General Permit Data Specialist / Permit Administrator (Environmental Specialist 3)
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is recruiting for a General Permit Data Specialist and Permit Administrator (Environmental Specialist 3) in the Water Quality Program. This position issues and administers general permits that control pollutant discharges to state waters, encourages wastewater reuse, and provides technical support to regional inspectors who implement NPDES permits for pollutant control. This position is located in our Headquarters building in Lacey, WA.
We are looking for applicants who can respond to a high volume of customer requests quickly, professionally, and accurately, while maintaining excellent organization of customer records so that we can efficiently and effectively administer general water quality permits.
As an agency, we invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.
To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.
Local efforts... Diverse people... Statewide impacts
Duties
Agency Mission: The mission of the Department of Ecology is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment, for current and future generations.
Program Mission: The mission of the Water Quality Program is to protect and restore Washington's waters to support healthy watersheds and communities. Our work ensures state waters can support beneficial uses including recreational and business activities, supplies for clean drinking water, and the protection of fish, shellfish, wildlife, and public health.
The General Permit Data Specialist and Permit Administrator supports the above missions as an environmental specialist in the Program Development Services section by administering general permits (e.g., construction and industrial stormwater general permits). To do this, this position:
- Reviews construction and industrial general permit applications for technical accuracy, applicability of the permit, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Assesses specific data using multiple databases and geographic information systems to apply the correct permit conditions.
- Communicates with permit inspectors, permit writers, and PARIS specialists to apply the appropriate permit conditions and analytical testing methods based on specific application information.
- Conducts conflict resolution by working with applicants, permittees, and other Ecology employees to resolve administration issues such as incomplete or erroneous information.
- Interprets and explains environmental regulations and requirements to applicants, permittees, and others.
- Prepares final permit correspondence, letters, and permit document materials for approval.
- Audits data to ensure that the correct permit requirements apply and to track changes to data.
- Organizes, audits, reviews, and reconciles records, and responds to records requests.
This position will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be on May 21, 2019. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before May 20, 2019 The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
A Bachelor's degree involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field AND two years of professional level experience in environmental analysis or control or environmental planning.
Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education.
A Master's degree in one of the above fields will substitute for one year of the required experience.
OR
A Ph.D. in one of the above fields.
Desired Qualifications:
- At least one year of experience working with and entering data into databases. Preferably experience with:
- Ecology's databases such as PARIS, Facility Site and the WQWeb Portal.
- Environmental Protection Agency's Integrated Compliance Information System (ICIS) databases and Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database.
- Secure Access Washington.
- At least six months of experience working with Geographic Information Systems.
- Excellent customer service skills, and specifically:
- Providing clear explanations and step-by-step instructions to customers.
- Maintaining a professional demeanor and communication style even in a high stress environment.
- Defending controversial decisions in a respectful manner.
- Ability to work collaboratively, cooperatively, and communicate frequently within small and medium sized teams.
- Ability and willingness to follow standard operating procedures without variation.
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to keep track of large amounts of data and documents.
Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment
Must have a valid driver's license.
Why work for Ecology?
Joining Ecology means becoming a part of a team committed to protecting and restoring Washington State's environment.
A career in public service allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping the health and financial security of you and your family a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to work/life balance.
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 (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth
Student debt and how working for Ecology can help
Employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.
*See the Benefits tab in this announcement for more information
Supplemental Information
Application Instructions:
Please include the following documents as an attachment to your application:
- A cover letter describing how your experience, skills and abilities meet the required qualifications of this position.
- A resume outlining your professional experience.
Please complete the applicant profile when applying for this position. Or, you may paste the text of your resume within the profile's resume text field.
Please read the supplemental questions carefully and answer completely. Incomplete responses, including "please see resume" may disqualify you from further consideration.
Department of Ecology employees, please make sure to answer the agency-wide questions regarding permanent status as a classified employee within the Washington General Service or Washington Management Service. Do not forget to select Department of Ecology as a response to question 2, and type your personnel ID number for question 3. If you are not sure of your status or do not know your personnel ID number, please contact Human Resources at (360) 407-6186.
If you are reading this announcement in print format, please visit www.careers.wa.gov to access the online recruitment system. Click on "Look for Jobs" and select Dept. of Ecology under the "Department" search list. Click "Apply Search."
Other Information:
If you need assistance applying for this job, please call Human Resources at (360) 407-6186 or e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not call this number or send an email to this address to follow-up on the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile's main page.
If you have specific questions about the position, please email Carrie Graul at: carrie.graul@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Carrie to inquire about the status of your application.
The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.
This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
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 or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 407-6186. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.