Quality Assurance Coordinator (Environmental Specialist 5)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Quality Assurance Coordinator (Environmental Specialist 5) within the Air Quality Program (AQP)

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

Application Timeline: 

• Apply by April 5, 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

If you enjoy working as part of a smart, highly collaborative team, applying your knowledge and skills for the betterment of air quality, as well as the occasional day working in the field at monitoring sites across our beautiful state, this may be the perfect job for you. As the Air Quality Program’s Quality Assurance Coordinator and the statewide expert in quality assurance, you will lead the Quality Assurance team, research, plan, and oversee the development and implementation of the Air Quality Program quality assurance system, ensuring that our data are a bedrock of credibility for our environmental protection efforts.

What you will do:

• Research and evaluate federal and state quality system requirements, share and gather information in collaboration with the statewide air monitoring team to establish and implement quality assurance policy for the Air Quality Program and the Washington State Ambient Air Monitoring Network.
• Lead 4-person Quality Assurance Team and assign quality assurance activities.
• Use R, Python and/or other analysis software to develop quality assurance tools and products to assess and describe the quality of highly complex datasets.
• Identify critical and emerging quality system deficiencies and makes recommendations for improvement to section manager and program management.
• Write, review, and approve, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPP).
• Serve on the Air Quality Program’s Monitoring Advisory Committee.
• Perform thorough qualitative and quantitative review of data generated from the Washington State Ambient Air Monitoring Network to determine its validity.
• Conduct performance and system audits in the field.

Qualifications

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

Required Qualifications:

Ten (10) years of experience and/or education as described below:

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

• Air Monitoring Experience – Proven ability to apply knowledge of air monitoring systems and instrumentation to ensure accurate and reliable measurement of ambient air pollutants.
• Regulatory Compliance – Proven ability to interpret and apply EPA and state regulations to ensure the air monitoring network meets all required standards.
• Technical Writing – Documented ability to write and revise SOPs, QA plans, reports, and audit documentation to clearly document processes and ensure standardization.
• Quality Assurance – Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate quality systems to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements.
• Audit Management – Ability to plan, conduct, and respond to performance audits to maintain data integrity and regulatory compliance.

Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:

• Critical Thinking & Decision-Making – Ability to use critical and analytical thinking to evaluate situations, solve problems, and determine appropriate courses of action.
• Data Review & Evaluation – Ability to review and assess information and data to draw sound conclusions and recommend informed decisions or actions.
• Initiative – Ability to research quality system requirements, seek out and use computer models and other data sources, and to initiate and complete projects
• Research & Data Analysis – Ability to conduct research and analyze both qualitative and quantitative datasets to support program improvements and evidence-based decision-making.

Education: involving a major study 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:

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

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Desired Qualifications:

• Leadership & Mentorship – Ability to lead and mentor diverse teams by fostering an inclusive, respectful, and equitable work environment that values different perspectives, supports professional growth, and strengthens overall team performance.
• Team focus – Ability to actively support, encourage, solicit and listen to input, and assist teammates toward positive outcomes in the team’s work. Ability to consistently model teamwork principles and set the example.
• Air Monitoring Equipment– Ability to apply principles of calibration, maintenance, and operation of air monitoring equipment to ensure accurate and reliable data collection.
• Data Analysis Software – Ability to use R, Python, RShiny, or similar software to analyze, manage, and interpret complex environmental datasets.
• Regulatory Interpretation & Application – Ability to read, interpret, and apply federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and guidance to ensure compliance and informed decision-making.
• Exploratory & Statistical Analysis – Ability to perform exploratory data analysis and apply appropriate statistical methods, including non-parametric techniques, to evaluate environmental data.
• Technical Communication – Ability to interpret and explain complex technical information to non-technical audiences to support understanding and informed decision-making.

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.

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

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 Sean Lundblad at sean.lundblad@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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