Salary : $78,485.40 - $105,512.40 Annually
Location : King County - Shoreline, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-WQ4392-06186
Department: Dept. of Ecology
Division: Water Quality
Opening Date: 08/05/2026
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 Wastewater Permit Manager (Environmental Engineer 2) within the
Location:- Northwest Region Office in
- 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.
Schedule: - This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options after successful completion of the probationary period.
- A minimum of two days per week is required in the office after successful completion of the probationary period.
- Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline:- Apply by August 19, 2026
- Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.
DutiesAs the Industrial Wastewater Permit Manager, you will support Ecology's mission and represent the Water Quality Program as an Environmental Engineer. Under the supervision of the Industrial Wastewater Permits Unit (IWPU) Supervisor, you will be responsible for developing National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, State Waste Discharge (SWD) permits, and accompanying fact sheets for industrial facilities in the Northwest region of Washington state. This work directly supports clean water protections and helps ensure industrial practices are safe, sustainable, and compliant.
In this role, you will review permit reports, conduct facility inspections, provide technical assistance, investigate complaints, conduct compliance reviews, and provide technical support for enforcement recommendations. Under the guidance of a licensed engineer, you will also review engineering reports submitted by the industrial facilities.
You will frequently collaborate with internal staff to offer technical assistance to industrial facilities and to support the development of compliance or enforcement actions. This position provides opportunities to grow your technical expertise, strengthen your engineering judgment, and contribute meaningfully to environmental outcomes across the state.
What you will do:- Develop wastewater discharge permits.
- Review water quality monitoring data to determine facility compliance.
- Conduct facility inspections, provide technical assistance, and write inspection reports.
- Conduct water quality sampling and analyze monitoring data to evaluate compliance.
- Assist with the development of enforcement actions.
- Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and clearly explain complex technical issues in plain language.
- Work with the Ecology Communications team to respond to media inquiries.
- Learn to review engineering reports submitted for ISGP and individual NPDES permits.
Learn more about what it is like to be an Engineer at the Department of EcologyQualifications For 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 includes the following:- Permit Development - Ability to evaluate permit applications and technical documents to develop accurate and defensible permits.
- Regulatory Interpretation - Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, and policies to ensure permits and compliance actions meet legal requirements.
- Engineering Review - Ability to assess engineering reports, treatment system information, and monitoring data to identify issues and recommend technically sound solutions.
- Engineering Tools & Methods - Ability to use engineering tools, models, and methods to support evaluations of treatment systems, discharge conditions, and environmental impacts.
- Field Inspection & Sampling - Ability to conduct on-site inspections and sampling to verify facility conditions and support compliance determinations.
- Technical Collaboration - Ability to work constructively with facilities, Tribal nations, local governments, and colleagues to resolve technical questions, support compliance efforts, and ensure consistent understanding of engineering and environmental requirements.
- Communication & Documentation - Ability to communicate technical concepts and prepare clear permits, reports, and correspondence to support regulatory decisions and partner understanding.
Education involving a major study in one of the following engineering fields: sanitary, water resource, civil, geotechnical, environmental, chemical, mechanical, industrial, agricultural, bioengineering 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
- 1 year of experience AND a Master's degree or higher.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: - Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license or provide alternate reliable transportation for travel within the state of Washington.
Desired Qualifications:- Experience or training in developing and/or implementing wastewater discharge permits.
- Experience in wastewater and/or stormwater treatment, including reviewing or preparing engineering documents, operation and maintenance manuals, stormwater management manual.
- Experience with Western Washington Hydrology Model (WWHM) or similar models for designing stormwater control facilities.
- Experience or training in water quality sampling and water quality monitoring data analysis.
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 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
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
- Writing sample: wastewater discharge permit, inspection report, water quality data analysis, comments on technical reports, technical reports, etc.
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 Monika Kannadaguli 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 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.
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 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
- 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?
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
Which statement best describes your current proficiency with permit development?
- None - I have not evaluated permit applications or participated in developing permits.
- Foundational - I have basic awareness of permit components and have assisted with simple review tasks under guidance.
- Intermediate - I review permit applications and supporting documents, identify key technical and regulatory elements, and help develop draft permits with oversight.
- Advanced - I independently evaluate applications, prepare defensible draft permits and fact sheets, and reliably apply legal and technical requirements.
- Expert - I lead complex permit development efforts, mentor others, and help ensure consistency and quality in permit conditions and documentation.
06
Which statement best describes your current proficiency with regulatory interpretation?
- None - I have not interpreted regulatory requirements and am unfamiliar with how laws, regulations, or policies are applied in permitting or compliance work.
- Foundational - I understand basic regulatory concepts and can follow guidance to apply them in limited situations.
