Wastewater Operator Certification Program Assistant; Environmental Specialist

Wastewater Operator Certification Program Assistant

The salary listed above includes the scheduled 2% general salary increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Wastewater Operator Certification Program Assistant (Environmental Specialist
3) 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 two days per week is required in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by July 14, 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Within the Water Quality Program, you will support the mission by assisting Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators maintain certification and grow in their careers through professional growth classes, testing and education. You will be responsible for evaluating and making determinations on Wastewater Operator applications, growth and development continuing education credits, database management, and offering technical assistance to operators and facility managers.

What you will do:

• Review professional growth training requests for relevancy and credit.
• Coordinate and communicate with external training providers about the criteria for courses to be included in the OpCert Program.
• Track and review training and operator certification applications and materials to determine completeness and correctness.
• Maintain and utilize the Operator Certification database in collaboration with the OpCert Lead and IT.
• Provide environmental technical assistance to certified operators, trainers, and applicants by phone, email, and at meetings regarding operator certification regulations and policy.
• Provide technical assistance to permit writers and others in the section for websites, SharePoint, and database functions.

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

Required Qualifications:

Six (6) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:

• Communication and Customer Assistance – Experience in explaining technical or procedural information clearly to help others understand requirements and take needed actions.
• Program and Workflow Management – Experience in organizing tasks and information to keep program activities accurate, timely, and on track.
• Regulatory Analysis and Compliance – Experience in interpreting rules and reviewing applications to make accurate, consistent compliance decisions.
• Data and Information Management – Experience in maintaining and analyzing data to ensure accuracy and support informed program decisions.
• Technology and Systems Proficiency – Experience in using software, databases, and digital tools to support daily program operations.

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:

• Accuracy and attention to detail when transcribing a large number of documents.
• Advanced Microsoft Office and Excel skills for merging documents and conducting mailings.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service via phone and email to a high rate of incoming requests for 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.