Washington State ESD
Operator Certification Program Lead (Environmental Specialist 4)
Washington State ESD, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
Overview
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen The Department of Ecology is hiring an
Operator Certification Program Lead (Environmental Specialist 4)
within the
Water Quality Program . 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 three days per week in the office is required Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change Application Timeline: Apply by October 12, 2025 This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after the date above may not be considered
In this role, you will support Ecology’s mission by serving as the Senior Environmental Specialist and Program Lead for the Wastewater Operators Program. You will provide excellent customer service to wastewater operators across the state. You will ensure water quality by making sure operators have the knowledge and skills needed to safely operate facilities. We are seeking an experienced, curious professional who can operate independently and run the team efficiently. If you have excellent organizational skills and a desire to provide the highest level of customer service, this job may be for you! What you will do: Review, evaluate, develop, and recommend policies, guidelines, and regulations for wastewater operator certification Recommend program management priorities for annual and long-term work plans Administer operator certification renewal process Administer statewide examination process Provide technical assistance to operators regarding certification, testing, and professional growth For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website. Required Qualifications Nine (9) years of experience and/or education as described below : Experience
in performing environmental-based work, OR work related to the essential functions and key activities of the position, that includes one or more of the following: Program Administration
- Ability to apply and interpret laws, rules, and policies while managing programs, leading projects, and guiding staff to ensure activities are fair, accurate, and efficient Compliance Oversight
- Ability to review and enforce rules and standards to ensure participants meet professional and organizational requirements Evaluation and Assessment
- Ability to interpret and apply certification standards to ensure participants meet required skills, knowledge, and competency standards Communication and Support
- Ability to explain rules and program requirements clearly and provide technical guidance to participants and partners for better understanding and collaboration Policy and Process Improvement
- Ability to research, develop, and update policies, procedures, or guidelines to ensure programs meet legal requirements while operating efficiently and effectively Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets: At least one year of experience with municipal wastewater treatment technologies associated with NPDES or State Waste Discharge permits Using critical/analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to make decisions or determine a course of action Reviewing/assessing information and data to draw conclusions and recommending decisions or actions Conducting research and performing data analysis on both qualitative and quantitative data 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: 9 years of experience 8 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits 7 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree) 6 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits 5 years of experience AND a Bachelor's degree 3 years of experience AND a Master’s degree 2 years of experience AND a Ph.D. Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment : Must complete the Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants Volume I/Ken Kerri California State University Correspondence Course with a competency level of 80% or better within six (6) months of appointment to the position OR Possess a current Wastewater Operator Certification in Washington state If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. Diversity and belonging are valued at Ecology. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles. Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM OPT. For more information, please visit the USCIS website. 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 professional goals and protecting the environment for current and future generations. Application Process Ecology seeks diverse applicants and values diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. How to Apply Click “Apply” at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach: Cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position Resume Because we base our selection on the information you provide, complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the work experience section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields may be considered incomplete. For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website. Application Attestation : By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection 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 the Ecology Recruitment Team. Questions? For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, contact Katie Rathmell at Katie.Rathmell@ecy.wa.gov For assistance applying or status updates, contact the Recruitment Team at careers@ecy.wa.gov About the Water Quality Program The mission of the Water Quality Program is to protect and restore Washington’s waters to sustain healthy watersheds and communities. About the Department of Ecology Ecology is the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency. We are committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s environment for current and future generations, with competitive benefits and a strong emphasis on work-life balance. Equal Opportunity Employer: Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency.
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Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen The Department of Ecology is hiring an
Operator Certification Program Lead (Environmental Specialist 4)
within the
Water Quality Program . 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 three days per week in the office is required Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change Application Timeline: Apply by October 12, 2025 This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after the date above may not be considered
In this role, you will support Ecology’s mission by serving as the Senior Environmental Specialist and Program Lead for the Wastewater Operators Program. You will provide excellent customer service to wastewater operators across the state. You will ensure water quality by making sure operators have the knowledge and skills needed to safely operate facilities. We are seeking an experienced, curious professional who can operate independently and run the team efficiently. If you have excellent organizational skills and a desire to provide the highest level of customer service, this job may be for you! What you will do: Review, evaluate, develop, and recommend policies, guidelines, and regulations for wastewater operator certification Recommend program management priorities for annual and long-term work plans Administer operator certification renewal process Administer statewide examination process Provide technical assistance to operators regarding certification, testing, and professional growth For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website. Required Qualifications Nine (9) years of experience and/or education as described below : Experience
in performing environmental-based work, OR work related to the essential functions and key activities of the position, that includes one or more of the following: Program Administration
- Ability to apply and interpret laws, rules, and policies while managing programs, leading projects, and guiding staff to ensure activities are fair, accurate, and efficient Compliance Oversight
- Ability to review and enforce rules and standards to ensure participants meet professional and organizational requirements Evaluation and Assessment
- Ability to interpret and apply certification standards to ensure participants meet required skills, knowledge, and competency standards Communication and Support
- Ability to explain rules and program requirements clearly and provide technical guidance to participants and partners for better understanding and collaboration Policy and Process Improvement
- Ability to research, develop, and update policies, procedures, or guidelines to ensure programs meet legal requirements while operating efficiently and effectively Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets: At least one year of experience with municipal wastewater treatment technologies associated with NPDES or State Waste Discharge permits Using critical/analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to make decisions or determine a course of action Reviewing/assessing information and data to draw conclusions and recommending decisions or actions Conducting research and performing data analysis on both qualitative and quantitative data 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: 9 years of experience 8 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits 7 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree) 6 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits 5 years of experience AND a Bachelor's degree 3 years of experience AND a Master’s degree 2 years of experience AND a Ph.D. Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment : Must complete the Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants Volume I/Ken Kerri California State University Correspondence Course with a competency level of 80% or better within six (6) months of appointment to the position OR Possess a current Wastewater Operator Certification in Washington state If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. Diversity and belonging are valued at Ecology. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles. Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM OPT. For more information, please visit the USCIS website. 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 professional goals and protecting the environment for current and future generations. Application Process Ecology seeks diverse applicants and values diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. How to Apply Click “Apply” at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach: Cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position Resume Because we base our selection on the information you provide, complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the work experience section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields may be considered incomplete. For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website. Application Attestation : By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection 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 the Ecology Recruitment Team. Questions? For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, contact Katie Rathmell at Katie.Rathmell@ecy.wa.gov For assistance applying or status updates, contact the Recruitment Team at careers@ecy.wa.gov About the Water Quality Program The mission of the Water Quality Program is to protect and restore Washington’s waters to sustain healthy watersheds and communities. About the Department of Ecology Ecology is the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency. We are committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s environment for current and future generations, with competitive benefits and a strong emphasis on work-life balance. Equal Opportunity Employer: Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency.
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