Environmental Inspector - Underground Storage Tanks; Environmental Specialist Two Positions

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring two Environmental Inspectors - Underground Storage Tanks (Environmental Specialist
3) within the Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP).

• 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.

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• This position is required to be in the office at least 10% of the time in a two week period. To maintain a permanent dedicated office space you must be in person at least 60% of the time.
• During the first six weeks of training, most of the time will be in the office and in the field with some teleworking.
• Once fully trained, you will perform field work 4 to 6 days per month. Field work will include travel within counties of the Northwest Region of Washington.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

• Apply by January 19, 2026.
• 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.

As an Environmental Inspector - Underground Storage Tanks (UST), 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 and groundwater 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.

• 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.

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

Six years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Experience performing environmental based work, OR work related to the duties of the position, that includes one or more of the following:
  • Communicating regulations, codes, or procedures to relevant groups or persons.
  • Applying an understanding on how complex equipment relates to a particular regulation, code, or procedure.
• Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:
  • 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.
• Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary…