Senior Air Monitoring Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) (In-Training)
Job Details
Senior Air Monitoring Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) (In-Training)State of Washington
$56,880.00 - $88,800.00 Annually
Thurston County – Lacey, WA
Project (limited duration)
Flexible/Hybrid
2025-AQP1310-01120
Dept. of Ecology
Air Quality
02/17/2025
Continuous
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 a Senior Air Monitoring Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) (In-Training) within the Air Quality Program. This is a project position that is funded until approximately March 2034.
Location:
- Southwest Region Office in Lacey, WA.
- 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 three days per week is required in the office.
- Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline:
- Apply by March 3, 2025.
- This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after March 3rd may not be considered.
Duties
This is the perfect position for anyone who enjoys working outdoors and wants to apply their scientific expertise to help the Air Quality Program understand and reduce air pollution.
As Senior Air Monitoring Specialist, you will monitor the ambient air for fine and coarse particulate, ozone, and other criteria pollutants and their chemical constituents, at locations throughout Ecology’s Southwest Region. You'll focus on installation and operation of new ambient air monitors near the Bridge Point Tacoma distribution center, to characterize baseline and future air quality impacts associated with an increase of over 1,400 daily heavy-duty diesel truck trips to and from the facility. This neighborhood is part of the South and East Tacoma community that Ecology has identified as being overburdened and highly impacted by air pollution. You will frequently collaborate with ambient air monitoring personnel from Ecology, local air agencies, and Tribes throughout the state on exciting and interesting air monitoring projects and provide the highest level of technical assistance and training to your peers in the monitoring community.Being a reliable self-starter, an excellent problem-solver, and a natural collaborator is a must as you will function both independently and as an integral member of our regional and statewide teams of dedicated air monitoring professionals.
What you will do:
- Independently plan, prioritize, implement and perform activities to locate, install, operate, and review data from new and existing air monitoring sites within Ecology’s Southwest Region that will help the Air Quality Program characterize air quality, meet federal air pollution standards, and ensure clean healthy air.
- Coordinate with agency and community partners to implement environmental justice-oriented expanded air monitoring for the Climate Commitment Act and other programs in overburdened communities with air pollution impacts within the region.
- Perform and coordinate with contractors on installation of new monitoring locations (site prep, power, fencing, etc.) to ensure sites are installed properly and state resources are used responsibly.
- Install monitoring equipment including site shelters and air monitors and coordinate with appropriate AQP teams to configure air monitors with data logging equipment.
- Install and operate temporary monitors and low-cost air sensors as needed to respond to wildland fire smoke and other emergent events.
- Implement special project monitoring to help prevent nonattainment.
- Develop and teach classes to professional-level air monitoring operators on the operation, calibration, and quality control of air monitoring instrumentation.
- Diagnose problems, conduct repairs and calibrate air monitoring equipment of various complexity, including computer/microprocessor-controlled analyzers in the laboratory and in the field to help the program collect accurate data to characterize air quality and inform the public about air pollution and its health impact.
Qualifications
This position offers an in-training plan and may be filled at the Environmental Specialist 3 or 4 level, depending on your qualifications. If you qualify at the ES3 level and are hired, you will progress through an in-training plan to become an ES4 within a specified time period.
For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.
Required Qualifications:
At the Environmental Specialist 3 level (In-Training)
Pay Range 53, $4,740 - $6,384 monthly
Six years of experience and/or education that includes a combination of:- Experience performing environmental-based or related work which can include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:
- Using critical / analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to perform work tasks
- Reviewing and understanding information to apply it to the work
- Assisting in research or data analysis
- Using computer software for data analysis, graphing, or mapping
- Operating, maintaining, repairing, or troubleshooting environmental monitoring or similar analytical, electronic, or pneumatic equipment following standard operating procedures or instrument manuals in laboratory or field environments
- Maintaining accurate and complete records
- Writing and presenting technical information to a variety of audiences
- Understanding principles of environmental justice
- Using critical / analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to perform work tasks
- Higher 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.
