Environmental Compliance Inspector Jobs in Washington

Summary

In addition to the current opening, this recruitment may be used to establish a pool of qualified candidates to fill future Environmental Scientist III positions throughout the Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP) over the next 6 months.

The Solid Waste Division (SWD) of King County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks is seeking an enthusiastic team player to serve as an Environmental Compliance Coordinator (Environmental Scientist III). Is environmental protection important to you? Alongside other compliance coordinators, this position works with teams across the Division to ensure environmental regulations and permit conditions are met while delivering resource recovery and waste disposal services throughout King County.

Do you like variety? This position contributes to programs covering a wide variety of local, state, and federal environmental regulations, permit programs, and other requirements commonly applicable to operation of industrial sites.

Do you enjoy a challenge? The solid waste industry and environmental regulations are constantly changing and SWD must adapt to continue delivering high-quality services to its customers. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while supporting the Division’s mission to protect public health and the environment.

About this Role

This environmental scientist position works with multidisciplinary teams across the Solid Waste Division to ensure the services we provide are done so in accordance with environmental regulations and industry best practices. This position will lead programs designed to achieve compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to industrial stormwater discharged from Solid Waste Division facilities such as landfills and transfer stations. Additionally, this position will have opportunities to contribute to a variety of other compliance programs related to wastewater, solid waste handling & disposal, dangerous waste, spill prevention and response, and many others.

About the Team

The Facility Engineering and Science Section (FESS) is a critical member of the King County Solid Waste Division (SWD) team. Our engineers, scientists, technicians, and IT professionals support a variety of large-scale programs and projects within SWD. FESS is a dynamic team committed to safety, environmental stewardship, and providing critical services to the residents and businesses of King County. Our team consists of civil, mechanical, chemical, and environmental engineers, geologists, environmental scientists, construction managers, operational technology systems engineer, IT systems architect, project managers, CAD/BIM professionals as well as surveyors and asset managers.

Commitment to Equity, Racial, and Social Justice:

King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. In this position, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work.

Apply now for a rewarding career at the Solid Waste Division of the King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks. Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits, and growth opportunities.

Job Duties

What You Will be Doing:

• Lead programs that support compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations and permits applicable to SWD transfer stations and active & closed landfills.
• Represent SWD in interactions with various federal, state, and local regulatory agencies.
• Perform site visits to evaluate compliance status and/or provide technical assistance for environmental problems. Accompany regulators on announced site visits/inspections/audits.
• Track compliance program outcomes and effectiveness. Identify improvement opportunities and recommend actions to strengthen programs.
• Prepare, review, and/or submit environmental compliance documentation including, but not limited to, data reports, permit applications, and required plans.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Qualifications You Bring:

• A bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related field, or the equivalent combination of training and experience
• A minimum of two years of environmental compliance work experience and broad knowledge of related technical, engineering, and scientific disciplines
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations and laws, preferably those applicable to environmental management of solid waste facilities including, but not limited to, solid waste handling & disposal, post-closure landfill maintenance, wastewater, stormwater, hazardous/dangerous waste, air quality, spill response, and contaminated site management/remediation.
• Experience in understanding and interpreting environmental regulations and working with regulatory agencies
• Skill in evaluating, understanding, and applying data/technical reports
• Skill in effectively writing, speaking, and communicating with a variety of audiences, including demonstrated technical writing ability
• Skill in program development, initiation, and follow-through
• Excellent customer service skills
• Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
• Ability to motivate and support team members to achieve shared goals.
• Ability to effectively represent the section to stakeholders and leadership
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse work group and customer base, demonstrating respect, equitable treatment, and inclusiveness

Physical Requirements:

This position requires occasional physical labor including bending, kneeling, standing, reaching, climbing, stooping, squatting, pushing, and twisting. The ability to occasionally work outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, inclement weather while on uneven slopes, surfaces, grades and terrain and other adverse conditions.

Must be able to travel between and within SWD facilities throughout King County, some of which are not served by public transportation.

Workplace Exposures:

This position involves work at active and closed municipal solid waste facilities, which may pose environmental, chemical, and physical hazards including, but not limited to, odor, noise, dust and traffic.

Competencies You Bring:

• Collaborates - Skilled in building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Communicates effectively – Ability to adapt approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
• Drives Engagement – Creates a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives.
• Interpersonal savvy - Relates openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people.
• Manages Conflict - Handles conflict situations effectively, with a minimum of noise.

It Would Be Great If You Also Bring:

• Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) or similar stormwater certification
• Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions:

Work Location: This position works in a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson, Seattle, Washington 98104. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

Work Schedule: This full-time position works a 40-hour work week. This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible.

Union Representation: This position is represented by Protec Local 17.

Application and Selection Process: We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. We value diversity, diverse perspectives, and life experience and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness, and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews.

To apply, submit a:

• Complete Application
• Cover Letter
• Optional Resume (will be reviewed if submitted)

Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Susan Ng at susan.ng@kingcounty.gov

Discover More About the Solid Waste Division: Visit our website at Solid Waste Division and check us out at Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube.

Discover More About DNRP: Visit our website, explore an interactive map of our recent accomplishments and check us out at Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Keeping King County Green News.

Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.