Description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring an Environmental Inspector - Underground Storage Tanks (Environmental Specialist 3) within the Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP).

Location:

Eastern Region Office in Spokane, WA.
Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule:

This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
A minimum of three days per week is required in the office or in the field during the first six months of onboarding and training, with the potential for other flexible schedule options upon successful completion of the probationary period.
* Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

Apply by July 26, 2026.
Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties

As an Environmental Inspector of Underground Storage Tank (UST) systems, you will help protect Washington’s land, water, and air by ensuring underground storage tank systems are operated, installed, and closed in compliance with state and federal regulations. Through inspections, technical assistance, and enforcement, you will play a critical role in reducing leaks from underground storage tanks and preventing soil, groundwater, and air contamination. This position blends field work, problem-solving, and collaboration - using sound professional judgment to support compliance, educate regulated parties, and promote healthy communities and natural resources statewide.

As an Environmental Inspector - Underground Storage Tanks (UST), your duties will include:

• Travel to various facilities to conduct UST inspections in accordance with EPA technical compliance guidance, independently applying professional judgment to identify violations and determine appropriate corrective actions.
• Perform UST system installation, retrofit, and decommissioning inspections to ensure work meets regulatory and environmental protection standards.
• Issue enforcement actions consistent with the UST Inspector Enforcement Manual and follow up with responsible parties to return facilities to compliance.
• Investigate complaints of suspected leaking underground storage tanks, documenting findings and recommending next steps.
• Provide technical assistance and education to UST owners, operators, contractors, and internal staff on UST regulations, forms, and compliance requirements.
• Serve as a regional point of contact for external customers on UST-related questions and issues.
• Coordinate with owners, operators, contractors, and local governments on complex UST projects, and contribute to special projects such as developing or updating guidance, tools, and resources for inspectors.
• Maintain accurate and complete UST files and databases by reviewing submittals, documenting compliance data, and supporting performance measures related to UST compliance.

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

Six years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:

Critical and Analytical Thinking – Ability to evaluate complex environmental information, field observations, and technical data to identify issues, compare options, and determine effective compliance or environmental protection actions.
Judgment and Decision Making – Demonstrated competence in assessing risks, impacts, and regulatory requirements to make timely, well-supported decisions that uphold program objectives and regulatory consistency.
Communication of Rules and Procedures – Skilled with explaining environmental regulations, program requirements, and procedural steps to ensure clear understanding and improved compliance by regulated parties and the public.
Communication and Collaboration – Ability to coordinate with internal teams, other organizations, and regulated entities to share information, problem-solve, and support consistent program implementation.
Systems and Equipment Interpretation – Demonstrated competence in understanding how environmental systems, equipment, or operational processes function to accurately assess performance, compliance, or potential environmental risk.
Data and Documentation Management – Skilled with organizing, reviewing, and interpreting technical data, inspection records, and reports to support accurate tracking, defensible documentation, and program reporting.
Investigation and Field Assessment – Experience in conducting field inspections, gathering evidence, and documenting findings to establish compliance status and support follow-up or enforcement actions.
Technical Assistance – Ability to provide clear guidance on environmental requirements, operational practices, and compliance expectations to help regulated parties improve performance and reduce environmental risk.

Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning, or an academic discipline related to the duties of the position.

Examples of how to qualify:
6 years of experience.
5 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
4 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
3 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
2 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
A Master’s degree or above.

Desired Qualifications:

Underground Storage Tank (UST) Systems Knowledge – Experience in evaluating the design, components, and operation of UST systems to accurately assess compliance and system performance.
Compliance and Enforcement Experience – Demonstrated competence in conducting compliance evaluations, issuing enforcement actions, or supporting legal processes to achieve improved regulatory adherence.
Scientific Data Analysis – Strong ability to review, interpret, and synthesize technical or scientific data to support environmental decision-making and identify compliance trends.
Regulation Interpretation and Reporting – Experience in interpreting environmental regulations and preparing reports or compliance documentation to support program requirements and regulatory clarity.
Data Management Software Proficiency* – Skilled with using databases, spreadsheets, and related software tools to organize information, interpret inspection findings, and support program reporting needs.

If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.

Supplemental Information

Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Application Process

Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Click “Apply” at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:
Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
Resume

Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as “see resume” may be considered incomplete.

For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.

Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.

Need an Accommodation?

If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:
Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or careers@ecy.wa.gov
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.

Questions?

For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Nicholas Acklam at Nicholas.Acklam@ecy.wa.gov.
If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at careers@ecy.wa.gov.

About the Toxics Cleanup Program

Accidental spills of dangerous materials and past business practices have contaminated land and water throughout the state. The Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP) works to remedy these situations, which range from cleaning up contamination from leaking underground storage tanks (LUST) to large complex projects requiring engineering solutions. Our mission is to protect Washington's human health and the environment by preventing and cleaning up pollution and supporting communities and natural resources for the benefit of current and future generations.

About the Department of Ecology

As the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work balance. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology's work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.

We believe that DEIR is both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.

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 Incentive, Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth.

To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or our blog.

Equal Opportunity Employer: 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, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.

Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.

LI-Hybrid

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026