Careers

Description:

As an Environmental Inspector - Underground Storage Tanks (UST), you will help protect Washington’s land, water, and air by ensuring underground storage tank systems are operated, installed, and closed in compliance with state and federal regulations. Through inspections, technical assistance, and enforcement, you will play a critical role in reducing leaks from underground storage tanks and preventing soil and groundwater contamination. This position blends field work, problem-solving, and collaboration -- using sound professional judgment to support compliance, educate regulated parties, and promote healthy communities and natural resources statewide.

As an Environmental Inspector - Underground Storage Tanks (UST), your duties will include:

• Conduct UST inspections in accordance with EPA technical compliance guidance, independently applying professional judgment to identify violations and determine appropriate corrective actions.
• Perform UST system installation, retrofit, and decommissioning inspections to ensure work meets regulatory and environmental protection standards.
• Issue enforcement actions consistent with the UST Inspector Enforcement Manual and follow up with responsible parties to return facilities to compliance.
• Investigate complaints of suspected leaking underground storage tanks, documenting findings and recommending next steps.
• Provide technical assistance and education to UST owners, operators, contractors, and internal staff on UST regulations, forms, and compliance requirements.
• Serve as a regional point of contact for external customers on UST-related questions and issues.
• Coordinate with owners, operators, contractors, and local governments on complex UST projects, and contribute to special projects such as developing or updating guidance, tools, and resources for inspectors.
• Maintain accurate and complete UST files and databases by reviewing submittals, documenting compliance data, and supporting performance measures related to UST compliance.

Skills/Eligibility:

Required Qualifications:

Six years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Experience performing environmental based work, OR work related to the duties of the position, that includes one or more of the following:
  • Communicating regulations, codes, or procedures to relevant groups or persons.
  • Applying an understanding on how complex equipment relates to a particular regulation, code, or procedure.

• Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:
  • Using critical / analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to make decisions or determine a course of action.
  • Reviewing / assessing information and data to draw conclusions and recommending decisions or actions.
• 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.
• A Master’s degree or above.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of underground storage tank (UST) systems.
• Compliance and enforcement experience.
• Experience in reading/interpreting regulations. 
• Routine work with database and spreadsheet software for data management and interpretation.