Sepa/Erts Coordinator (Environmental Specialist 2) (In-Training)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology's Central Regional Office (CRO) in Union Gap, WA is looking to fill a SEPA/ERTS Coordinator (Environmental Specialist 2) (In-Training) position. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Note: This position offers a career path and on-the-job training.

This position allows you to progress through the Environmental Specialist field and achieve the goal class of an Environmental Specialist 2 (ES2). Candidates will be considered at the ES1 and ES2 levels, depending on their qualifications. For salary levels for each, please see the qualifications section.

In this role, you will support the agency's mission by providing independent coordination for both the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and Environmental Report Tracking System (ERTS) for the Central Region Office (CRO).

As the CRO State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Coordinator, you will independently manage the centralized SEPA process for 10 environmental programs. You will utilize your SEPA knowledge to ensure submissions are complete, reviewed by Ecology staff for environmental impacts in a timely manner, and will provide guidance, as well as interpretations of the SEPA policy for the public and Ecology staff.

As the CRO Environmental Report Tracking System (ERTS) Coordinator, you will serve as the region's initial contact for the public, city, state, federal, and other agencies for all environmental complaints, incident reports, and spills. You will ensure critical and timely notification to proper internal and external authorities by providing technical assistance, research, and customized reports and referrals.

The Central Regional Director's team is a group of hardworking individuals that take pride in their work and being a "team." It's a supportive environment where members of the team are encouraged to find new and improved ways of doing things.

The ideal candidate will have excellent people skills and have the ability to stay grounded and positive in a very dynamic fast-paced environment. Additional attributes for success in the position include a great sense of humor, the ability to solve problems, be willing to work alongside your team, and the ability to go with the flow. We are a very close-knit office and looking for a person that will enhance our culture.

Initially, this position is required to work in the office five days a week. There will be opportunities for a flex schedule after the probation period. Applicants with questions about position location options, tele-work, and flexible or compressed schedules are encouraged to reach out to the contact person listed below in "other information." Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline: This position will remain open until filled; we will review applications on April 22, 2024.

In order to be considered, please submit an application on or before April 21, 2024.

If your application isn't received by this date, it may not be considered. The agency reserves the right to make a Hire any time after the initial screening date.

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 *Click here for more information

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. To learn more, check out our Strategic Plan.

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.

• 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.

What makes this role unique?

Communication is key in this unique and challenging role. In this position, you will interact on a daily basis with Ecology's 10 programs in the region, acting as a key point of contact for our Spills response team. You will frequently communicate, both verbally and in writing with the public, Emergency Management Department, fire departments, police departments, state patrol, City and County planning department employees.

What you will do:

In this role, you will embody the One-Ecology philosophy and will provide high-quality customer service to the public and Ecology staff.

As the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Coordinator, you will:

• Ensure submissions to the SEPA Register are complete and entered into the database accurately and in a timely manner.

• Ensure SEPA documents are appropriately screened by Ecology staff for environmental impacts by the deadline given and coordinates program comments.

• Provide guidance and interpretation of the SEPA policy and environmental technical assistance to the public, internal staff and in coordination with the internal or external lead agency.

• Provide SEPA process guidance to the Lead Agency, the public, and Ecology staff.

As the Environmental Report Tracking System (ERTS) Coordinator, you will:

• Manage the ERTS database to ensure incidents are tracked and available for public records requests. Ensure quality control of data entered for initial reports, referrals, follow-up actions and investigations.

• Provide support, which enables agency staff or external authorities to conduct thorough investigations of environmental impacts and environmental incident response.

• Provide status updates of incident reports that require field and non-field investigation.

• Provide routine technical assistance to internal and external referrals regarding investigations, incident reports, environmental statutes, regulations, or follow-up and referral actions.

This is an In-Training Position. The goal class for this position is Environmental Specialist 2 (ES2). We will consider applicants who meet the requirements for the ES1 and ES2 levels. If the finalist meets the requirements for the ES1 level, they will be hired at that level and will be placed into a training program to become an ES2 within a specified period of time.

Required Qualifications:

Years of required experience indicated below are full-time equivalent years. Full-time equivalent experience means that any experience where working hours were less than 40 hours per week will be prorated in order to meet the equivalency of full-time.

We would calculate this by looking at the total hours worked per week, divide this by 40, and then multiply by the total number of months worked. Examples of the proration calculations are:

• 30 hours worked per week for 20 months: (30/40) x 20 months = 15 months full-time equivalent
• 20 hours worked per week for 12 months: (20/40) x 12 months = 6 months full-time equivalent

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

At the Environmental Specialist 1 level: Pay Range 38 ($3,220 - $4,282 monthly) (In-Training)

A total of 4 years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Experience: in environmental analysis or control or environmental planning.

• Education: involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field.

All experience and education combinations that meet the requirements for this position at the Environmental Specialist 1 classification:

Possible CombinationsCollege credit hours or degree - as listed above.Years of required experience - as listed above.Combination 1No college credit hours or degree4 years of experience

Combination 230-59 semester or 45-89 quarter credits.3 years of experience

Combination 360-89 semester or 90-134 quarter credits (AA degree).2 years of experience

Combination 490-119 semester or 135-179 quarter credits.1 years of experience

Combination 5 A Bachelor's DegreeNo experience required

At the Environmental Specialist 2 level: Pay Range 45 ($3,796 - $5,088 monthly) Goal Class

A total of 5 years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Experience: in environmental analysis or control or environmental planning.

• Education: involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field.

All experience and education combinations that meet the requirements for this position at the Environmental Specialist 2 classification:

Possible CombinationsCollege credit hours or degree - as listed above.Years of required experience - as listed above.Combination 1No college credit hours or degree5 years of experience

Combination 230-59 semester or 45-89 quarter credits.4 years of experience

Combination 360-89 semester or 90-134 quarter credits (AA degree).3 years of experience

Combination 490-119 semester or 135-179 quarter credits.2 years of experience

Combination 5 A Bachelor's Degree1 year of experience

Combination 6A Master's Degree or above

No experience required

OR

One year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 1, at the Department of Ecology.

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.
• A resume outlining your experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to the minimum qualifications of this position.
• A list of three professional references.

Note: References will only be contacted during the final steps of the recruitment process for candidates selected as finalists. References will not be contacted without the candidate's formal authorization.

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 Terra Petropoulos at Terra.Petropoulos@ecy.wa.gov Please do not contact Terra 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.

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.