- 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.
- 1 year of experience AND a Master’s degree or above.
At the Environmental Specialist 4 level (Goal Class)
Pay Range 59, $5,501 - $7,400 monthly
Nine years of experience and/or education that includes a combination of:- Experience performing environmental-based or related work which can include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:
- Using critical / analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to perform work tasks
- Reviewing and understanding information to apply it to the work
- Assisting in research or data analysis
- Using computer software for data analysis, graphing, or mapping
- Operating, maintaining, repairing, or troubleshooting environmental monitoring or similar analytical, electronic, or pneumatic equipment following standard operating procedures or instrument manuals in laboratory or field environments
- Maintaining accurate and complete records
- Writing and presenting technical information to a variety of audiences
- Understanding principles of environmental justice
- Using critical / analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to perform work tasks
- Higher 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:- 9 years of experience.
- 8 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
- 7 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
- 6 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
- 5 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
- 3 years of experience AND a Master’s degree.
- 2 years of experience AND a Ph.D.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience testing, deploying, and analyzing data from low-cost air sensors and Federal Equivalent Method/Federal Reference Method air monitors to characterize air quality.
- One or more years of experience in the operation, diagnosis, repair, and calibration of air sensors or other air pollutant and meteorological monitoring systems.
- Understanding of and experience with emerging technologies and techniques of air quality sampling, testing, data gathering, basic research and field investigation.
- Advanced knowledge and understanding of the principles, practices and methods of air quality monitoring and assessment, environmental pollution prevention and pollution control.
- An advanced understanding of the principles involved in calibrating, maintaining, and operating air monitoring equipment.
If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.
- Experience performing environmental-based or related work which can include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:
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 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 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 or 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 Scott Dubble at Scott.Dubble@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 Air Quality Program (AQP)
The Air Quality Program’s mission is to protect and improve air quality in Washington. AQP, the Environmental Protection Agency, Tribes, and local clean air agencies maintain a network of air monitoring stations to measure air pollution in Washington. Using continuous monitoring data, we let you know when air pollution reaches unhealthy levels. Based on this near-real-time air quality information, you can change your daily activities to reduce the amount of air pollution you're exposed to. The ambient air monitoring data this position collects and analyzes are essential to the Air Quality Program’s efforts to:
Determine if air quality is meeting federal standards
Forecast air quality
Make daily burn decisions and curtailment calls
Assist with permitting activities
Evaluate the effectiveness of air pollution control programs
Evaluate the effects of air pollution on public health
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. 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 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, are entitled to three (3) 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 12-31-2022
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01How did you hear about this job?
- Community Based Organization
- Community / Technical College
- Ecology Employee
- Ecology Recruiter
- Ecology Jobs Page
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- Newspaper
- Other State Agency
- Other Website
- Professional Association
- University Job Board
- WorkSource
- Other
02If 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.03Have you ever worked for the Department of Ecology in any capacity including: Permanent, Non-permanent, Project, Intern, or Volunteer?- Yes
- No
04How many years of experience do you have in performing environmental-based or related work which can include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets: • Using critical / analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to perform work tasks • Reviewing and understanding information to apply it to the work • Assisting in research or data analysis • Using computer software for data analysis, graphing, or mapping • Operating, maintaining, repairing, or troubleshooting environmental monitoring or similar analytical, electronic, or pneumatic equipment following standard operating procedures or instrument manuals in laboratory or field environments • Maintaining accurate and complete records • Writing and presenting technical information to a variety of audiences • Understanding principles of environmental justice 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 years
- Seven years
- Eight years
- Nine years
- None of the above
05Please 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.06What 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
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree
- Ph.D.
- None of the above
07If 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.08The 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?
09Are you able to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license?- Yes
- No
10I understand that Ecology does not use the E-Verify system and is unable to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).- Yes
- No
* Required Question
- Employer
- State of Washington
- Phone
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View Posting for Agency Contact
- Website
- http://www.careers.wa.gov
- Address
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View Job Posting for Agency Information
View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504