Oil Spill Drill Specialist (Environmental Planner 3)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring an Oil Spill Drill Specialist (Environmental Planner 3) within the Spill Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Program.

Location Options:

This position can be based at any of the following duty stations:

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.

• Northwest Region Office in Shoreline, WA.

Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the selected duty station.

Note: If the selected duty station is the Northwest Region Office in Shoreline, the salary will include an additional 5% premium pay due to its location in King County. Salary range: $6,067 - $8,162 monthly.

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 October 18, 2026

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

Duties

In this role, you will manage multiple oil spill drills at different stages of completion while ensuring each one meets detailed regulatory expectations. You will interpret complex requirements, develop realistic and effective drill scenarios, and evaluate performance with consistency and fairness. You will also balance simultaneous deadlines, coordinate with many organizations, and ensure accurate documentation, all of which require strong organization and sustained focus. You also review drill evaluation reports prepared by others, which means you must pay close attention to detail, use sound judgment, and maintain high quality across a significant amount of information.

In this position, you shape Washington’s oil spill readiness by designing and evaluating drills that directly influence preparedness and environmental protection. You will work closely with operators of facilities, pipelines, railroads, vessels, and specialized response contractors, giving you an inside view into the broader response community. Each drill you design or evaluate brings new scenarios, technologies, and problem-solving opportunities, keeping your work dynamic and intellectually engaging. You will also support real-world spill responses through your participation on the Incident Management Team and involvement in spill events, connecting your preparedness work to real outcomes on the ground.

What you will do: 

• Design, coordinate, and manage multiple oil spill drills to verify the effectiveness of contingency plans. 
• Establish drill objectives, scope, scenarios, and evaluation criteria that meet regulatory requirements. 
• Evaluate drill performance objectively and document findings, trends, and lessons learned. 
• Conduct final reviews of drill evaluations to ensure accuracy, clarity, quality, and consistent data entry. 
• Facilitate meetings with regulated industry, contractors, and other involved groups, providing technical guidance throughout the drill design process. 
• Provide administrative support to the Unit Supervisor, including drill data reporting, quality assurance, and development of team resources. 
• Participate in spill response activities as part of the Incident Management Team and through the Preparedness Pager Duty roster. 
• Track, schedule, and ensure completion of all required drills and design meetings within annual and triennial cycles.

Qualifications

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

Required Qualifications:

8 years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:

• Communication – Ability to clearly share information to support effective collaboration. Ability to work respectfully with others and maintain professionalism to support a productive work environment.
• Critical Thinking and Judgment – Ability to assess information and apply sound judgment to make effective decisions and solve problems.
• Time and Task Management – Ability to organize and prioritize work to manage multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines.
• Documentation – Ability to document work and maintain accurate records.
• Project and Activity Coordination – Ability to plan, organize, and guide work activities to ensure tasks and required events are completed on schedule.
• Evaluation and Quality Review – Ability to objectively review processes, activities, and documents to ensure accuracy, clarity, and effectiveness.
• Facilitation and Interested Party Engagement – Ability to lead discussions with internal and external partners to share information, resolve issues, and support program goals.
• Data and Information Management – Ability to use databases and tracking systems to maintain accurate records and support reporting needs.
• Field Operations – Ability to safely work in field environments (including but not limited to oil handling facilities, vessels, and near spill sites) and use personal protective equipment.

Education: Involving a major study in environmental science, law, or policy; geography; public administration with an environmental emphasis; emergency management; or closely related field. 

Examples of how to qualify:

• 8 years of experience.

• 7 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.

• 6 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).

• 5 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.

• 4 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.

• 2 years of experience AND a Master’s degree.

• 1 years of experience AND a Ph.D.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 

• This position is part of the Spills Program Incident Management Team (IMT) and Crisis Management Team and is required to complete and maintain continual training as required by the Program for IMT position qualifications. This training will be provided after employment begins.

• 40-hour HAZWOPER certification and annual 8-hour refresher. This training will be provided after employment begins.

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). This can be obtained after employment begins at no cost to the employee.

• Hold and maintain eligibility and certification to permit travel to and from Canada, including passport or Enhanced Driver’s License. 
  
  

Desired Qualifications:

• Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 700 and 800 certifications. Free on-line ICS training and certification is available at:
  ICS 100: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c
  ICS 200: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
  ICS 700: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-700.b
  ICS 800: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-800.c

• Oil Spill Drill Design and Evaluation

• Oil Spill Planning and Preparedness

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.

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 and select #2 for Recruitment or email 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 Matt Bissell at Matt.Bissell@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

About the Spill Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Program

The Spills Program's mission is to protect, preserve, and restore Washington's environment. Our vision is to create a zero spills world. The Spill’s Program’s Preparedness Section works with our regulated and response community to prepare for worst-case scenarios across the state through contingency planning, regional and area planning, drills and exercise, and equipment inspection. By joining the Preparedness Section, you are joining a team of high performing professionals to protect Washington’s environment. 

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 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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