Operator Certification Program Lead (Environmental Specialist 4)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

• Headquarters Office in Lacey 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.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by October 12 2025
• This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after the date above may not be considered.

In this role you will support Ecologys mission by serving as the Senior Environmental Specialist and Program Lead for the Wastewater Operators Program. You will provide excellent customer service to wastewater operators across the state. You will ensure water quality by making sure operators have the knowledge and skills needed to safely operate facilities.

What you will do:

For detailed information on how we calculate experience please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

Nine (9) years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Experiencein performing environmental-based work OR work related to the essential functions and key activities of the position that includes one or more of the following:
  • Program Administration - Ability to apply and interpret laws rules and policies while managing programs leading projects and guiding staff to ensure activities are fair accurate and efficient.
  • Compliance Oversight - Ability to review and enforce rules and standards to make sure participants meet professional and organizational requirements.
  • Evaluation and Assessment -Ability to interpret and apply certification standards to ensure participants meet required skills knowledge and competency standards.
  • Communication and Support - Ability to explain rules and program requirements clearly and provide technical guidance to participants and partners for better understanding and collaboration.
  • Policy and Process Improvement - Ability to research develop and update policies procedures or guidelines to ensure programs meet legal requirements while operating efficiently and effectively.
• Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:
  • At least ONE year of experience must include working with municipal wastewater treatment technologies associated with NPDES or State Waste Discharge (SWD) permits.
  • Using critical / analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to make decisions or determine a course of action.
  • Reviewing / assessing information and data to draw conclusions and recommending decisions or actions.
  • Conducting research and performing data analysis on both qualitative and quantitative data.
    
• Educationinvolving 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:

• 9 years of experience.
• 8 years of experience AND30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 7 years of experience AND60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associates degree).
• 6 years of experience AND90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 5 years of experienceAND a Bachelors degree.
• 3 years of experienceAND a Masters degree.
• 2 years of experience AND a Ph.D.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must complete the Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants Volume I/Ken Kerri California State University Correspondence Course with a competency level of 80% or better within six (6) months of appointment to the position.
  OR
• Possess a current Wastewater Operator Certification in Washington state.

If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job descriptionwe encourage you to apply.Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the Department of Ecology we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.

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.

Our Commitment to DEIR

Diversity Equity Inclusion and Respect (DEIR)are core values central to Ecologys 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 Ecologys 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 thatDEIRis 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.

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.

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 or
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-.

Questions

• For specific questions about the position location options schedule or duties please contact Katie Rathmellat
• 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

About theWater Quality Program
The mission of the Water Quality Program is to protect and restore Washingtons waters to sustain healthy watersheds and communities. Our work ensures that state waters support beneficial uses including recreational and business activities supplies for clean drinking water and the protection of fish shellfish wildlife and public health.

About the Department of Ecology

As the State of Washingtons environmental protection agency we are deeply committed to protecting preserving and enhancing Washingtons 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.

Ecology employees may be eligible for the following: Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s) Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Vacation Sick and other Leave11 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 Combined Fund Drive SmartHealth *Click here for more information

To learn more about Ecology please visit ourwebsite explore Working at Ecology check out ourStrategic Plan and connect with us onLinkedInFacebookInstagramYouTube or ourblog.

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.

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