Environmental Inspector - Underground Storage Tanks; Environmental Specialist

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring an Environmental Inspector – Underground Storage Tanks (Environmental Specialist
3) within the Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP).

• Eastern Region Office in Spokane, WA.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• A minimum of three days per week is required in the office or in the field during the first six months of onboarding and training, with the potential for other flexible schedule options upon successful completion of the probationary period.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

• Apply by July 26, 2026.
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

As an Environmental Inspector of Underground Storage Tank (UST) systems, 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, groundwater, and air contamination.

• Travel to various facilities to 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.

• Critical and Analytical Thinking – Ability to evaluate complex environmental information, field observations, and technical data to identify issues, compare options, and determine effective compliance or environmental protection actions.
• Judgment and Decision Making – Demonstrated competence in assessing risks, impacts, and regulatory requirements to make timely, well-supported decisions that uphold program objectives and regulatory consistency.
• Communication of Rules and Procedures – Skilled with explaining environmental regulations, program requirements, and procedural steps to ensure clear understanding and improved compliance by regulated parties and the public.
• Communication and Collaboration – Ability to coordinate with internal teams, other organizations, and regulated entities to share information, problem-solve, and support consistent program implementation.
• Systems and Equipment Interpretation – Demonstrated competence in understanding how environmental systems, equipment, or operational processes function to accurately assess performance, compliance, or potential environmental risk.
• Data and Documentation Management – Skilled with organizing, reviewing, and interpreting technical data, inspection records, and reports to support accurate tracking, defensible documentation, and program reporting.
• Investigation and Field Assessment – Experience in conducting field inspections, gathering evidence, and documenting findings to establish compliance status and support follow-up or enforcement actions.
• Technical…