Hazardous Waste Compliance Team Lead (Environmental Specialist 5)

State of Washington•Multiple Locations - Western Washington, WA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Ecology is hiring a Hazardous Waste Compliance Team Lead (Environmental Specialist 5) in the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program. The position leads the Northwest Region’s dangerous waste compliance efforts, guiding professional inspectors in implementing Washington’s Dangerous Waste Regulations and promoting consistent compliance practices across diverse industrial sectors. The role serves as a senior compliance resource, helping shape program direction through policy interpretation, complex enforcement support, and legally sound and technically accurate decisions. It also develops strategies to improve consistency, incorporate environmental justice into compliance activities, and address challenging or newly regulated sectors. The team lead collaborates with HWTR units, other Ecology programs, the Attorney General’s Office, and external partners to coordinate compliance outcomes, communicate effectively, and provide clear guidance to regulated facilities. The role supports program integrity and statewide alignment while protecting Washington communities and the environment. The position may be based at the Northwest Region Office in Shoreline or the Bellingham Field Office in Bellingham, Washington. The Shoreline duty station receives an additional 5% salary premium because it is in King County. The stated salary range is $6,703–$9,012 per month. The position is eligible for telework up to 90% of the time, with two days per month in the office at the assigned duty station. Additional office or off-site attendance may be needed for meetings and other events. Schedules depend on position needs and may change. The application deadline is November 1, 2026. Required training and conditions include completing and passing initial 40-hour Hazwoper training within six months of hire, or having current training, and completing and passing an 8-hour Hazwoper refresher annually. The employee must have or be able to obtain and maintain a valid Washington driver’s license. If the position requires 24 or more field visits per year, participation in Ecology’s inspector medical monitoring program is required.

Requirements

Ten years of experience and/or education related to the position’s duties, with qualifying combinations of experience and college education described in the posting.
Experience applying Washington’s Dangerous Waste Regulations (chapter 173-303 WAC), RCWs, and federal hazardous waste requirements to determine compliance obligations.
Ability to plan and conduct detailed inspections of regulated facilities, assess operations, and identify violations using technical and regulatory criteria.
Experience preparing inspection reports, violation summaries, and supporting materials for administrative or civil enforcement actions.
Ability to interpret internal policies, enforcement procedures, and regulatory guidance and use them to support consistent compliance decisions.
Experience providing technical direction, mentoring staff, reviewing work products, and advising on complex compliance questions.
Ability to communicate regulatory and technical information clearly in writing and verbally, maintaining professionalism in challenging or sensitive situations.
Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or natural sciences, environmental planning, or another allied field; education may be combined with experience under the qualification examples in the posting.
Complete and pass initial 40-hour Hazwoper training within six months of hire, or have current Hazwoper training.
Complete and pass an 8-hour Hazwoper refresher annually.
Have or be able to obtain and maintain a valid Washington driver’s license for inspection duties.
Participate in Ecology’s medical monitoring program for inspectors if the position requires 24 or more field visits per year.

Nice To Haves

Work experience in waste reduction or pollution prevention is highly preferred.
Experience and knowledge of RCRA, chapter 173-303 WAC, and other laws and regulations related to hazardous waste management.
Knowledge of industrial processes involving hazardous substances, hazardous or solid waste generation, air emissions, and wastewater discharges.
Ability to interact with a wide variety of individuals and use interpersonal skills to network within business and academic communities.
Ability to prepare high-quality written and presented technical materials that communicate clearly to a wide audience.

Responsibilities

Lead the Northwest Region dangerous waste compliance team by assigning inspections, setting goals, monitoring progress, and ensuring consistent, high-quality implementation of regulations.
Mentor and train compliance inspectors at multiple experience levels, providing technical guidance, coaching, and support with complex regulatory questions, enforcement pathways, and inspection strategy.
Identify emerging issues, new sectors, and regulatory ambiguities requiring program attention, and collaborate with senior program staff on solutions and clearer regulatory interpretation.
Represent HWTR in high-visibility internal and external discussions concerning compliance, regulatory interpretation, enforcement approaches, and sector-specific challenges.
Develop internal tools, technical guidance, and training to strengthen consistency in compliance and enforcement across regions.
Coordinate with inspectors, section leadership, and the Attorney General’s Office to develop and review evidence-based enforcement cases grounded in precedent and regulatory requirements.
Oversee risk-based prioritization of inspections and complaint response, incorporating environmental justice considerations and regional objectives.
Conduct senior-level compliance inspections of high-priority and complex dangerous waste generators, document findings, and develop recommendations supporting consistent enforcement decisions.
Serve as a central resource for program-wide compliance questions and work with regional leads and program management to maintain uniform regulatory interpretation.
Communicate compliance expectations, regulatory obligations, corrective actions, and enforcement processes clearly to regulated facilities, internal teams, and partner agencies.