Hazardous Waste Compliance Team Lead (Environmental Specialist 5)

Hazardous Waste Compliance Team Lead (Environmental Specialist 5)

Salary

$76,608.00 - $102,996.00 Annually

Location

Multiple Locations - Western Washington, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-HWTR4152-08727

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction

Opening Date

10/19/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Hazardous Waste Compliance Team Lead (Environmental Specialist 5) within the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program (HWTR).

Location:

This position can be based at any of the following duty stations:

• Northwest Region Office in Shoreline, WA.
• Bellingham Field Office in Bellingham, WA.

Note: If the selected duty station is the Northwest Region Office in Shoreline, the salary will include an additional 5% premium pay due to its location in King County. Salary range: $6703 - $9012 monthly.

Schedule:

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• You may telework up to 90% of your time, with 2 days per month in-office at your assigned duty station. Additional time in-office or at off-site locations may be required to attend in-person meetings or other events.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by November 1, 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may be reviewed only if additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties

This Hazardous Waste Compliance Team Lead position offers an opportunity to guide Ecology's Northwest Region dangerous waste compliance efforts within the Hazardous Waste & Toxics Reduction (HWTR) Program. In this role, you will lead a team of professional inspectors responsible for implementing Washington's Dangerous Waste Regulations, advancing consistent compliance practices, and addressing emerging regulatory challenges across diverse industrial sectors. You will serve as a senior compliance expert, shaping program direction by informing policy interpretation, supporting complex enforcement cases, and ensuring legally sound and technically accurate compliance decisions.

You will also lead development and implementation of strategies that improve consistency, integrate environmental justice into compliance activities, and address challenging or newly regulated sectors. As a regional compliance lead, you will collaborate across HWTR units, other Ecology programs, the Attorney General's Office, and external partners to ensure coordinated compliance outcomes, effective communication, and clear guidance for regulated facilities. This position plays a key role in maintaining program integrity, supporting statewide alignment, and protecting Washington's communities and environment through strong compliance oversight.

What you will do:

• Lead the Northwest Region's dangerous waste compliance team by assigning inspections, setting inspection goals, monitoring progress, and ensuring high-quality, consistent implementation of dangerous waste regulations.
• Mentor and train compliance inspectors at multiple experience levels, providing technical guidance, coaching, and support on complex regulatory questions, enforcement pathways, and inspection strategy.
• Identify emerging issues, new sectors, or areas of regulatory ambiguity that require additional program attention, collaborating with senior program staff to develop solutions and improve clarity in regulatory interpretation.
• Represent HWTR during high-visibility internal and external discussions on compliance topics, including interpretation of regulations, enforcement approaches, and evolving sector-specific challenges.
• Lead development of internal tools, technical guidance, and training that strengthen consistency in compliance and enforcement activities across regions.
• Coordinate with inspectors, section leadership, and the Attorney General's Office to develop and review enforcement cases, ensuring they are grounded in evidence, precedent, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee prioritization of inspections and complaint response using risk-based approaches that incorporate environmental justice considerations and regional objectives.
• Conduct senior-level compliance inspections for high-priority and complex dangerous waste generators, documenting findings and developing recommendations that support consistent enforcement decisions.
• Serve as a central resource for program-wide compliance questions, working with other regional leads and program management to maintain uniform dangerous waste regulatory interpretation.
• Communicate clearly with regulated facilities, internal teams, and partnering agencies to explain compliance expectations, regulatory obligations, corrective actions, and enforcement processes.

Qualifications

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

Required Qualifications:

Ten (10) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:

1. Dangerous Waste Regulatory Application:

Experience applying Washington's Dangerous Waste Regulations (chapter 173-303 WAC), RCWs, and federal hazardous waste requirements to determine compliance obligations.

2. Compliance Inspection Execution:

Ability to plan and conduct detailed inspections of regulated facilities, assess operational practices, and identify violations based on technical and regulatory criteria.

