Salary : $80,460.00 - $108,252.00 Annually
Location : Spokane County - Spokane, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2024-WQ07165276-10540
Department: Dept. of Ecology
Division: Water Quality
Opening Date: 10/04/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
DescriptionKeeping Washington Clean and EvergreenThe
Water Quality Program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill two
Permit Writer (Environmental Engineer 3) positions. The positions are located in our
Eastern Region Office (ERO) in Spokane, WA. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.
Join our dynamic and collaborative team dedicated to protecting the surface and groundwater of Washington's 13 easternmost counties. In this role, you will write and issue National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and State Waste Discharge permits that protect water quality. Experience gained in this position will advance your career in environmental engineering and wastewater regulation. You will be a key member of the team responsible for reviewing and approving engineering plans, designs, and specifications for municipal wastewater treatment plants and industrial facilities.
Agency Mission: Ecology's mission is to protect, preserve, and enhance Washington's environment for current and future generations.
Program Mission: The mission of the Water Quality Program is to ensure that all aquatic life and communities in the watershed experience cool, clean water to refresh and sustain us in a changing climate.
Telework options: These positions will have flexibility of a hybrid schedule, empowering work from home and office, providing less time in traffic and shrinking your carbon footprint. Initially, the positions require in-office work for the first month. After successful completion of onboarding and initial training, they will then be eligible for up to an 80% telework schedule with the expectation of working in the office an average of one day per week.
Applicants with questions about position location options, telework, and flexible or compressed schedules are encouraged to reach out to the contact person listed below in "other information." Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline: The positions will remain open until filled; we will review applications on
October 28, 2024. To be considered, please submit an application on or before
October 27, 2024. If your application isn't received by this date, it may not be considered. The agency reserves the right to make hires any time after the initial screening date.
Please Note: We will review all applications received before the date above. Additional reviews after this date typically only occur if we have a small applicant pool, or if successful hires were not made.
Ecology employees may be eligible for the following:
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Click here for more information For these positions, personal protective equipment will be provided by the program along with reimbursement for required footwear.
About the Department of EcologyProtecting 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. Join a team that is highly effective and collaborative, with leadership that embraces the value of people. To learn more, check out our Strategic Plan.
Ecology cares deeply about employee wellness; we go beyond traditional benefits, proudly offering:
- A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
- An Infants at Work Program that is based on the long-term health values of infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.
- Continuous growth and development opportunities.
- Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work.
Our commitment to DEIR
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.
Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.
Equity: We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.
Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology's work.
Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.
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.
DutiesWhat makes this role unique? This is an exciting opportunity to support the ongoing protection and preservation of Washington state's waters. In this engineering role, you will have opportunities to collaborate with communities and industries of all sizes to address their water quality goals and challenges.
What you will do: - Review and provide recommendations for the approval of engineering reports, plans, specifications, and operation and maintenance manuals for municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities.
- Provide engineering assistance to communities facing wastewater treatment issues.
- Write State Waste Discharge and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.
- Incorporate findings from engineering reports, general sewer plans, plans and specifications, operation and maintenance manuals, local limit ordinances, irrigation and crop management plans, total maximum daily load studies, and mixing zone studies into individual permits.
- Provide wastewater treatment technical assistance to the Permit Management Team.
- Participate in on-site inspection of waste dischargers.
Note: These positions conduct site visits and inspections of permitted municipal wastewater treatment plants and industrial facilities. Personal protective equipment will be provided by the program along with reimbursement for required footwear.
Learn more about what it is like to be an Engineer at the Department of EcologyQualificationsRequired Qualifications:Years of required experience indicated below are full-time equivalent years. Full-time equivalent experience means that any experience where working hours were less than 40 hours per week will be prorated in order to meet the equivalency of full-time. We would calculate this by looking at the total hours worked per week, divide this by 40, and then multiply by the total number of months worked. Examples of the proration calculations are:
- 30 hours worked per week for 20 months: (30/40) x 20 months = 15 months full-time equivalent
- 20 hours worked per week for 12 months: (20/40) x 12 months = 6 months full-time equivalent
Experience for both required and desired qualifications can be gained through various combinations of formal professional employment, education, and volunteer experience. See below for how you may qualify.
Option 1:- Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington, AND
- Three (3) years of experience in environmental engineering.
Option 2:- Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington, AND
- A Master's degree with major study in one of the following engineering fields: sanitary, civil, geotechnical, water resource, environmental, chemical, mechanical, or related field, AND
- Two (2) years of experience in environmental engineering.
Option 3:- Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington, AND
- A Ph.D. with major study in one of the following engineering fields: sanitary, civil, geotechnical, water resource, environmental, chemical, mechanical, or related field, AND
- One (1) year of experience in environmental engineering.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: - Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington. Applicants qualifying through the licensing equivalency option must achieve professional registration as an engineer in the state of Washington within six months of appointment to this class.
- Must obtain and maintain a valid driver's license.
