Environmental Inspector - Underground Storage Tanks (Environmental Specialist 3)

State of Washington; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Ecology is seeking an Environmental Inspector for Underground Storage Tanks (UST) in the Toxics Cleanup Program. You will conduct inspections, provide technical assistance, and enforce regulations to prevent soil and groundwater contamination.

Responsibilities include in-field inspections, data management, and coordinating with agencies and stakeholders. A strong background in environmental science and regulatory compliance is required.

Qualifications

• Critical and analytical thinking to evaluate complex environmental information and data.
• Judgment and decision making to balance risk and regulatory requirements.
• Clear communication of rules and procedures to ensure compliance.
• Collaboration with teams and regulated entities for consistent program implementation.
• Ability to interpret environmental systems, equipment, and processes.
• Data management skills for inspection records and reports.
• Experience in field inspections, collecting evidence, and documenting findings.
• Ability to provide technical guidance to help regulated parties improve performance.

Responsibilities

• Travel to facilities to perform UST inspections following EPA guidance.
• Conduct installation, retrofit, and decommissioning inspections for UST systems.
• Issue enforcement actions and coordinate with parties to regain compliance.
• Investigate leaking storage tanks and document findings and next steps.
• Provide technical assistance on UST regulations and compliance requirements.
• Serve as regional contact for UST-related questions and issues.
• Coordinate with owners, operators, and local governments on complex projects.
• Maintain accurate UST files and support program reporting.

Skills

Critical thinking

Judgment & decision making

Communication of rules

Communication & collaboration

Systems interpretation

Data management

Investigation & field assessment

Technical assistance

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree or above

Job description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring an Environmental Inspector – Underground Storage Tanks (Environmental Specialist 3) within the Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP).

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 three days per week is required in the office or in the field during the first six months of onboarding and training, with the potential for other flexible schedule options upon successful completion of the probationary period.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline

• Apply by July 26, 2026.
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

As an Environmental Inspector of Underground Storage Tank (UST) systems, you will help protect Washington’s land, water, and air by ensuring underground storage tank systems are operated, installed, and closed in compliance with state and federal regulations. Through inspections, technical assistance, and enforcement, you will play a critical role in reducing leaks from underground storage tanks and preventing soil, groundwater, and air contamination.

Responsibilities

• Travel to various facilities to conduct UST inspections in accordance with EPA technical compliance guidance, independently applying professional judgment to identify violations and determine appropriate corrective actions.
• Perform UST system installation, retrofit, and decommissioning inspections to ensure work meets regulatory and environmental protection standards.
• Issue enforcement actions consistent with the UST Inspector Enforcement Manual and follow up with responsible parties to return facilities to compliance.
• Investigate complaints of suspected leaking underground storage tanks, documenting findings and recommending next steps.
• Provide technical assistance and education to UST owners, operators, contractors, and internal staff on UST regulations, forms, and compliance requirements.
• Serve as a regional point of contact for external customers on UST-related questions and issues.
• Coordinate with owners, operators, contractors, and local governments on complex UST projects, and contribute to special projects such as developing or updating guidance, tools, and resources for inspectors.
• Maintain accurate and complete UST files and databases by reviewing submittals, documenting compliance data, and supporting performance measures related to UST compliance.

Required Qualifications

• Critical and Analytical Thinking – Ability to evaluate complex environmental information, field observations, and technical data to identify issues, compare options, and determine effective compliance or environmental protection actions.
• Judgment and Decision Making – Demonstrated competence in assessing risks, impacts, and regulatory requirements to make timely, well-supported decisions that uphold program objectives and regulatory consistency.
• Communication of Rules and Procedures – Skilled with explaining environmental regulations, program requirements, and procedural steps to ensure clear understanding and improved compliance by regulated parties and the public.
• Communication and Collaboration – Ability to coordinate with internal teams, other organizations, and regulated entities to share information, problem-solve, and support consistent program implementation.
• Systems and Equipment Interpretation – Demonstrated competence in understanding how environmental systems, equipment, or operational processes function to accurately assess performance, compliance, or potential environmental risk.
• Data and Documentation Management – Skilled with organizing, reviewing, and interpreting technical data, inspection records, and reports to support accurate tracking, defensible documentation, and program reporting.
• Investigation and Field Assessment – Experience in conducting field inspections, gathering evidence, and documenting findings to establish compliance status and support follow-up or enforcement actions.
• Technical Assistance – Ability to provide clear guidance on environmental requirements, operational practices, and compliance expectations to help regulated parties improve performance and reduce environmental risk.

Education – A major study 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

• 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.
• A Master’s degree or above.

Desired Qualifications

• Underground Storage Tank (UST) Systems Knowledge – Experience evaluating the design, components, and operation of UST systems to accurately assess compliance and system performance.
• Compliance and Enforcement Experience – Demonstrated competence in conducting compliance evaluations, issuing enforcement actions, or supporting legal processes to achieve improved regulatory adherence.
• Scientific Data Analysis – Strong ability to review, interpret, and synthesize technical or scientific data to support environmental decision-making and identify compliance trends.
• Regulation Interpretation and Reporting – Experience interpreting environmental regulations and preparing reports or compliance documentation to support program requirements and regulatory clarity.
• Data Management Software Proficiency – Skilled with using databases, spreadsheets, and related software tools to organize information, interpret inspection findings, and support program reporting needs.

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 position is 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.

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