3. Enforcement Documentation Development:

Experience preparing inspection reports, violation summaries, and supporting materials for administrative or civil enforcement actions.

4. Policy and Guidance Interpretation:

Ability to interpret internal policies, enforcement procedures, and regulatory guidance, and use them to support consistent compliance decisions.

5. Technical Leadership:

Experience providing direction to technical staff, mentoring, reviewing work products, and offering guidance on complex compliance questions.

6. Professional Communication:

Skill in presenting regulatory and technical information clearly in writing and verbally while maintaining professionalism in challenging or sensitive situations.

Education: Involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 10 years of experience.
• 9 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 8 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate's degree).
• 7 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 6 years of experience AND a Bachelor's degree.
• 4 years of experience AND a Master's degree or above.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• 40-hour initial Hazwoper must be taken and passed within 6 months of hire date or be current in this Hazwoper training.
• 8-hour refresher Hazwoper must be taken and passed annually.
• Must have, or be able to obtain, and maintain a valid Washington driver's license to be able to carry out inspection duties.
• Must participate in Ecology's medical monitoring program for inspectors if the position requires 24 or more field visits per year.

Desired Qualifications:

Preferred experience:

• Work experience within the fields of waste reduction or pollution prevention is highly preferred, specifically experience and knowledge of RCRA, chapter 173-303 WAC, and other laws and regulations related to the management of hazardous waste.

Preferred knowledge and abilities:

• Knowledge of industrial processes involving hazardous substances, generation of hazardous or solid wastes, air emissions and wastewater discharges.
• Ability to interact with a wide variety of individuals and exercise the soft skills needed to network within business and academic communities.
• Ability to prepare high quality materials for technical information (written and through presentation) with clarity to a wide audience.

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 www.uscis.gov.

Our Commitment to DEIR

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecologys 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 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:

• 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 Recruitment website.

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 360-407-6186 and select #2 for Recruitment or email careers@ecy.wa.gov

• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.

Questions?

• For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Thomas Perkow at Thomas.Perkow@ecy.wa.gov
• 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 careers@ecy.wa.gov

About the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program

The mission of the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction program is to protect Washington's residents and environment by reducing the use of toxic chemicals, safely managing dangerous waste, preventing new contaminated sites, and cleaning up contamination.

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.

Ecology employees may be eligible for the following: Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave, 11 Paid Holidays per year, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *Click here for more information

To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or our blog.

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. Thats 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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

Parental Leave

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 the position? Note that experience gained from academic coursework, class projects, or other degree requirements is assessed in later questions.

• Four years
• Five years
• Six years
• Seven years
• Eight years
• Nine years
• Ten years or above
• None of the above

05

What is your level of education?

• 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits
• 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (AA degree)
• 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree or above
• None of the above

06

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 dont have this education, put N/A.

07

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 everyones job to contribute to a DEIR workplace. Please tell us, what does it mean for you to have a commitment to DEIR in the workplace? What steps or actions have you taken to demonstrate your commitment previously?

08

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

• Yes
• No

09

Do you have a valid driver's license, or are you able to obtain and maintain one?

• Yes
• No

10

Are you able to meet the special requirements of this position? • 40-hour initial Hazwoper must be taken and passed within 6 months of hire date or be current in this Hazwoper training. • 8-hour refresher Hazwoper must be taken and passed annually. • Must participate in Ecology's medical monitoring program for inspectors if the position requires 24 or more field visits per year.

• Yes
• No

11

Which level best describes your experience applying Washington's Dangerous Waste Regulations, RCWs, and federal hazardous waste requirements to determine compliance obligations?

• None - I have no experience applying state or federal dangerous waste regulations.
• Foundational - I have basic familiarity with dangerous waste requirements and can look up regulatory citations when directed but have limited experience applying them in practice.
• Intermediate - I regularly use dangerous waste regulations to assess compliance obligations, interpret common regulatory scenarios, and support routine compliance determinations with some guidance.
• Advanced - I independently apply state and federal dangerous waste regulations to complex situations, assess compliance obligations with confidence, and provide clarification to others on regulatory interpretation.
• Expert - I am recognized as a subject matter resource on dangerous waste regulations, interpret nuanced or ambiguous regulatory situations, advise others on compliance pathways, and consistently ensure regulatory decisions are defensible.