NOTE: Requirements for professional registration as an engineer in the state of Washington are eight years of professional experience (which may include up to four years of college-level engineering education) and successful completion of sixteen hours of professional licensing exams. Applicants qualifying through the licensing equivalency option must achieve professional registration as an engineer in the state of Washington within six months of appointment to this class.
Individuals who are interested in applying to this position, and believe they meet licensing requirements for the State of Washington based on reciprocity, are responsible for ensuring they meet licensing requirements for the state of Washington prior to submitting their application materials. These requirements can be found at the following website:
Desired Qualifications:We highly encourage you to apply even if you do not have some (or all) of the desired experience below.
- Experience in municipal or industrial wastewater treatment plant design, construction, or operations.
- Experience applying negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- Experience communicating complex technical issues to the public.
Note: Having some (or all) of this desired experience may make your application more competitive in a highly competitive applicant pool.
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 .
Supplemental InformationEcology 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 candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Need an Accommodationin the application and/or screening process or this job announcement in an alternative format?
- Please call: (360) 407-6186 or email: careers@ecy.wa.gov and we will be happy to assist.
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can reach the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
- If you need assistance applying for this job, please e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov Please do not send an email to this address to follow-up on the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile's main page.
- If you are reading this announcement in print format, please enter the following URL to your search engine to apply: https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/Jobs-at-Ecology.
Application Instructions:
It's in the applicant's best interest to submit all of the documents listed below. Applications without these documents may be declined.
- A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position.
- A resume outlining your experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to the minimum qualifications of this position.
- A list of three professional references.
Note: References will only be contacted during the final steps of the recruitment process for candidates selected as finalists. References will not be contacted without the candidate's formal authorization.
Please do NOT include your salary history.Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.
For Your Privacy:
When attaching documents to your application (such as Resume, Cover Letter, Transcripts, DD-214, etc.):
- Please be sure to remove private information such as your social security number, date of birth, etc.
- Do not attach documents that are password-protected, as these documents may not be reviewed and may cause errors within your application when downloaded.
Additional Application Instructions for Current 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.
Application Attestation:
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.
Other Information:
If you have specific questions about the positions, please email
Gregory Dobb at: Please do not contact
Gregory to inquire about the status of your application.
To request the full position description: email
Why work for Ecology? 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.
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 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.
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.
Collective Bargaining: These are positions covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
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. 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.
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 BenefitsEmployees 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 CompensationState 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 SecurityAll 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 ForgivenessIf 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 (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 (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 , 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 LeaveWashington 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, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional LeaveLeave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
How did you hear about this job posting?
- Community Based Organization
- Community / Technical College
- Ecology Employee
- Ecology Recruiter
- Ecology Jobs Page
- Facebook
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- LinkedIn
- Newspaper
- Other State Agency
- Other Website
- Professional Association
- Twitter
- University Job Board
- WorkSource
- www.careers.wa.gov
02
If you selected Community Based Organization, Community / Technical College, Job Board, Job Fair, LinkedIn Group, Newspaper, Other State Agency, Other Website, Professional Association, University Job Board or WorkSource location then please share which one.
03
Have you ever worked for the Department of Ecology in any capacity including: Permanent, Non-permanent, Project, Intern, or Volunteer?
04
Please select the statement that best describes your experience in environmental engineering. Please Note: Experience for required qualifications can be gained through various combinations of formal professional employment, educational and volunteer experience.
- I have at least one year of experience.
- I have at least two years of experience.
- I have at least three years of experience.
- None of the above statements apply.
05
Please provide additional information to support your response above. The following information is needed: position title(s), specific duties, and periods of employment. Make sure your response specifically addresses the qualification above. An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.
06
Please select the statement that best describes your level of education with a major study in any of the following engineering fields: sanitary, civil, geotechnical, water resource, environmental, chemical, mechanical, or related field.
- I have an Engineer-In-Training Certificate
- I have a Bachelor's degree.
- I have a Master's degree.
- I have a Ph.D.
- None of the above statements apply.
07
If you indicated in the previous question that you have a degree, please indicate your degree and major study. If you don't have a degree, put N/A.
08
The State of Washington and the Department of Ecology, play a vital role in fostering a Diverse, Equitable, Inclusive, and Respectful (DEIR) workplace and contributing to equitable outcomes for the communities we serve. We view DEIR 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. We believe it is everyone's job to contribute to a DEIR workplace.
What experiences have you had working with people whose backgrounds are very different from your own? What impact did those experiences have on how you worked?
09
Are you able to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license?
10
Are you registered as a professional engineer in the state of Washington, or another state with registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington?
11
Please list your Professional Engineer license(s) and the state(s) they are from. If none, please write N/A.
12
Applicants who possess an engineering license in another state and would like to qualify using the licensing equivalency option, must achieve a PE license in the state of Washington within 6 months of appointment to this class. If you are qualifying through the equivalency option, would you be able to obtain a Washington PE License within 6 months of hire date?
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable, I am already licensed in Washington.
13
I understand that Ecology does not use the E-Verify system and is unable to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Required Question
