Hazardous Waste Specialist (Environmental Specialist 3) (In Training)

The Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction (HWTR) Program within the Department of Ecology is looking for a hazardous waste specialist in our Central Region Office near Yakima, WA.

 

This position conducts field inspections of businesses and industries that generate, treat, and manage hazardous waste, and helps them improve their understanding of hazardous waste regulations in order to achieve voluntary compliance.

 

We are looking for applicants who possess excellent people skills, the ability to quickly assess a situation and make a decision, and the ability to communicate with a diverse audience. Applicants who enjoy a team-oriented work environment and educating and informing a diverse regulated community about regulatory requirements would find this work rewarding.

 

As an agency, we invest in our employees to create a working environment that encourages 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.

 

 

Duties

 

Ecology's mission is to protect, preserve, and enhance Washington's environment and promote the wise management of our air, land, and water for the benefit of current and future generations.

The Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction (HWTR) Program is made up of people dedicated to fostering sustainability, preventing pollution, and promoting safe waste management. We do many different things in a coordinated approach to protect the people and environment of Washington from hazardous products and waste.

We are tasked with obtaining lasting compliance with the hazardous waste regulations in the most efficient manner possible.

This position supports the agency and program missions by:

 

This job requires continual learning and curiosity. Inspectors from a variety of backgrounds have found previous environmental experience applicable to this role. We invest in an extensive training program for our hazardous waste compliance inspectors.

This is a challenging career opportunity providing many opportunities for improving interpersonal skills while educating the public about the dangerous waste regulations, and our environmental laws as a whole.

We are skilled professionals coming from diverse backgrounds. Ecology's central regional office consists of over 100 environmental professionals. This position will be part of the nine member Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction team.

We value meaningful work and protecting Washington State's environment. Applicants who value encouraging environmental protection likely would find this work meaningful.

 

 

This recruitment will remain open until filled. The next screening will be November 19, 2019. In order to be considered for the next screening, please submit an application on or before November 18, 2019 .The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

 

 

Qualifications

The goal class for this position is an Environmental Specialist 3 (ES3). We will consider applicants who meet the requirements for the ES3 and the ES2 levels. If the finalist meets the requirements for the ES2 level, they will be hired in at the ES2 level and will be placed into a training program to become an ES3 within a specified period of time.

A Bachelor's degree involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied science 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 experience.

 

One year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 1 at the Washington State Department of Ecology.

 

A Bachelor's degree involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field AND one year of professional level experience in environmental analysis or control, or environmental planning. 

Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education.

OR 

One year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 1 at the Washington State Department of Ecology.

A Master's degree in one of the above fields.

 

 

 

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Driver's License

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

 

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.

 

 

Supplemental Information

 

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."

 

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 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 Greg Caron at: Greg.Caron@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Greg 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.