Climate Change: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Engineer (Environmental Engineer 2) Two Positions

Salary : $74,748.00 - $100,488.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-CPR2
Department: Dept. of Ecology
Division: Climate Pollution Reduction Program
Opening Date: 09/11/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring two Greenhouse Gas Emissions Engineers (Environmental Engineer 2) within the Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP).
Location:

• Headquarters Office in
• 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 one day per week is required in the office. This position is expected to be in the office for a full workday every Tuesday.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by September 20, 2026.
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties
Are you an engineer eager to apply your technical skills to real-world climate work? As a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Engineer, you will help ensure the accuracy and reliability of Washington's greenhouse gas reporting under the Climate Commitment Act. In this role, you will review emissions data, apply engineering principles to verify calculations, and learn the details of state and federal climate regulations. You will work closely with other experienced engineers who will provide mentoring, guidance, and support as you take on increasingly complex assignments. You will also interact with regulated facilities and assist them in understanding reporting tools and requirements. This position is a great opportunity to grow as an engineer while contributing to meaningful climate policy, improving reporting systems, and building your expertise across a range of industries.
What you will do:

• Under the oversight of a Professional Engineer, review greenhouse gas emissions report submissions from electric power entities, natural gas and other fuel suppliers, and industrial facilities, for accuracy and completeness.
• Apply engineering knowledge and core tenets to calculate and review report submissions.
• Conduct engineering analyses and review protocols, policies, and guidance for effective and consistent implementation of the greenhouse gas reporting program.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships and ongoing communication with reporting and regulated entities and interested parties by providing proactive, timely information and answering technical questions.
• Conduct environmental inspections, audits, and studies, to include engineering review of industrial equipment and procedures to verify application of sound engineering design, and practices.
• Identify complex and emerging issues with electricity and fuel supply markets.
• Develop reporting tools, guidance documents and training for all regulated entities (including the electricity, facilities, natural gas, and other fuel supplier sectors), and interested parties.
• Assist with rulemakings pertaining to the electricity, natural gas, and fuel supply sectors.

Learn more about what it is like to be an Engineer at the Department of Ecology
Qualifications
For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our
Required Qualifications:

Six years of engineering experience (environmental, water resource, civil, chemical, mechanical or related field) and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:

• Greenhouse Gas and Climate Concepts - Demonstrated knowledge of greenhouse gases, climate change science. Experience performing emissions calculations, or energy accounting to support accurate analysis and informed engineering review.
• Engineering Analysis and Verification - Ability to conduct engineering analyses, review technical documents, and verify environmental data such as emissions, waste, or process-based information.
• Regulatory Interpretation - Ability to interpret federal and state greenhouse gas rules and related regulations to determine applicability and support consistent implementation across assigned reporters and sectors.
• Analytical Problem Solving - Ability to evaluate data and calculations, identify discrepancies, and recommend corrective actions to improve accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Sector Relationship Development - Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with electric power entities, fuel suppliers, and industrial facilities to support effective communication, outreach, and understanding of reporting requirements.
• Technical Assistance and Customer Support - Ability to guide regulated entities and interested parties through greenhouse gas reporting requirements and the use of reporting platforms.
• Preparation and Use of Engineering Documentation - Ability to prepare clear engineering documentation, organize technical data, and use established calculators and reporting tools for emissions and intensity metrics.
• Professional Work Management - Demonstrated competence in organizing engineering tasks, maintaining documentation, and meeting deadlines to ensure accurate and timely verification work.
• Multi-Party Communication and Collaboration - Ability to communicate technical information clearly to consultants, industry representatives, local authorities, agency staff, and the public to support understanding of environmental engineering problems and regulatory requirements.

An Engineer-In-Training Certificate or education involving a major study in one of the following engineering fields, sanitary, water resource, civil, geotechnical, environmental, chemical, mechanical, or related field.
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.
• 2 years of experience AND an Engineer-in-Training certificate.
• A Master's degree or above.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

A background check will be conducted, which may include criminal record history, fingerprinting, and credit history. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
Desired Qualifications:

• Engineer-in-Training Credential - Possession of an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certificate to demonstrate foundational engineering competence and readiness for progression toward professional engineering responsibilities.

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.
Supplemental Information
Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit
Application Process

Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. 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 the following required documents:

• Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
• Resume

Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see resume" may be considered incomplete.
For detailed application information, please visit our
Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application 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 us at or
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-.

Questions?

• For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Eli Levitt at
• If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at

About the Climate Pollution Reduction Program

The Climate Pollution Reduction Program's (CPRP's) mission is to guide Washington to a net zero future by 2050. We implement policies that encourage businesses and individuals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a clean energy economy.
About the Department of Ecology

As the State of Washington's environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington's environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work balance. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.
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 individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.
We believe that DEIR is both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.
Ecology employees may be eligible for the following: , , *, *, , , & , , , , , , , *Click here for more information
To learn more about Ecology, please visit our , explore , check out our , and connect with us on , , , , or our
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.
#LI-Hybrid
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01

How did you hear about this job?

• Community Based Organization
• Community / Technical College
• Ecology Employee
• Ecology Recruiter
• Ecology Jobs Page
• Facebook
• Job Board
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Newspaper
• Other State Agency
• Other Website
• Professional Association
• Twitter
• University Job Board
• WorkSource
• Other

02

If you selected Community Based Organization, Community / Technical College, Job Board, Job Fair, LinkedIn Group, Newspaper, Other State Agency, Other Website, Professional Association, University Job Board, WorkSource, or Other, please share which one.
03

Have you ever worked for the Department of Ecology in any capacity including: Permanent, Non-Permanent, Project, Intern, or Volunteer?

