Regional Compliance Inspector - Refrigerant Management Program (Environmental Specialist 3)

Washington State Department of Ecology; Shoreline (WA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework options

Flexible schedule

Job summary

Washington State Department of Ecology in Shoreline, WA, seeks a Regional Compliance Inspector for the Refrigerant Management Program. You will inspect facilities, provide technical guidance, and help ensure adherence to state and federal HFC rules across the Northwest Region.

This role offers telework options and a required in-office presence at least one day per week, with Tuesdays in the office. A strong background in environmental compliance and RMP data systems is essential.

Qualifications

• Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or natural sciences.
• Experience interpreting and applying environmental or regulatory requirements.
• Experience conducting structured compliance inspections or field evaluations.
• Ability to explain complex regulatory/technical information clearly to regulated entities.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance to facility owners and operators on refrigerant rules and data entry into RMP systems.
• Conduct inspections of facilities remotely and in person to verify compliance.
• Review registrations and annual reports, identify issues, and support corrective actions.
• Coordinate with regional teams to ensure consistent inspection procedures and interpretations.
• Promote awareness of climate-friendly refrigerants and refrigerant alternatives.

Skills

Regulatory interpretation

Inspection & field evaluation

Professional judgment

Technical communication

Collaborative coordination

Data and systems proficiency

Independent project management

Emerging issues analysis

Education

Environmental health/physical/natural sciences major

Tools

RAMP database

Job description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Regional Compliance Inspector - Refrigerant Management Program (Environmental Specialist 3) within the Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP).

Location:

• Northwest Region Office in Shoreline, WA .
• The salary listed includes 5% premium pay due to the position location in King County.
• 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 October 4, 2026.
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties

Do you want your work to directly reduce climate-polluting emissions in Washington State? If you answered “yes,” then this role may be a great fit for you!

The Refrigerant Management Program (RMP) regulates facilities with large refrigeration and air-conditioning systems to ensure they follow best practices that reduce leaks of climate-polluting fluorinated gases. As a Regional Compliance Inspector, you will help facilities register in the RMP, provide technical guidance, and conduct inspections across the Northwest region to verify compliance.

Your work will directly support Ecology’s statewide effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from refrigeration systems. You will develop specialized knowledge of Washington’s hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) regulations, interpret technical requirements for the public, and help facilities identify practical, cost-effective ways to meet their obligations. If you are motivated by fieldwork, enjoy problem-solving, and want your work to contribute to meaningful climate solutions, this position offers a rewarding opportunity.

In This Role, You Will

• Provide technical assistance to facility owners and operators, helping them understand refrigerant rules, reporting obligations, and how to comply with RMP processes.
  • Explain refrigerant regulations in a clear, accessible way during one-on-one interactions, online office hours, and public meetings.
  • Assist facility owners and operators with entering required data into the Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Management Program (RAMP) database.
• Conduct inspections of facilities subject to the Refrigerant Management Program (RMP), both remotely and in person.
  • Verify that facilities are following state and federal HFC rules and maintaining records that meet program requirements.
  • Review RMP registrations and annual reports, identify potential compliance issues, and help return facilities to compliance through follow-up actions.
  • If necessary, collect and document information necessary for enforcement actions.
• Coordinate with teammates across the state to ensure consistent application of inspection procedures and regulatory interpretations, and on potential ways to improve compliance.
• Collaborate with Ecology outreach staff to promote awareness of climate-friendly refrigerants and refrigerant alternatives.
• Develop/maintain professional knowledge of applicable HFC laws, refrigerant technologies, leak detection methods, and emerging industry issues.

Qualifications

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

Required Qualifications

Six years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which must include the following:

• Regulatory Application and Interpretation – Demonstrated competence with interpreting and applying environmental or regulatory requirements to accurately assess facility compliance and support consistent implementation of program obligations.
• Inspection and Field Evaluation – Experienced in conducting structured compliance inspections or field evaluations to determine whether facilities follow required procedures and maintain accurate operational or recordkeeping practices.
• Professional Judgment and Compliance Determination – Skilled at using analytical thinking, evidence review, and sound professional judgment to identify potential violations, recommend corrective actions, and support facilities in returning to sustained compliance.
• Technical Assistance and Communication – Ability to explain complex regulatory or technical information in clear, understandable terms to help regulated entities meet program requirements and successfully use required database tools.
• Collaborative Coordination Across Teams – Demonstrated competence with coordinating work and sharing information across the regional inspection team to ensure consistent approaches to inspections, education, compliance assistance, and enforcement activities.
• Data, System, and Technology Proficiency – Skilled with learning and using program-specific databases and analytical tools to track inspection activities, organize documentation, analyze compliance trends and prepare accurate reports that support program decision-making.
• Independent Project and Workload Management – Ability to independently plan, prioritize, and complete inspections, follow-up activities, and documentation to meet program expectations and support timely, effective compliance outcomes.
• Research and Emerging Issues Analysis – Experienced in gaining understanding of new or evolving technical, regulatory, or environmental issues to identify trends, evaluate potential impacts on program implementation, and recommend improvements that strengthen compliance and reduce emissions.

Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; Environmental Health or Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) 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.

Special Requirements/Conditions Of Employment

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license or provide alternate reliable transportation for travel throughout Ecology’s Northwest Region area.

Desired Qualifications

• Environmental Compliance and Inspection Experience – Experienced in performing environmental compliance, inspection, or auditing work to assess facility operations, evaluate records or procedures, and recommend corrective actions that strengthen adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Climate and Air Quality Knowledge – Demonstrated competence with understanding air quality concepts and climate change science to evaluate how refrigerant emissions and compliance activities support statewide emission reduction goals.
• Greenhouse Gas Program Familiarity – Experienced in working with state or federal greenhouse gas reduction programs to understand how HFC-related requirements fit within broader regulatory or climate-policy frameworks.
• Program-Specific Technical Learning – Ability to quickly learn and apply new technical subject matter, including refrigerant types, climate-friendly alternatives, and leak detection methods, to support high-quality inspections and compliance assistance.

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.

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 .

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.

Need an Accommodation

• 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 Leonard Machut 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 mission of the Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP) 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.

Since November 2019, Washington has been transitioning away from using potent greenhouse gases known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in products and equipment. These “super pollutant” greenhouse gases can be thousands of times more powerful than carbon dioxide. They're commonly used in air conditioning and refrigeration, in producing insulating foams, and as propellants.

Launched in 2024, the Refrigerant Management Program (RMP) requires facilities with refrigeration and air conditioning systems containing more than 50 pounds of certain refrigerants to conduct periodic leak inspections, promptly repair leaks, and maintain records. The rule also requires service practices intended to minimize refrigerant emissions. The RMP is designed to reduce emissions of climate-polluting refrigerants from leaky refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. The compliance specialist position will directly work to protect the climate by reducing HFC emissions in the Northwest Region.

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.