Regional Compliance Inspector - Refrigerant Management Program (Environmental Specialist 3)

State of Washington•King County - Shoreline, WA

29d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Regional Compliance Inspector - Refrigerant Management Program (Environmental Specialist 3) within the Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP). This role is located in the Northwest Region Office in Shoreline, WA. The position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options, with a requirement to be in the office at least one day per week, specifically every Tuesday for a full workday. The salary includes a 5% premium pay for King County location. The Refrigerant Management Program (RMP) regulates facilities with large refrigeration and air-conditioning systems to ensure they follow best practices that reduce leaks of climate-polluting fluorinated gases. As a Regional Compliance Inspector, you will help facilities register in the RMP, provide technical guidance, and conduct inspections across the Northwest region to verify compliance. Your work will directly support Ecology’s statewide effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from refrigeration systems. You will develop specialized knowledge of Washington’s hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) regulations, interpret technical requirements for the public, and help facilities identify practical, cost-effective ways to meet their obligations. This position offers a rewarding opportunity for individuals motivated by fieldwork, problem-solving, and contributing to meaningful climate solutions.

Requirements

Six years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position.
Regulatory Application and Interpretation – Demonstrated competence with interpreting and applying environmental or regulatory requirements to accurately assess facility compliance and support consistent implementation of program obligations.
Inspection and Field Evaluation – Experienced in conducting structured compliance inspections or field evaluations to determine whether facilities follow required procedures and maintain accurate operational or recordkeeping practices.
Professional Judgment and Compliance Determination – Skilled at using analytical thinking, evidence review, and sound professional judgment to identify potential violations, recommend corrective actions, and support facilities in returning to sustained compliance.
Technical Assistance and Communication – Ability to explain complex regulatory or technical information in clear, understandable terms to help regulated entities meet program requirements and successfully use required database tools.
Collaborative Coordination Across Teams – Demonstrated competence with coordinating work and sharing information across the regional inspection team to ensure consistent approaches to inspections, education, compliance assistance, and enforcement activities.
Data, System, and Technology Proficiency – Skilled with learning and using program-specific databases and analytical tools to track inspection activities, organize documentation, analyze compliance trends, and prepare accurate reports that support program decision-making.
Independent Project and Workload Management – Ability to independently plan, prioritize, and complete inspections, follow-up activities, and documentation to meet program expectations and support timely, effective compliance outcomes.
Research and Emerging Issues Analysis – Experienced in gaining understanding of new or evolving technical, regulatory, or environmental issues to identify trends, evaluate potential impacts on program implementation, and recommend improvements that strengthen compliance and reduce emissions.
Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; Environmental Health or Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) 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.
Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license or provide alternate reliable transportation for travel throughout Ecology’s Northwest Region area.

Nice To Haves

Environmental Compliance and Inspection Experience – Experienced in performing environmental compliance, inspection, or auditing work to assess facility operations, evaluate records or procedures, and recommend corrective actions that strengthen adherence to regulatory requirements.
Climate and Air Quality Knowledge – Demonstrated competence with understanding air quality concepts and climate change science to evaluate how refrigerant emissions and compliance activities support statewide emission reduction goals.
Greenhouse Gas Program Familiarity – Experienced in working with state or federal greenhouse gas reduction programs to understand how HFC-related requirements fit within broader regulatory or climate-policy frameworks.
Program-Specific Technical Learning – Ability to quickly learn and apply new technical subject matter, including refrigerant types, climate-friendly alternatives, and leak detection methods, to support high-quality inspections and compliance assistance.

Responsibilities

Provide technical assistance to facility owners and operators, helping them understand refrigerant rules, reporting obligations, and how to comply with RMP processes.
Explain refrigerant regulations in a clear, accessible way during one-on-one interactions, online office hours, and public meetings.
Assist facility owners and operators with entering required data into the Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Management Program (RAMP) database.
Conduct inspections of facilities subject to the Refrigerant Management Program (RMP), both remotely and in person.
Verify that facilities are following state and federal HFC rules and maintaining records that meet program requirements.
Review RMP registrations and annual reports, identify potential compliance issues, and help return facilities to compliance through follow-up actions.
If necessary, collect and document information necessary for enforcement actions.
Coordinate with teammates across the state to ensure consistent application of inspection procedures and regulatory interpretations, and on potential ways to improve compliance.
Collaborate with Ecology outreach staff to promote awareness of climate-friendly refrigerants and refrigerant alternatives.
Develop/maintain professional knowledge of applicable HFC laws, refrigerant technologies, leak detection methods, and emerging industry issues.