlines.

Education in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning, or related field. 

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 possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with Air Quality regulations.
• 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.

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 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

The Air Quality Program’s mission is to equitably protect and improve air quality for all of Washington. AQP, the Environmental Protection Agency, Tribes, and local clean air agencies maintain a network of air monitoring stations to measure air pollution in Washington. Using continuous monitoring data, we let you know when air pollution reaches unhealthy levels. Based on this near-real-time air quality information, you can change your daily activities to reduce the amount of air pollution you're exposed to. The ambient air monitoring data our employees work with are essential to the Air Quality Program’s efforts to:

• Determine if air quality is meeting federal standards
  

• Forecast air quality

• Make daily burn decisions and curtailment calls
  

• Assist with permitting activities
  

• Evaluate the effectiveness of air pollution control programs
  

• Evaluate the effects of air pollution on public health

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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