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Senior Water Quality Engineer

Washington State Department of Ecology
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Please Note: The pay listed above includes the 3.25% pay increase that will go into effect on July 1, 2022.

Per Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14.2 (Download PDF reader), Washington State employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination as part of the hiring process, prior to their start date. Requests for medical and religious exemptions will be considered. If you have questions, please contact Careers@ecy.wa.gov with “COVID-19 vaccination” in the subject line.  

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Water Quality Program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Senior Water Quality Engineer (Environmental Engineer 5) position. 

This position is located in our Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station. 


In this role, you will interact with people inside and outside the agency, and will work closely with staff throughout the section and program; the unit supervisors; section engineers in the regions and employees and program managers; local, state, federal and tribal government agency staff; local government administrative officers and elected officials, consulting engineers and the public. It is a dynamic position with work that is evolving.

You will provide a high degree of wastewater treatment and permitting expertise to the program, customers, and other work partners. You'll represent the Department as a registered Professional Engineer with responsibility for performing professional environmental engineering duties for the protection and restoration of surface and ground water quality in the State. You will also serve as the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Puget Sound Nutrient General Permit Writer.

The mission of the Water Quality Program is to protect and restore Washington's waters to support healthy watersheds and communities. Our work ensures state waters can 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
Protecting 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.

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. 
  • A wellness program that offers education, fitness classes, and an agency-wide fondness for outdoor meetings.
  • 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. 

During Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery, employees are working a combination of in-office and/or telework based on position and business need. This position is not currently required to work in the office on a regular basis. Ecology is following current state guidance regarding mask requirements, health screening questions before entry, and social distancing. Looking ahead, Ecology has recently updated the agency policies on telework and flexible and compressed work schedules. 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.” 
 
Application Timeline: This position will remain open until filled, with an initial screening date of July 13, 2022. In order to be considered for initial screening, please submit an application with a resume and cover letter on or before July 12, 2022, end of day. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.
 
Duties



What makes this role important? 
This position is a senior environmental engineering specialist within the Water Quality Program’s Program Development Services Section. The position represents the Department as a registered Professional Engineer with responsibility for performing professional environmental engineering duties for the protection and restoration of surface and ground water quality in the State.

In this role, you will be the section’s specialist for applying environmental laws, regulations, and engineering principles and practices to water quality general permitting for wastewater discharged by publicly-owned treatment works (POTW) in the Puget Sound region. You will be the individual and general statewide nutrient permitting expert for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program’s permitting of nutrients, and the current General Permit Writer for the NPDES Puget Sound Nutrient General Permit.

The Final Permit will require local governments in the region to invest billions of dollars in POTW upgrades over the coming years in order to comply with permit effluent limits and the Clean Water Act. This is expected to result in water quality improvements that will help restore Puget Sound, which is impaired for low dissolved oxygen due to excessive nutrient loading.
 
Based on these factors, this position will lead the Water Quality Program in developing, issuing and defending one of the most important, controversial and politically sensitive permits ever issued by the Department of Ecology, which will involve consultation to, and coordination with, the Permit Development Section Manager, Water Quality Program Manager and Management Team, Ecology’s Executive Leadership Team and the State Attorney General’s Office.

What you will do: 

As a Registered Professional Engineer, you will be the statewide policy and technical lead on nutrient permitting for publicly-owned treatment works (POTWs).

Help us develop and issue permits:

  • Develop, issue and implement a draft general permit and fact sheet for public review.
  • Represent Ecology at public meetings to describe the draft permit, including the legal and technical basis for effluent limits. 
  • Review, consider, and respond to public comments, and hear testimony on the draft permit. 
  • Issue the Final Permit and accompanying “Response to Comments” document that describes any permit revisions made in response to public comments. 
  • The Final Permit is appealable to the Pollution Control Hearings Board and higher courts, and this position will be responsible for leading Ecology’s legal defense of the permit, in coordination with Ecology staff, managers, and the Attorney General’s Office.  

Support other Ecology engineers and employees, and help individual plants meet permit requirements:

  • Help solve problems like conflicting design requirements, unsuitability of conventional materials, or difficult coordination problems. Help internal colleagues resolve questions and concerns from the regulated community.
  • Develop and apply complex technical and procedural guidance for dischargers across the Puget Sound Region.
  • Collaborate with, mentor and train other engineers in the section and program.
  • Advise on regional compliance assurance actions, including enforcement


Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
Experience for both required and desired qualifications can be gained through various combinations of formal professional employment, educational and volunteer experience. See below for how you may qualify.

Option 1: 
  • An Engineer-In-Training Certificate OR a Bachelor's degree with a major study in one of the following engineering fields: sanitary, civil, geotechnical, water resources, environmental, chemical, mechanical or related field.
  • Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington.
  • Five years of experience in environmental engineering.

Option 2: 
  • A Master's degree with a major study in one of the following engineering fields: sanitary, civil, geotechnical, water resources, environmental, chemical, mechanical or related field.
  • Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington.
  • Four years of experience in environmental engineering.

Option 3: 
  • A Ph.D. with a major study in one of the following engineering fields: sanitary, civil, geotechnical, water resources, environmental, chemical, mechanical or related field. 
  • Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington.
  • Three years of experience in environmental engineering.


Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license.
  • Must possess a Washington State professional engineering license.


Desired Qualifications:
We highly encourage you to apply even if you do not have some (or all) of the desired experience below.

  • Technical knowledge and familiarity with state and federal water quality laws and regulations. 
  • Experience writing and issuing Water Quality permits including experience with the federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program and development of water quality based effluent limits. 
  • Understanding of wastewater treatment processes and technologies for nutrient removal
  • Experience in developing policies and procedures where there is little precedent.
  • Working knowledge of databases and database design.
  • Ability to produce high quality and accurate reports in a timely manner. 
  • Ability to communicate complex technical issues to the public. 
  • Ability to have crucial conversations, apply negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

Note: Having some (or all) of this desired experience may make your application more competitive in a highly competitive applicant pool. 
 

NOTE: 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: WA State: Board of Registration for Professional Engineers: How to get your license: Professional engineer by comity. 

Supplemental Information

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 candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.


Need an Accommodation in 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 and how your professional experience relates to the work.
  • A resume outlining your experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to the minimum required qualifications and the desired qualifications of this position.
  • Three professional references.

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 position, please email Lucienne Banning at: Lucienne.Banning@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Lucienne to inquire about the status of your application.
 
To request the full position description: email Ecology HR at careers@ecy.wa.gov

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.

Ecology employees may be eligible for the following:

Student debt: how working for Ecology can help
The Department of Ecology is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Forgiveness Program (PSLF). See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.
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: This is a position 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.