Salary : $59,760.00 - $80,496.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-WQ2724-08370
Department: Dept. of Ecology
Division: Water Quality
Opening Date: 10/08/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
DescriptionKeeping Washington Clean and EvergreenThe Department of Ecology is hiring an
Industrial Permit Data and Compliance Professional (Environmental Specialist 3) within the
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 two days per week is required in the office.
- Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline: - Apply by October 15, 2026
- Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.
- Employment for this position will begin on December 1, 2026. Earlier start dates cannot be accommodated.
DutiesIn this role, you coordinate all administrative processes that support individual permit management and issuance for the thirteen counties in the southwest region of Washington. You are the central point of contact for the unit, making sure permit actions move smoothly from start to finish. This work calls for strong organization, good judgment in setting priorities, and comfort juggling many moving pieces at once. Success in this position also relies on solid skills with databases, especially Ecology's PARIS system, along with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Teams.
You will provide technical and administrative support for more than one hundred industrial permits. This includes responding to public inquiries, helping permit writers review draft permits, and confirming that proposed limits are compatible with the PARIS database before permits are finalized. Once a permit is issued, you enter limits and monitoring requirements into PARIS and track permit development, submittals, compliance, and required reviews. Because every permit follows its own timeline, there is a significant amount of tracking and coordination involved in this job. This position is a great fit for someone who enjoys keeping complex processes moving and takes pride in accuracy and clarity.
What you will do: - Provide professional technical support for over 100 industrial permits. Technical support includes answering questions about submittals and troubleshooting problems in PARIS and the Water Quality Webportal.
- Prepare permit coverages, review draft permits and fact sheets for technical accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements. Ensure limit sets are compatible with the PARIS database.
- Review permit applications for completeness and technical accuracy, and draft correspondence for application acceptance or rejection.
- Finalize and circulate permit documents for acceptance, comment and issuance; arrange for peer review, entity review, public notice; and final distribution.
- Maintain the Industrial Unit SharePoint site used by 13 unit staff and others.
- Create new records in the WebPortal and PARIS database to accept permit-required submittals (e-DMRs).
- Enter or upload data, notifications, reports/submittals, inspections, and compliance/enforcement information to the PARIS database.
- Ensure that regional data stored in PARIS is complete and accurate.
QualificationsFor detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our
Required Qualifications:Six (6) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which must include the following:- Permit Administration - Ability to apply regulatory and technical knowledge to review and issue permits to ensure accurate, complete, and compliant permit decisions.
- Compliance Evaluation - Ability to review and assess information and submissions to identify issues or discrepancies to support consistent and defensible compliance decisions.
- Data & Database Management - Ability to manage and maintain environmental data systems to ensure accurate records and reliable reporting.
- Technical Assistance - Ability to interpret laws, permit conditions, and reporting requirements to guide staff and permittees to ensure consistent and accurate compliance.
- Technical Communication - Ability to prepare clear and concise written technical documents to convey regulatory decisions and required actions.
- Collaboration & Process Improvement - Ability to participate in workgroups and recommend workflow and system improvements to enhance program efficiency and data quality.
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.
- No experience AND a Master's degree or above.
Desired Qualifications:- Experience assisting businesses or public agencies with regulatory requirements.
- Training and/or experience using databases and web applications.
- Training and/or experience with data management and quality assurance programs.
Supplemental InformationEcology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit
Our Commitment to DEIRDiversity, 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.
Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.
Equity: We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.
Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology's work.
Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.
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.
Application ProcessEcology 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 ApplyClick "Apply" at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:
- 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 and select #2 for Recruitment or email
- 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 John Diamant 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 Water Quality ProgramThe mission of the Water Quality Program is to ensure that all aquatic life and communities in the watershed, experience cool, clean water to refresh and sustain us in a changing climate. Water Quality Program's Goal 3F: PROTECT AND RESTORE OUR STATE'S WATERS requires that we protect surface and ground water by working with our partners to ensure practices are on a path to meet water quality standards; and we restore polluted waters by working with our partners to improve water quality where problems are identified.
About the Department of EcologyAs 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.
Ecology employees may be eligible for the following: , , *, *, , , & , , , , , , , *
Click here for more informationTo 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 BenefitsEmployees 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 CompensationState 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 SecurityAll 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 ForgivenessIf 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 LeaveWashington 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 LeaveLeave 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
- 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?
