Permit Developer and Facility Manager (Environmental Specialist 3)

Washington State Health Care Authority; Union Gap (WA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Ecology is seeking a Permit Developer and Facility Manager for the Central Regional Office Water Quality Industrial Unit. You will develop and oversee NPDES/SWD permits and related fact sheets, working with a team of scientists and hydrogeologists to protect Washington’s waters.

You will collaborate with the Central Region Office staff and public stakeholders to ensure compliance and advance water quality goals, applying emerging trends in industrial wastewater

Qualifications

• Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, and policies to ensure decisions and documents are accurate, consistent, and compliant.
• Ability to review information and prepare clear, accurate, and defendable regulatory documents to support consistent program decision-making.
• Ability to evaluate information and data to identify issues and recommend practical, effective actions.
• Ability to conduct site visits and inspections to observe operations, verify requirements are met, and document findings clearly.
• Ability to explain technical and regulatory information in writing and verbally so others understand expectations, decisions, and processes.
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues, facility representatives, and community partners to support coordinated efforts and shared objectives.

Responsibilities

• Develop draft permits and fact sheets using agency standard templates for internal and external review, solicits and responds to both permitted entity and public comments, and develop final permit for issuance.
• Works with Water Quality staff throughout the State to ensure Industrial Unit NPDES permit development is in accordance with current Whole Effluent Toxicity testing standards.
• Serves as Central Region Water Quality Industrial Unit expert on contaminants of emerging concern.
• Derive permit conditions based on legal and technical requirements for discharges to state waters, including evaluating the complex biological, chemical, and physical properties of the discharge and receiving environment.
• Perform statistical analyses on data from wastewater monitoring and receiving water.
• Conduct permit compliance inspections, prepare inspection reports, and communicate findings to facilities.
• Provide technical assistance to permittees or other affected entities and individuals to achieve permit compliance and water quality goals and objectives.
• Provide technical assistance to legal counsel with the Attorney General’s Office on appeals of permits or enforcement actions; develop testimony and represent the agency as a witness in court cases or issues under consideration of administrative hearings boards.

Skills

Regulatory expertise

Permit development

Docs & reporting

Field inspections

Technical writing

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science

Job description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Permit Developer and Facility Manager (Environmental Specialist 3) within the Water Quality Program.

Location:

• Central Region Office in Union Gap, 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 10% of your work schedule is required in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by October 22, 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

As the Permit Developer and Facility Manager for the Central Regional Office (CRO) Water Quality Industrial Unit, you will be an integral part of a dynamic team of scientists, engineers, and hydrogeologists. With this team, you will collaboratively and independently develop and oversee National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)/State Waste Discharge (SWD) permits, industrial state waste discharge permits and accompanying fact sheets that control wastewater discharges in a manner protective of Washington’s waters in the Central Region. You will use your knowledge on current and emerging industrial stormwater and wastewater trends and issues for development and compliance of NPDES and SWD permits.

Your work involves close collaboration with the Central Region Office Water Quality Industrial Unit staff, Water Quality staff throughout the state, as well as working with regulated entities and the public to provide regulatory oversight of industrial wastewater discharges. As permit writer and facility manager, you will be in the forefront of emerging trends and technology associated with industrial wastewater treatment and permitting. Permits issued by the Industrial Unit are critical to protecting and maintaining water quality, support growth in our state, and keep our communities healthy and thriving. You will be a key partner in our collective efforts to protect public health, the waterways, and environment in Washington State.

What you will do:

• Develop draft permits and fact sheets using agency standard templates for internal and external review, solicits and responds to both permitted entity and public comments, and develop final permit for issuance.
• Works with Water Quality staff throughout the State to ensure Industrial Unit NPDES permit development is in accordance with current Whole Effluent Toxicity testing standards.
• Serves as Central Region Water Quality Industrial Unit expert on contaminants of emerging concern.
• Derive permit conditions based on legal and technical requirements for discharges to state waters, including evaluating the complex biological, chemical, and physical properties of the discharge and receiving environment.
• Perform statistical analyses on data from wastewater monitoring and receiving water.
• Conduct permit compliance inspections, prepare inspection reports, and communicate findings to facilities.
• Provide technical assistance to permittees or other affected entities and individuals to achieve permit compliance and water quality goals and objectives.
• Provide technical assistance to legal counsel with the Attorney General’s Office on appeals of permits or enforcement actions; develop testimony and represent the agency as a witness in court cases or issues under consideration of administrative hearings boards.

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

Required Qualifications:

• Regulatory Expertise – Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, and policies to ensure decisions and documents are accurate, consistent, and compliant.
• Permit & Document Development – Ability to review information and prepare clear, accurate, and defendable regulatory documents to support consistent program decision-making.
• Analysis & Problem Solving – Ability to evaluate information and data to identify issues and recommend practical, effective actions.
• Field & Operational Assessment– Ability to conduct site visits and inspections to observe operations, verify requirements are met, and document findings clearly.
• Technical Communication – Ability to explain technical and regulatory information in writing and verbally so others understand expectations, decisions, and processes.
• Collaborative Work –Ability to work effectively with colleagues, facility representatives, and community partners to support coordinated efforts and shared objectives.

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.
• No experience AND a Master’s degree or above.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license or provide alternate reliable transportation for travel within the state of Washington.
• Regular travel is required between Ecology headquarters, regional offices, partner agency locations, and assigned inspection sites/facilities within the Central Region.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working with environmental legislation and regulations at the federal, state, and local level.
• Experience with oral and written communication of complex issues and interpreting technical documents for a variety of audiences.
• Experience or demonstrated familiarity with stormwater and industrial facilities.

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.

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.

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.

Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.

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 Andrea Jedel 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 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.

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.

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