Sediment / Pollution Source Control Specialist (Environmental Engineer 2) (In-Training)
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
Protecting Washington State's environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We are 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, and believes in the fun factor, Ecology is a good fit.
The Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP) within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Sediment / Pollution Source Control (Environmental Engineer 2)(In-Training) position. This position will work within the Aquatic Lands Cleanup Unit (ALCU) housed in our Headquarters Building in Lacey, WA.
The position performs professional environmental engineering duties within the TCP HQ Cleanup Section, Aquatic Lands Cleanup Unit (ALCU), related to sediment source control. That is, you'll work to prevent sediment contamination from surface water, groundwater, or other upland sources. Duties will include providing technical support and regulatory interpretations to implement the Sediment Management Standards (SMS) and Model Toxics Control Act Cleanup Regulation (MTCA) through National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. You will help ensure businesses and communities are maintaining our local waters. Our goal is to work with other Ecology programs to control sources of contamination onto our state aquatic lands.
We're looking for detail-oriented applicants who possess excellent people skills, the ability to rapidly yet thoroughly assess information, make a defensible decision, and communicate this decision to colleagues, the regulated community, and the public.
This opportunity allows you to help protect resources in a sustainable manner, work with a variety of regulations, and to meet and interact with a lot of different people in different programs within Ecology and outside of Ecology. You'll also get to see how engineering and biology interact to maintain Puget Sound resources.
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. Maybe you've seen some of our recent stories on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.
To learn more about our agency, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov.
Local efforts... Diverse people... Statewide impacts
Duties
This position works within the HQ Aquatic Lands Cleanup Unit (ALCU) specializing in sediment cleanup and sediment source control. Your goal is to prevent contamination of sediments from contaminated surface and groundwater. If sediment is contaminated, you'll work within a team to address it. The ALCU oversees sediment cleanup throughout the Puget Sound and provides central technical support and regulatory interpretation for the implementation of the Sediment Management Standards (SMS), Chapter 173-204 WAC, and Model Toxics Control Act Cleanup Regulation (MTCA), Chapter 173-340 WAC, for all sediment management within the state.
Some of the key work activities at the Environmental Engineer 2 level include:
- Reviews sampling plans and data reports.
- Interprets and communicates regulations and guidance.
- Communicates directly with Permit Managers (in Water Quality or Solid Waste programs) or permit holders, as requested.
- Works with colleagues in a team environment.
Additional information regarding the position:
The position will review and develop comment memos on National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit sampling plans, data reports resulting from said sampling, and potential permit language. This is a position that requires a mix of understand engineering, sediment ecology (i.e. marine and freshwater biota), and the regulatory process.
Problems to be solved:
The successful candidate will be able to work through differences of opinion in sampling designs, will help people correctly interpret regulations, will be comfortable debating technical differences of opinion, and will be able to explain why how and why regulatory decisions are made.
Interesting aspects of this position:
This position is an interesting and challenging mix of understanding engineering, marine benthic ecology, and regulations. This position is where environmental engineering can translate into understand real-world biological impacts. If you enjoy the challenges of mixing multiple disciplines then this position will be great for you. If you enjoy working with groups who may have divergent interests and can identify common grounds to build a workable solution, then you may be a great fit for this position.
Challenging aspects:
Some field work may be required. You will be asked to participate in meetings in which other people will share a difference in opinion with you.
A few words about the team:
The Aquatic Lands Cleanup Unit is a team-oriented and mutually supportive work environment that prides itself on maintaining open communication channels. If you have a question, there are staff willing to help find ways to get your answer.
This position is open until filled, with the initial screening on March 21, 2019. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before March 20, 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 Engineer 2 (EE2). We will consider applicants who meet the requirements for the Environmental Engineer 1 and 2 levels. If the finalist meets the requirements for the EE1 level then they will be placed into a training program to become a EE2 within a specified period of time.
Required Qualifications:
At the Environmental Engineer 2 Level – Pay Range – 61 ($4929 - $6468) Monthly:
A Master's degree with a major study in environmental engineering or closely related field (e.g. Ecological Engineering, Water Resource Engineering, Civil, etc.) AND one (1) year experience in environmental engineering.
OR
An Engineer-In-Training Certificate or a Bachelor's degree with a major study in environmental engineering or closely related field, AND two (2) years of Environmental Engineering experience.
At the Environmental Engineer 1 Level – Pay Range – 55 ($4250 - $5574) Monthly:
A Master's degree with a major study in environmental engineering or closely related field (e.g., Ecological Engineering, Water Resource Engineering, Civil, etc.),
OR
An Engineer-In-Training Certificate or a Bachelor's degree with a major study in environmental engineering or closely related field AND one (1) year of environmental engineering experience.
Desired Qualifications:
- Expert knowledge of hydrologic principles for surface water, sediment assessment and cleanup techniques, sediment chemistry and biology.
- Understanding of general marine and/or freshwater sediment biology/ecology and how source control strategies can influence sediment dwelling organisms.
- Working knowledge of the Sediment Management Standards, Chapter 173-204 WAC, and the Model Toxics Control Act Regulation Chapter 173-340 WAC;
- Strong verbal and written communication, project management and facilitation skills.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
- Must successfully complete an initial 40-hour hazardous materials training within six months of the date of hire, followed by an annual 8-hour refresher.
- Must possess and maintain 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 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 Leonard Machut at: Leonard.machut@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Leonard Machut 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.