Underground Storage Tank Inspector (Environmental Specialist 3)
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
Protecting Washington State's environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We have a culture that is invested in making a difference. If you want to join a team that is highly effective, collaborative, has leadership that embraces the value of people, Ecology is a good fit.
The Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP) is looking to fill an Underground Storage Tank Inspector (Environmental Specialist 3) position. The position will be located in our Eastern Regional Office (ERO) in Spokane, WA.
The goal of the Underground Storage Tank Inspector position is to prevent pollution of soil and groundwater by inspecting and regulating underground storage tanks (UST). This position provides regulatory and technical expertise in the application of federal and state statutes and regulations concerning installation, use and decommissioning of UST systems, and associated pollution prevention and control issues.
We are looking for applicants with excellent written and verbal communication skills who are reliable, patient, detail oriented, and are able to handle challenging customer situations.
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 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
The Underground Storage Tank Inspector position is located within the Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP). The mission of the TCP is to protect human health and the environment for the people of Washington by preventing, reducing, or eliminating exposure to contamination to support the development of environmentally and economically sustainable communities.
Some of the key work activities for the Underground Storage Tank Inspector are:
- Ensures inspections follow the "Significant Operational Compliance" guidance.
- Demonstrates an ability to apply sound professional judgment in identifying and resolving UST compliance issues.
- Conducts high quality inspections, technical assistance, and follow-up activities to achieve compliance.
- Independently conducts field and office investigations of UST facilities related to compliance with applicable regulations, policies and/or standards.
- Evaluates data to determine technical compliance with the UST law and regulations.
- Independently issues notices of non-compliance and/or field penalties to bring responsible parties and service providers into compliance.
- Provides technical assistance inspections on UST system installations, testing, and closure activities.
- Responds to and investigates complaints/violations relating to the UST regulations.
- Recommends use of or changes to technical operating procedures, test methods, and other practices related to ensuring UST compliance to senior staff or management.
- Independently documents UST system information and records compliance related data in files and applicable database(s).
- Reviews UST related submittals (e.g., checklists, etc.) to ensure databases and files contain accurate information.
- When requested, recommends new or modified performance measures related to UST compliance to senior staff or management.
- Independently recommends to management enforcement actions in addition to field penalties to take at non-compliant UST facilities.
- Implements approved enforcement actions.
- Provides testimony for the Pollution Control Hearing Board, case reviews, and court cases involving UST regulations and investigations.
- Provides technical support to the AG's office on cases concerning UST issues.
- Provides support on criminal investigations for violations of the UST regulations.
- Provides technical assistance and education on UST related topics for the TCP in the eastern region.
- Acts as a regional contact for the public and local government regarding UST regulations, forms, and technical questions.
This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be December 20, 2019. In order to be considered for initial screening, please submit an application on or before December 19, 2019. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.
Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.
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.
OR
One year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 2.
The 1 year of 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.
Desired Qualifications:
Underground storage tank inspector/service provider experience or other mechanical and/or physical plant type experience.
Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment:
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 do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.
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 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 Ali Furmall at: Ali.Furmall@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Ali 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 position is included in the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) union bargaining unit for the Department of Ecology.
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.