Greenhouse Gas Engineering Specialist (Environmental Engineer 3)

The Air Quality Program (AQP) is looking to fill the Greenhouse Gas Engineering Specialist (Environmental Engineer 3) position. This position will be located at our Headquarters Building in Lacey, WA. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

The mission of the Air Quality Program is to protect and improve air quality in Washington and to protect our State’s environment for current and future generations. In 2021, Washington’s Legislature passed the landmark Climate Commitment Act (CCA) – a sweeping piece of legislation that directs Ecology to develop and implement the state’s first Cap-and-Invest Program and commits our state to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 95% by 2050.

Washington’s program is only the second such economy-wide program in the nation, and Ecology has been directed by the Legislature to have it up-and-running by January 1, 2023. It’s a big task with even bigger long-term impacts on the state’s greenhouse gas emissions and the global fight against climate change. Air Quality’s CCA Implementation Group is already hard at work and looking to hire a diverse range of mission-focused professionals to help us bring this important legislation to life.
 
As the Greenhouse Gas Engineering Specialist, you will be the agency’s subject matter expert on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions verification under the Climate Commitment Act. In this role, you will:

• Review submissions from facilities and entities for accuracy and completeness of fuel supplier information and reported GHG emissions.
• Provide review of and technical assistance with engineering analyses and emissions data provided by businesses and consultants.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships and ongoing communication with stakeholders and regulated entities covered by the GHG reporting program by providing proactive information, consulting with senior staff, and answering technical questions.
• Identify implications and participate in review of proposed federal or state stationary source regulations and guidance documents that may relate to or affect greenhouse gas accounting or carbon pollution.

• 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.

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. 

Duties

What you will do as the Greenhouse Gas Engineering Specialist:

• Conduct engineering analyses and review protocols, policies, and guidance for effective and consistent implementation of the greenhouse gas reporting program.
• Provide technical analyses to update and improve related rules.
• Independently work directly with businesses, state and local agencies, and stakeholders to ensure accurate, timely, and complete reporting of emissions data.
• Calculate and review reported fuel supplier emissions to include natural gas and other fuels.  

Learn more about what it is like to be an Engineer at the Department of Ecology.

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 resource, environmental, chemical, mechanical or related field.
AND 
Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington AND three years of experience in environmental engineering.
 
Option 2:

A Master's degree with major study in one of the following engineering fields: sanitary water resource, civil, geotechnical, environmental, chemical, mechanical or related field.
AND 
Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington AND two years of experience in environmental engineering.
 
Option 3:

A Ph.D in one of the following engineering fields: sanitary water resource, civil, geotechnical, environmental, chemical, mechanical.
AND 
Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington AND one year of experience in environmental engineering.

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.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 

• Registration within six months as a professional engineer in Washington State.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications:

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

•  Expertise or advanced knowledge in one or more of the following production processes:
  • GHG emissions
  • Petroleum refining
  • Natural gas distribution
  • Metal, glass, or cement manufacture
  • Pulp and paper production
  • Landfill operations
  • Chemical manufacture 

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

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 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.
• Three professional references.

Application Timeline: 

• This position will remain open until filled, the next screening date will be October 25, 2021. In order to be considered for the next screening, please submit an application on or before October 24, 2021.
• The agency reserves the right to make an appointment at any time after the initial screening date and we encourage applicants to submit their applications as soon as they can.  

Note: 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 (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 Luke Martland at: Luke.Martland@ecy.wa.gov.
• Please do not contact Luke to inquire about the status of your application.
• To request the full position description: email 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:

Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 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 (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth 

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.

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. 

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 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.

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.