- Intermediate - I interpret and apply regulatory requirements to permitting and compliance tasks with occasional support when issues become complex.
- Advanced - I independently interpret state and federal regulations, apply them to diverse facility conditions, and support consistent and defensible regulatory decisions.
- Expert - I guide others in regulatory interpretation, lead complex compliance determinations, and contribute to developing or improving regulatory approaches.
07
Which statement best describes your current proficiency in engineering review?
- None - I have not reviewed engineering reports, treatment system information, or technical evaluations.
- Foundational - I have basic awareness of engineering documents and can identify major components with guidance.
- Intermediate - I review engineering reports, monitoring data, and treatment system information to identify issues and propose solutions with some oversight.
- Advanced - I independently analyze engineering evaluations, identify technical deficiencies, and recommend sound, defensible engineering solutions.
- Expert - I am recognized for advanced engineering judgment, mentor others, and lead complex or contested engineering reviews.
08
Which statement best describes your current proficiency using engineering tools and methods?
- None - I have not used engineering models, tools, or analytical methods related to wastewater treatment or discharge evaluation.
- Foundational - I have basic exposure to engineering tools and can perform simple analyses with direction.
- Intermediate - I apply engineering tools, models, and quantitative methods with some guidance for evaluating treatment systems and environmental impacts.
- Advanced - I independently use engineering tools and models, including mixing zone or treatment evaluations, to support defensible technical decisions.
- Expert - I serve as a technical resource on engineering tools, guide others, and help develop or refine analytical approaches.
09
Which statement best describes your current proficiency with field inspection and sampling?
- None - I have not participated in facility inspections or environmental sampling.
- Foundational - I understand basic inspection and sampling concepts and have observed or supported tasks with oversight.
- Intermediate - I can conduct inspections and sampling using established procedures, document observations, and support compliance evaluations with some guidance.
- Advanced - I independently perform inspections, collect samples according to accepted methods, and prepare clear, accurate documentation supporting compliance determinations.
- Expert - I lead inspection efforts, mentor others in field practices, and provide authoritative input on complex or contested field findings.
10
Which statement best describes your current proficiency in technical collaboration?
- None - I have not collaborated with regulated facilities, Tribal nations, local governments, or technical staff on engineering or environmental issues.
- Foundational - I participate in technical discussions with oversight and provide basic support while beginning to collaborate with facilities, Tribal nations, local governments, and colleagues.
- Intermediate - I collaborate effectively with regulatory partners to resolve technical questions and can represent engineering perspectives with guidance when issues become complex.
- Advanced - I independently engage facilities and partners to solve technical problems, support compliance efforts, and ensure consistent interpretation of requirements.
- Expert - I lead collaborative efforts, facilitate resolution of complex technical disputes, and support high level coordination across agencies and partners.
11
Which statement best describes your current proficiency with technical communication and documentation?
- None - I have not prepared technical documents or communicated engineering concepts in regulatory settings.
- Foundational - I can assist with preparing basic documents and communicate technical information with oversight.
- Intermediate - I prepare clear technical correspondence, inspection reports, and portions of permits or fact sheets with some guidance.
- Advanced - I independently write clear, defensible permits, reports, and communications and can explain technical concepts to diverse audiences.
- Expert - I mentor others in technical writing, lead complex communications, and help ensure consistent, high quality documentation across projects or teams.
12
Please provide additional details to support your responses to Questions 5 - 11 above. Include specific duties or activities where these skills were developed and the capacity in which they were gained (such as employment, education, volunteer, or lived experience). Make sure your responses specifically address these competencies:
Permit Development - Ability to evaluate permit applications and technical documents to develop accurate and defensible permits.
Regulatory Interpretation - Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, and policies to ensure permits and compliance actions meet legal requirements.
Engineering Review - Ability to assess engineering reports, treatment system information, and monitoring data to identify issues and recommend technically sound solutions.
Engineering Tools & Methods - Ability to use engineering tools, models, and methods to support evaluations of treatment systems, discharge conditions, and environmental impacts.
Field Inspection & Sampling - Ability to conduct on-site inspections and sampling to verify facility conditions and support compliance determinations.
Technical Collaboration - Ability to work constructively with facilities, Tribal nations, local governments, and colleagues to resolve technical questions, support compliance efforts, and ensure consistent understanding of engineering and environmental requirements.
Communication & Documentation - Ability to communicate technical concepts and prepare clear permits, reports, and correspondence to support regulatory decisions and partner understanding.
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
- Engineer-In-Training Certificate
- Master's degree or higher
- 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
Are you able to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license or provide alternate reliable transportation for travel within the state of Washington?
17
I understand that Ecology does not use the E-Verify system and is unable to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Required Question
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