Air Quality Professional Engineer Permit Writer (Environmental Engineer 5)

Washington State Department of Ecology; Union Gap (WA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Ecology is looking for an Air Quality Professional Engineer Permit Writer. This full-time position is based in Union Gap and offers eligible telework options.

As a key member of the engineering team, you will provide expert consultation on air quality permits, conduct facility inspections, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. Candidates must hold a Professional Engineer license in Washington and have experience in environmental engineering.

Qualifications

• Must be a licensed Professional Engineer in Washington or qualify for Washington State licensure by comity.
• Five years of experience in advanced technical engineering and permit development.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and consulting on Air Operating Permits.
• Issue permits for regulated air pollution sources.
• Conduct site visits and inspections of industrial facilities.
• Prepare for audits by the EPA regarding State Operating Permit Programs.

Skills

Air quality principles knowledge

Communication skills

Technical document review skills

Records and data management

Multitasking and adaptability

Education

Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Washington

Five years of engineering experience or education

Job description

Position Title

Air Quality Professional Engineer Permit Writer (Environmental Engineer 5)

Location

• Central Region Office in Union Gap, WA.
• Must live within commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule

• Eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• Minimum of one day per week in the office.
• Schedules are subject to change based on position needs.

Application Deadline

Apply by July 12, 2026.

Duties

• Serve as professional engineering expert, providing engineering review, technical support, mentoring, training, and consulting on Air Operating Permits and related regulations, procedures, guidance, and policy.
• Review, evaluate, and issue permits for Title IV and Title V air pollution sources, and applications for General Orders and minor New Source Review.
• Determine regulatory applicability, application completeness, best available control technology, and ambient air impact analyses to develop permit conditions consistent with regulatory requirements.
• Participate in site visits and inspections of industrial facilities with agency or federal compliance inspectors.
• Prepare for and represent the program during audits of State Operating Permit Programs by EPA.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Washington or an equivalent registration in another state satisfying Washington’s requirements.
• Five (5) years of engineering experience and/or education meeting the criteria below.
• Experience or education must include advanced technical engineering; engineering analysis; modeling and analytical tools; regulation and policy interpretation; and permit and document development.

Desired Qualifications

• Air quality principles knowledge.
• Regulatory understanding of federal and state air quality regulations.
• Communication skills for clear written and verbal communication.
• Technical document review skills.
• Records and data management proficiency.
• Multitasking and adaptability.

Other Requirements

Professional Engineer in Washington state. Individuals licensed elsewhere must qualify for Washington State licensure by comity.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. The agency embraces diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, and other underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Collective Bargaining

This position is covered by a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).