Climate Change: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Engineer (Environmental Engineer 2) Two Positions

State of Washington; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington Department of Ecology seeks two Greenhouse Gas Emissions Engineers (Environmental Engineer 2) to verify emissions data under the Climate Commitment Act. You will review submissions from electric power entities, natural gas, and industrial facilities, applying engineering principles to ensure accuracy and reliability.

You will interact with regulated facilities, mentor colleagues, and contribute to guidance, tools, and training for reporting; hybrid schedule with in-office

Qualifications

• Knowledge of greenhouse gases and climate change science; experience with emissions calculations or energy accounting.
• Ability to conduct engineering analyses and verify environmental data.
• Ability to interpret federal/state greenhouse gas rules and related regulations.
• Ability to evaluate data, identify discrepancies, and recommend corrective actions.
• Ability to build relationships with electric power entities, fuel suppliers, and facilities.
• Ability to guide regulated entities through reporting requirements and platforms.
• Ability to prepare engineering documentation and use calculators for emissions metrics.
• Competence in organizing tasks and meeting deadlines for verification work.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical information to diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Review emissions submissions from electric power entities, natural gas and other fuels, and industrial facilities for accuracy.
• Apply engineering knowledge to calculate and review report submissions.
• Analyze and review protocols, policies, and guidance for the reporting program.
• Maintain communications with reporting entities and interested parties with proactive information.
• Conduct environmental inspections and engineering reviews of equipment and procedures.
• Identify complex issues in electricity and fuel markets.
• Develop reporting tools, guidance, and training for regulated sectors.
• Assist with rulemakings pertaining to electricity, natural gas, and fuel supply sectors.

Skills

Greenhouse Gas concepts

Engineering analysis

Regulatory interpretation

Analytical problem solving

Sector relationships

Technical assistance

Engineering documentation

Work management

Multi-party communication

Education

Engineer-in-Training Credential

Job description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring two Greenhouse Gas Emissions Engineers (Environmental Engineer 2) within the Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP).

Location:

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, 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. This position is expected to be in the office for a full workday every Tuesday.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by September 20, 2026.
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Are you an engineer eager to apply your technical skills to real-world climate work? As a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Engineer, you will help ensure the accuracy and reliability of Washington’s greenhouse gas reporting under the Climate Commitment Act. In this role, you will review emissions data, apply engineering principles to verify calculations, and learn the details of state and federal climate regulations. You will work closely with other experienced engineers who will provide mentoring, guidance, and support as you take on increasingly complex assignments. You will also interact with regulated facilities and assist them in understanding reporting tools and requirements. This position is a great opportunity to grow as an engineer while contributing to meaningful climate policy, improving reporting systems, and building your expertise across a range of industries.

What you will do:

• Under the oversight of a Professional Engineer, review greenhouse gas emissions report submissions from electric power entities, natural gas and other fuel suppliers, and industrial facilities, for accuracy and completeness.
• Apply engineering knowledge and core tenets to calculate and review report submissions.
• Conduct engineering analyses and review protocols, policies, and guidance for effective and consistent implementation of the greenhouse gas reporting program.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships and ongoing communication with reporting and regulated entities and interested parties by providing proactive, timely information and answering technical questions.
• Conduct environmental inspections, audits, and studies, to include engineering review of industrial equipment and procedures to verify application of sound engineering design, and practices.
• Identify complex and emerging issues with electricity and fuel supply markets.
• Develop reporting tools, guidance documents and training for all regulated entities (including the electricity, facilities, natural gas, and other fuel supplier sectors), and interested parties.
• Assist with rulemakings pertaining to the electricity, natural gas, and fuel supply sectors.

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

For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

• Greenhouse Gas and Climate Concepts– Demonstrated knowledge of greenhouse gases, climate change science. Experience performing emissions calculations, or energy accounting to support accurate analysis and informed engineering review.
• Engineering Analysis and Verification– Ability to conduct engineering analyses, review technical documents, and verify environmental data such as emissions, waste, or process-based information.
• Regulatory Interpretation– Ability to interpret federal and state greenhouse gas rules and related regulations to determine applicability and support consistent implementation across assigned reporters and sectors.
• Analytical Problem Solving– Ability to evaluate data and calculations, identify discrepancies, and recommend corrective actions to improve accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Sector Relationship Development– Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with electric power entities, fuel suppliers, and industrial facilities to support effective communication, outreach, and understanding of reporting requirements.
• Technical Assistance and Customer Support– Ability to guide regulated entities and interested parties through greenhouse gas reporting requirements and the use of reporting platforms.
• Preparation and Use of Engineering Documentation– Ability to prepare clear engineering documentation, organize technical data, and use established calculators and reporting tools for emissions and intensity metrics.
• Professional Work Management– Demonstrated competence in organizing engineering tasks, maintaining documentation, and meeting deadlines to ensure accurate and timely verification work.
• Multi-Party Communication and Collaboration – Ability to communicate technical information clearly to consultants, industry representatives, local authorities, agency staff, and the public to support understanding of environmental engineering problems and regulatory requirements.

An Engineer-In-Training Certificate or education involving a major study in one of the following engineering fields, sanitary, water resource, civil, geotechnical, environmental, chemical, mechanical, or related field.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 6 years of experience.
• 5 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 4 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 3 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 2 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• 2 years of experience AND an Engineer-in-Training certificate.
• A Master’s degree or above.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

A background check will be conducted, which may include criminal record history, fingerprinting, and credit history. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Desired Qualifications:

• Engineer-in-Training Credential – Possession of an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certificate to demonstrate foundational engineering competence and readiness for progression toward professional engineering responsibilities.

If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.

Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit https://www.uscis.gov.

Application Process

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 job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Need an Accommodation?

If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:

• Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or [e-mail]
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.

Questions?

• For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Eli Levitt at [e-mail].
• If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at [e-mail].

About the Climate Pollution Reduction Program

The Climate Pollution Reduction Program's (CPRP's) mission is to guide Washington to a net zero future by 2050. We implement policies that encourage businesses and individuals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a clean energy economy.

About the Department of Ecology

As the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology 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. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR)are core values central to Ecology's work.

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.

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 Incentive, Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *Click here for more information

To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or our blog.

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.

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.