• Yes
• No

04

How many years of experience do you have related to the duties of this position? Please include any experience gained through employment, internships, and/or volunteer positions. Note that experience gained from academic coursework, class projects, or other degree requirements is assessed in later questions.

• One year
• Two years
• Three years
• Four years
• Five years
• Six or more years
• None of the above

05

How would you assess your knowledge of greenhouse gases, climate science concepts, and methods used to calculate or account for emissions?

• None - I have no experience with greenhouse gas concepts or emissions calculations.
• Foundational - I am familiar with basic climate science concepts or have used simple calculators or tools.
• Intermediate - I have performed emissions, energy, or mass-balance calculations as part of engineering or environmental work.
• Advanced - I have routinely applied engineering or scientific methods to quantify emissions or energy flows across processes or facilities.
• Expert - I have provided technical guidance or review of complex emissions calculations, models, or accounting methodologies.

06

Describe a time when you conducted an engineering analysis or verified technical or environmental data. What steps did you take to ensure accuracy, and what was the outcome? If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.
07

Please rate your ability to interpret technical regulations, rules, or standards and apply them consistently in engineering or environmental work.

• None - I have not interpreted regulations or technical standards.
• Foundational - I have read and applied basic compliance rules with guidance.
• Intermediate - I interpret and apply detailed technical or environmental regulations in my work.
• Advanced - I routinely analyze complex regulations, determine applicability, and support consistent implementation.
• Expert - I advise others on regulatory interpretation and help shape compliance approaches.

08

Provide an example of when you identified a discrepancy or issue in technical data or calculations. How did you investigate the problem, what analysis did you perform, and what corrective actions resulted? If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.
09

Describe a time when you worked with a facility, fuel supplier, utility, consultant, or other technical group or regulated party to explain requirements, resolve questions, or support accurate reporting or engineering understanding. What approaches did you use to communicate effectively, and how did you ensure the information was understood? If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.
10

How would you rate your ability to prepare engineering documentation and organize technical data using calculators, spreadsheets, or reporting tools?

• None - I have not prepared engineering documentation.
• Foundational - I prepare simple technical notes or follow established templates.
• Intermediate - I routinely document engineering assessments, organize data, and use calculators or tools with accuracy.
• Advanced - I produce clear, structured technical documentation for complex analyses and ensure data integrity.
• Expert - I develop documentation systems and tools used by other engineers.

11

How would you describe your ability to organize engineering tasks, manage deadlines, and maintain accurate documentation to support timely and reliable technical review work?

• None - I have little experience organizing engineering tasks or managing documentation.
• Foundational - I can track simple tasks and deadlines with guidance and maintain basic documentation.
• Intermediate - I can independently organize multiple engineering tasks, manage deadlines, and maintain accurate documentation to support technical reviews.
• Advanced - I consistently manage complex workloads, coordinate deliverables, and ensure documentation is well-structured and complete.
• Expert - I develop or improve work management processes, tools, or systems used by engineering teams.

12

Please provide additional details to support your responses to Questions 5 - 11 above. The following information is needed: position title(s), specific duties, and periods of employment. Make sure your response specifically addresses the qualifications:
Greenhouse Gas and Climate Concepts - Demonstrated knowledge of greenhouse gases, climate change science. Experience performing emissions calculations, or energy accounting to support accurate analysis and informed engineering review.
Engineering Analysis and Verification - Ability to conduct engineering analyses, review technical documents, and verify environmental data such as emissions, waste, or process-based information.
Regulatory Interpretation - Ability to interpret federal and state greenhouse gas rules and related regulations to determine applicability and support consistent implementation across assigned reporters and sectors.
Analytical Problem Solving - Ability to evaluate data and calculations, identify discrepancies, and recommend corrective actions to improve accuracy and regulatory compliance.
Sector Relationship Development - Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with electric power entities, fuel suppliers, and industrial facilities to support effective communication, outreach, and understanding of reporting requirements.
Technical Assistance and Customer Support - Ability to guide regulated entities and interested parties through greenhouse gas reporting requirements and the use of reporting platforms.
Preparation and Use of Engineering Documentation - Ability to prepare clear engineering documentation, organize technical data, and use established calculators and reporting tools for emissions and intensity metrics.
Professional Work Management - Demonstrated competence in organizing engineering tasks, maintaining documentation, and meeting deadlines to ensure accurate and timely verification work.
Multi-Party Communication and Collaboration - Ability to communicate technical information clearly to consultants, industry representatives, local authorities, agency staff, and the public to support understanding of environmental engineering problems and regulatory requirements.
An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.
13

What is your level of education?

• 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits
• 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate's degree)
• 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Ph.D.
• None of the above

14

If you have college credits or a degree, please list your major(s) or field(s) of study and any degree(s) earned. If you don't have this education, put N/A.
15

The State of Washington and the Department of Ecology, play a vital role in fostering a Diverse, Equitable, Inclusive, and Respectful (DEIR) workplace and contributing to equitable outcomes for the communities we serve. We view DEIR through a broad lens including: race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. We believe it is everyone's job to contribute to a DEIR workplace. What experiences have you had working with people whose backgrounds are very different from your own? What impact did those experiences have on how you worked?
16

I understand that Ecology does not use the E-Verify system and is unable to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).

• Yes
• No

Required Question