12

Which level best describes your experience planning and conducting compliance inspections of regulated facilities?

• None - I have never conducted or assisted with a compliance inspection.
• Foundational - I have observed inspections or assisted with basic inspection tasks under close direction.
• Intermediate - I independently conduct routine inspections, document findings, evaluate operational practices, and identify potential violations with minimal guidance.
• Advanced - I plan and conduct inspections of complex facilities, analyze processes for potential waste generation points, and confidently determine compliance status across multiple regulatory areas.
• Expert - I lead complex or high-priority inspections, mentor others on inspection techniques, resolve challenging field situations, and consistently produce thorough, technically sound inspection outcomes.

13

Which level best describes your experience preparing documentation that supports administrative or civil enforcement actions?

• None - I have not prepared or contributed to enforcement-related documentation.
• Foundational - I have assisted with basic documentation such as notes, photos, or preliminary summaries for enforcement files.
• Intermediate - I regularly prepare inspection reports, violation summaries, and supporting documentation that contribute to enforcement decisions, with occasional review or guidance needed.
• Advanced - I independently develop comprehensive enforcement documentation, ensure accuracy and clarity of findings, and effectively link regulatory requirements to violations.
• Expert - I prepare enforcement documentation for highly complex cases, advise others on documentation standards, and ensure that materials are legally defensible, well supported, and aligned with program procedures.

14

Which level best describes your experience interpreting internal policies, enforcement procedures, and regulatory guidance to support compliance decisions?

• None - I have not worked with agency policies or regulatory guidance in a compliance context.
• Foundational - I can locate relevant policies or guidance and follow them when instructed.
• Intermediate - I routinely use internal policy and guidance documents to support compliance decisions and apply them to standard regulatory scenarios with limited assistance.
• Advanced - I independently interpret and apply policies and enforcement procedures to a variety of complex situations and help others understand how they influence compliance outcomes.
• Expert - I provide authoritative interpretation of policies, identify areas where guidance needs clarification or improvement, and contribute to policy development to enhance program consistency.

15

Which level best describes your experience providing technical direction, mentoring staff, and reviewing work products related to dangerous waste compliance?

• None - I have not provided technical direction or mentoring to others.
• Foundational - I have provided occasional informal assistance or answered basic technical questions for peers.
• Intermediate - I regularly support colleagues by reviewing routine work, offering guidance on compliance questions, or providing informal training.
• Advanced - I mentor staff on complex compliance issues, review technical work for accuracy and consistency, and provide clear direction that improves team performance.
• Expert - I serve as a primary technical leader, mentor staff across multiple units or regions, guide others through highly complex compliance challenges, and influence program-level approaches to training and consistency.

16

Which level best describes your skill in communicating regulatory and technical information clearly in both writing and verbal exchanges?

• None - I have not communicated regulatory or technical information in professional settings.
• Foundational - I can convey basic information and respond to straightforward questions with guidance.
• Intermediate - I communicate technical or regulatory information clearly in routine situations, prepare written summaries, and participate effectively in discussions, even when topics are moderately complex.
• Advanced - I communicate complex compliance issues clearly to diverse audiences, prepare well-structured reports, and maintain professionalism in challenging or sensitive interactions.
• Expert - I consistently deliver high-quality written and verbal communication on complex or contentious topics, assist others in improving communication clarity, and represent program decisions with confidence and accuracy.

17

For all six competency ratings you selected in Questions 11-16, please describe the reasoning behind each of your choices. For every competency, explain the experiences, responsibilities, or accomplishments that support the level you selected. For example, if you selected "Advanced" or "Expert," describe what makes you confident in that assessment. Your responses will help us better understand the context for your self-evaluation.

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov