Spill Responder (Environmental Specialist 3) (In Training)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring aSpill Responder (Environmental Specialist 3) (In Training) within the Spill Prevention Preparedness and Response program.

Location:

• Bellingham Field Office inBellingham WA.
• Must live within a 60-minute commuting distance of the Bellingham Field Office.
• This position is eligible for a 10% Spill Response Assignment Pay once all training requirements and certifications are met and maintained. This position also has periods of mandatory overtime. Additionally this position is required to participate in an after-hour on-call duty rotation.

Schedule:

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• This position requires field work and emergency response while there is some office work and you may telework most of your office work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by July 28 2026.

• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.
  

In this role you will work with a multi-disciplinary team and use science to solve complex environmental challenges. Working with other federal state local and tribal response partners you will serve as Ecologys State On-Scene Coordinator leading the response and cleanup of complex environmental spills. Your efforts will result in immediate improvements to the safety of Washington residents and our environment.

• Conduct responses to spills of oil and hazardous substances abandoned waste fish kills and other environmental and human health emergencies.
• Serve as initial incident commander and State On-Scene Coordinator for spills of petroleum products and hazardous materials on water and land.
• Conduct operations to control contain and cleanup spills investigate the cause of spills and response actions taken by parties responsible for spills directs environmental response contractors and coordinates responses with appropriate private local state and federal representatives involved.
• Open containers of unknowns take samples overpack and transport abandoned chemical wastes for final disposal.
• Offer technical assistance and limited regulatory interpretation to parties involved in spill incidents and drug lab cleanups.
• Prepare and complete all documentation and reporting associated with such incidents.

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

To qualify at the Environmental Specialist 2 level (In-Training)

Experience:Performing environmental-based work OR work related to any of the following:

• Incident Command and Emergency Response Leadership Experience serving as an initial Incident Commander or State On-Scene Coordinator applying Incident Command System (ICS) principles to manage complex oil and hazardous materials incidents involving multiple agencies and competing priorities.
• Advanced Spill Response and Hazardous Materials Operations Skill in planning directing and performing hands-on response actions for oil spills hazardous substance releases abandoned waste and illegal drug manufacturing facilities including containment cleanup and mitigation in high-risk environments.
• Hazard Identification Sampling and Field Analysis Knowledge of hazardous substance identification sampling techniques field testing and hazard classification including safe handling of unknown materials and interpretation of monitoring data against health-based and regulatory standards.
• Dangerous Waste Management and Regulatory Compliance Knowledge of federal and state dangerous waste regulations and ability to ensure compliant waste handling storage transportation disposal inventory tracking reporting and emergency response planning.
• Interagency and Law Enforcement Coordination Skill in coordinating and leading response activities with local state federal and tribal partners including law enforcement agencies.
• Emergency Spill Response Operations Ability to independently respond to oil spills hazardous substance releases abandoned waste and other environmental and human health emergencies performing containment control and cleanup actions in accordance with established procedures.
• Incident Command System Participation Skill in functioning effectively within the Incident Command System as an Incident Commander for routine incidents or as a Command/General Staff member or technical specialist during complex responses under direction.
• Hazard Identification and Field Safety Knowledge of hazardous materials recognition site safety principles and hazard assessment including safe work practices in IDLH environments and proper use of Levels B and C personal protective equipment.
• Sampling Monitoring and Waste Handling Experience in collecting environmental and waste samples operating field monitoring instruments interpreting results using established guidance and safely packaging labeling and transporting hazardous and dangerous waste for disposal.
• Regulatory Knowledge and Application Knowledge of applicable state and federal spill response and dangerous waste regulations with the ability to apply regulations guidance and standard operating procedures to incident response and compliance activities.
• Contractor and Responsible Party Management Experience observing documenting and/or supporting response actions conducted by spillers and environmental response contractors escalating issues or non-compliance to supervisors as appropriate.
• Technical Communication and Documentation Skill in preparing clear accurate and timely incident documentation reports and data entries and communicating technical information effectively to supervisors response partners and regulated parties.
• Equipment Operation and Readiness Demonstrated ability to safely operate and maintain spill response equipment vehicles boats and monitoring instruments and to maintain personal gear and assigned equipment in a state of readiness for emergency response.
• Teamwork Reliability and Adaptability Experience working effectively as part of a response team with the ability to adapt to rapidly changing conditions maintaining professionalism under stress and supporting inclusive respectful working relationships.

Experience must includedemonstrated competence in the following skill sets:

• 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

Education: in environmental science engineering chemistry biology or a closely related scientific or technical field that provides knowledge of emergency hazardous materials response.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 5 years of experience.
• 4 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 3 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associates degree).
• 2 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 1 years of experience AND a Bachelors degree.
• Masters degree or higher.

• Must hold and maintain a valid drivers license be able to safely operate a motor vehicle.

• Must pass employment medical surveillance physical and demonstrate the ability to wear respiratory protection and chemical protective clothing. Must successfully pass physical agilities test.

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

• Must successfully complete initial SAFETRAC requirements and other required training outlined in Spills Program Policy and Procedures within 6 months of entering the position.

• Must be prepared for a minimum 3-day field deployment within 1 hour of notification.

• Must hold and maintain eligibility and certification (valid passport or enhanced drivers license) to permit travel to Canada in the event of a transboundary spill.

• This position is required to maintain a personal level of fitness necessary to pass a periodic medical surveillance exam which may include a stress test.

• This position is identified as an Essential Agency Employee and is expected to work during facility closures and natural disasters.

• Must notify supervisor immediately if the employee is unable to obtain any of the above required licenses or certifications or if any of the above are revoked expired or suspended for any reason.

• Must live within a 60-minute commuting distance of Ecologys Bellingham Field Office in Bellingham WA.
  

Desired Qualifications:

• Prior hazardous materials emergency response or disaster response experience
• Experienced working in the Incident Command System
• Hazardous Materials Technician Certification and Hazardous Materials Specialist Certification that meet the requirements of WAC 296-824 and 296-843
• Familiarity with the Northwest Area Contingency Plan
• Incident Command System800 certifications

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.

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.

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 Robert Walls at:.
• 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

The Spills Programs mission is to protect preserve and restore Washingtons environment. Our vision is to create a zero spills world.

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 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 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.

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.

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 yearPublic Service Loan ForgivenessTuition Waiver Long Term Disability&Life InsuranceDeferred Compensation ProgramsDependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA)Employee Assistance ProgramCommute Trip Reduction IncentivesCombined Fund DriveSmartHealth*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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