Commercial and Industrial Air Quality Inspector; Environmental Specialist

Location

• 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 one day per week is required in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

• Apply by July 30, 2026.
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Ecology’s Air Quality Program is looking for an inspector to join our Commercial Industrial Unit. In this role, you will work with a variety of businesses to ensure they are operating within state and federal air quality regulations, and you’ll have the opportunity to provide education and technical assistance to facilities as they navigate these requirements. This position conducts inspections throughout the twelve‑county Eastern Region.

• Conduct Compliance Inspections; independently plan, prioritize, and perform scheduled and unannounced on‑site inspections of minor industrial air pollution sources to determine compliance with state and federal air quality regulations and permit conditions.
• Perform File & Data Reviews; review permits, emission data, facility records, and prior inspection files to identify applicable requirements, compliance issues, and questions in advance of site visits.
• Determine Regulatory Compliance; evaluate industrial processes, equipment, and emissions and use applicable laws, regulations, and permits to make objective compliance determinations.
• Provide Technical Assistance; educate facility staff on air quality requirements, control technologies, best practices, permit conditions, and corrective actions needed for compliance.
• Document Inspections & Maintain Records; prepare written inspection reports, document observations, submit field data, and maintain accurate records in electronic and paper systems consistent with agency policies.
• Conduct Enforcement Actions; initiate and support enforcement actions when violations are identified; collaborate with agency staff and the Attorney General’s Office, and testify in hearings as required.
• Manage Source Registration Information; update and maintain source information in the registration system; notify facilities of overdue reports or fees; track compliance obligations.

For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.

In performing environmental‑based work, or work related to the position, that includes two or more of the following: compliance experience, regulatory experience, communications.

• Compliance Experience – determining the compliance or status of an organization or group against a set of expectations, metrics or standards.
• Regulatory Experience – analyzing and understanding rules, regulations or laws and comparing business or operational activities in comparison.
• Communications – communicating complex requirements to individuals or organizations in a professional manner.

Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets: critical/analytical thinking and problem‑solving, reviewing/assessing information and data to draw conclusions and recommend decisions or actions, conducting research and performing data analysis on both qualitative and quantitative data.

• 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.

Involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning, or a related academic discipline.

• 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…