Job Description

Environmental Inspection & Compliance Team Lead (Environmental Specialist 4)

The Department of Ecology is hiring an Environmental Inspection & Compliance Team Lead within the Climate Pollution Reduction Program. 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 one day per week is required in the office. Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change. Application Timeline: Apply by July 25, 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 July 25th may not be considered.

Do you want your work to directly address climate change in Washington State? Does the idea of working with businesses to provide them information on what they need to do to comply with state laws interest you? Do you want to help lead a team of compliance inspectors operating throughout eastern Washington and coordinate with teammates across the state? If you answered "yes" to the questions above, then you might love working with our team! The Refrigerant Management Program (RMP) requires facilities with refrigeration and air conditioning systems of certain size to follow certain best practices and promptly repair leaks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The RMP's goal is to support entities in reducing emissions climate-polluting refrigerants from leaky refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. You will help them register in our program, provide technical support, and then inspect facilities to ensure they are following the rules.

As the Eastern Region Office Environmental Inspection and Compliance Team Lead for the RMP, you'll help Ecology reduce emissions of climate-polluting refrigerants affecting climate change. You'll navigate complex compliance inspections in your region and help synchronize inspection practices and policies across the state to ensure consistency in practice. Technical support to the RMP- regulated community, ranging from businesses to your local schools, will help them understand our refrigerant regulations and cost-effective ways to stay compliant with minimal impact to their operations. If you derive satisfaction from working on the ground to help combat climate change, this position will be a great fit for you!

Other duties of the Environmental Inspection and Compliance Team Lead include:

• Coordinate and conduct inspections at facilities subject to the Refrigerant Management Program (RMP).
• Assist entities inputting mandatory data into the Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Management Program (RAMP) database.
• Assist junior Ecology staff on complex RMP topics.
• Attend public meetings to present the RMP rules in an understandable and digestible manner.
• Identify and resolve violations of RMP regulations.
• Mentor junior inspectors on the team and provide general support to regional team activities.

For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website. Required Qualifications: Nine years of experience and/or education as described below: Experience in environmental-based work, OR work related to the duties of the position, that includes two or more of the following: Providing technical assistance to businesses, including sharing technical requirements, technical support to register systems in a database, and ability to explain technical information to the layperson. Inspecting facilities for compliance, or similar experience ensuring that proper procedures are consistently followed. Applying sound professional judgment in identifying and resolving violations of rules to promote future compliance. Leading small teams, including planning out inspections and site visits; and supporting less experienced staff in learning new skills. Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets: Conducting environmental and/or safety compliance inspections; environmental compliance; or as a field technician following standard operating procedures (SOPs) for environmental sampling or machine maintenance. Collaboration in a team environment, working with teammates in differing regions doing the same work. 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 involving a major study in 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 AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits. 7 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate's degree). 6 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits. 5 years of experience AND a Bachelor's degree. 3 years of experience AND a Master's degree. 2 years of experience AND a Ph.D.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Desired Qualifications: Although not necessary, if you have the following experiences, we invite you to highlight: Demonstrated knowledge of climate change science or air quality regulations. Experience or demonstrated knowledge of greenhouse gas (especially hydrofluorocarbons) state / federal reduction programs. Ability to explain basic chemistry and regulatory processes to a variety of audiences and education levels. Strong verbal and written communication, negotiation and conflict avoidance, and analytical skills. Environmental compliance, inspection, auditing experience.

If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we 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.

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