Lead Permit Writer and Facility Manager (Environmental Specialist 4)
The Department of Ecology is looking for a Lead Permit Writer and Facility Manager in our Water Quality Program.
Do you have a desire to positively impact the lives of Washington's citizens and foster a healthy environment? We need detail-oriented applicants who can work well independently and with teams in a professional workplace.
This position, located in our Central Region in Union Gap, WA, develops wastewater discharge permits and works with municipal and industrial facilities to ensure they follow water pollution laws and regulations.
As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment for current and future generations. 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 Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.
The mission of the Water Quality Program is to protect and restore Washington's waters to sustain healthy watersheds and communities. Our work ensures that state waters support beneficial uses including recreational and business activities, supplies for clean drinking water, and the protection of fish, shellfish, wildlife, and public health.
What does the Lead Permit Writer and Facility Manager do?
This position supports the Water Quality Program's goal of protecting and improving water quality by writing and managing National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and State Waste Discharge permits in the Central Region. This includes:
- Evaluating industrial and municipal NPDES and state waste discharge permit applications.
- Preparing final permits for issuance, and responding to comments.
- Performing intensive facility research in department records and other sources to obtain pertinent information for permitting purposes.
- Calculating effluent limits and mixing ratios to assure that discharges meet state water quality and human health criteria.
- Developing inspection schedules for the permitted facilities within the Central Region that correspond to program priorities.
- Planning and performing inspections of all assigned facilities, and preparing technical inspection reports.
- Providing technical assistance to permittees or other affected entities and individuals to achieve permit compliance and water quality objectives.
- Making recommendations for enforcement actions.
Why join the team?
Our Central Regional Office is located in an uncrowded and affordable part of Washington State. We see more than 200 sunny days per year, with plenty of outdoor activities such as biking, fishing, skiing, hiking, and camping. Diverse habitats from the crest of the Cascade Mountains to the Columbia River foster a wealth of animal and plant life. The area has bountiful agriculture with orchards, vineyards, and hop fields.
This position is open until filled, with the initial screening on June 27, 2019. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before June 26, 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, engineering (civil, environmental, or geological), environmental planning or other allied field AND five years of professional-level experience in environmental analysis or control, or environmental planning which includes one year equal to an Environmental Specialist 3 or above or two years equal to an Environmental Specialist 2 or above
OR
A Master's degree in one of the above fields AND three years of professional-level experience as required above which includes one year equal to an Environmental Specialist 3 or above or two years equal to an Environmental Specialist 2 or above.
OR
A Ph.D. in one of the above fields AND two years of professional-level experience as required above which includes one year equal to an Environmental Specialist 3 or above or two years equal to an Environmental Specialist 2 or above.
OR
Two years of experience as an Environmental Specialist 3 at the Department of Ecology.
Additional experience will substitute year for year for education
Note: One year of the required years of experience must be in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment.
Experience as an Environmental Specialist 2 can include assisting in any of the following areas: 1) performing field surveys or studies, 2) responding to complaints involving scientific or technical content, 3) preparing public meetings and hearings, 4) assistance with routine inspections or investigations requiring specialized knowledge of industry processes, pollutant sources or natural processes, 5) responding to routine inquires or requests for technical assistance involving scientific content, 6) special projects that are scientific in nature, 7) conducting routine sampling and testing analyses, interprets data, writing reports 8) performing basic sampling data review, 9) maintaining an environmental data base to support technical projects, 10) providing routine environmental technical and administrative assistance to grant/ contract/ loan recipients of environmental protection projects.
Experience as an Environmental Specialist 3 can include a combination of the following: 1) investigating and / or resolving complaints involving science or technology content, 2) performing inspections, 3) drafting technical evaluations and reports, 4) develops plans for researching information used for technical projects, regulatory or policy development, 5) plan and facilitate public meetings and hearings, 6) project work requiring specialized knowledge of industry processes, pollutant sources or natural processes, 7) providing technical assistance for complex scientific content and/ or support for implementing scientific content programs, 8) conducting tests, analyzing and evaluating data, 9) using environmental databases to support technical projects, 10) developing scientific studies and resource management plans, 11) providing environmental technical and administrative assistance to grant/ contract/ loan recipients of environmental protection projects.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience with environmental legislation and regulations at the federal, state, and local level.
- Experience reviewing complex technical documents and preparing enforcement documents.
- Experience applying negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- Experience maintaining data and inspection records accurately, within timelines, and using required procedures.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment
Must have a valid driver's license