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
Please provide additional details to support your response above. The following information is needed: position title(s), specific duties, and periods of employment. Make sure your response specifically addresses the qualification above. An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.
06
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
07
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.
08
Which statement best describes your proficiency in applying regulatory and technical knowledge to review and issue permits to ensure accurate, complete, and compliant permit decisions?
- None - I have not reviewed or issued permits.
- Foundational - I have basic awareness of permit requirements and have assisted with permit reviews under close supervision.
- Intermediate - I can review and support permit development with some guidance for routine permitting needs.
- Advanced - I independently review and issue permits that are accurate, complete, and compliant with regulatory and technical requirements.
- Expert - I mentor others in permit administration and help refine permitting processes or standards.
09
In 250 words or less, please describe an example of how you reviewed or issued permits to support accurate and compliant decisions. If you do not have this experience, put N/A.
10
Which statement best describes your proficiency in reviewing and assessing information and submissions to identify issues or discrepancies that support consistent and defensible compliance decisions?
- None - I have not reviewed or evaluated compliance-related information.
- Foundational - I have basic awareness and have assisted with compliance evaluations under supervision.
- Intermediate - I can assess information and identify straightforward issues or discrepancies with some guidance.
- Advanced - I independently evaluate information and submissions to identify issues and support consistent, defensible compliance decisions.
- Expert - I mentor others, contribute to compliance evaluation standards, and support program-level consistency.
11
In 250 words or less, please describe a time when you evaluated information or submissions to identify compliance issues or discrepancies. If you do not have this experience, put N/A.
12
Which statement best describes your proficiency in managing and maintaining environmental data systems to ensure accurate records and reliable reporting?
- None - I have not managed or maintained environmental data or databases.
- Foundational - I have basic awareness and have performed simple data entry or support tasks under guidance.
- Intermediate - I can maintain data systems and ensure basic accuracy with some guidance.
- Advanced - I independently manage data systems, maintain accurate records, and support reliable reporting.
- Expert - I lead data management improvements, mentor others, and help establish database standards.
13
In 250 words or less, please describe your experience managing or maintaining environmental data or databases and how you ensured accuracy and reliability. If you do not have this experience, put N/A.
14
Which statement best describes your proficiency in interpreting laws, permit conditions, and reporting requirements to guide staff and permittees toward consistent and accurate compliance?
- None - I have not interpreted requirements or provided technical assistance.
- Foundational - I have basic awareness and have offered simple guidance with close supervision.
- Intermediate - I can interpret requirements and provide technical assistance with some guidance.
- Advanced - I independently interpret laws and requirements and guide staff or permittees to ensure consistent and accurate compliance.
- Expert - I mentor others, develop guidance materials, and help shape technical assistance practices.
15
In 250 words or less, please describe a time when you provided technical assistance based on interpreting laws or permit conditions. If you do not have this experience, put N/A.
16
Which statement best describes your proficiency in preparing clear and concise written technical documents to convey regulatory decisions and required actions?
- None - I have not prepared technical documents conveying regulatory decisions.
- Foundational - I have basic awareness and have drafted simple documents with guidance.
- Intermediate - I can prepare technical documents with some guidance to ensure clarity and accuracy.
- Advanced - I independently prepare clear, concise, and accurate technical documents that convey regulatory decisions and required actions.
- Expert - I mentor others, develop templates or guidance, and help improve technical communication practices.
17
In 250 words or less, please describe a technical document you prepared and how you ensured it clearly conveyed regulatory decisions or required actions. If you do not have this experience, put N/A.
18
Which statement best describes your proficiency in participating in workgroups and recommending workflow or system improvements to enhance program efficiency and data quality?
- None - I have not participated in workgroups or recommended workflow or system improvements.
- Foundational - I have basic awareness and have participated in group discussions with limited involvement.
- Intermediate - I participate actively in workgroups and can recommend improvements with some guidance.
- Advanced - I independently contribute to workgroups and recommend workflow or system improvements that enhance efficiency and data quality.
- Expert - I lead workgroups, mentor others, and help implement process improvements at the program level.
19
In 250 words or less, please describe a workflow or system improvement you recommended or contributed to through collaborative work. If you do not have this experience, put N/A.
20
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?
21
I understand that Ecology does not use the E-Verify system and is unable to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Required Question