Environmental Inspector - Underground Storage Tanks (Environmental Specialist 3)

Washington State Department of Ecology; Washington; Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Ecology is seeking an Environmental Inspector for Underground Storage Tanks in the Toxics Cleanup Program. This role blends field inspections with technical analysis to ensure UST systems meet state and federal standards, reduce leaks, and protect soil, groundwater, and air quality.

The position involves travel, collaboration with regulators and industry, and the preparation of defensible documentation.

Qualifications

• For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.
• Demonstrated competence in risk assessment and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to explain environmental regulations to stakeholders clearly.

Responsibilities

• Travel to facilities to conduct UST inspections and apply professional judgment.
• Perform UST system installation, retrofit, and decommissioning inspections.
• Issue enforcement actions and follow up with responsible parties.
• Investigate complaints of leaking underground storage tanks and document findings.
• Provide technical assistance and education on UST regulations to owners and operators.
• Serve as regional point of contact for UST questions and issues.
• Coordinate with owners, operators, local governments on complex UST projects.
• Maintain accurate UST files and databases and support performance measures.

Skills

Critical thinking

Judgment and decision making

Communication of rules

Communication and collaboration

Systems interpretation

Data and documentation management

Investigation and field assessment

Technical assistance

Education

Environmental science degree

Tools

Data management software

Job description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring an

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. This position blends field work, problem-solving, and collaboration -- using sound professional judgment to support compliance, educate regulated parties, and promote healthy communities and natural resources statewide.

• 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.

Qualifications

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

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 involving 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 in 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 in 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.

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.

Supplemental Information

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 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.

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 Nicholas Acklam 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 Toxics Cleanup Program

Accidental spills of dangerous materials and past business practices have contaminated land and water throughout the state. The Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP) works to remedy these situations, which range from cleaning up contamination from leaking underground storage tanks (LUST) to large complex projects requiring engineering solutions. Our mission is to protect Washington's human health and the environment by preventing and cleaning up pollution and supporting communities and natural resources for the benefit of current and future generations.

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 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.

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 *

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.