Animal Mortality and Disaster Debris Statewide Specialist (Environmental Specialist 5)

The Solid Waste Management (SWM) program is looking to fill an Animal Mortality and Disaster Debris Statewide Specialist (Environmental Specialist 5) position. This position can be located in any one of the following offices.

Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.
Northwest Region Office (NWRO) in Shoreline, WA.
Central Region Office (CRO) in Union Gap, WA.
Eastern Region Office (ERO) in Spokane, WA.

Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Please Note: If the final location of this position is determined to be in our Northwest Region Office (NWRO) in Shoreline, WA. there will be an additional 5% pay increase due to its location in King County. In this instance the salary range will be $6,195 - $8,328 per month.

In this position, you will work in a combination of the exciting worlds of:

 

• Responding to large animal mortality events and disaster debris disposal.
• Leading the Beneficial Use Determination (BUD) Program (WAC 173-350-200) that determines if certain materials are exempt from solid waste or water quality permitting.

If you enjoy emergency management, providing technical assistance to businesses and local governments, and problem-solving how to safely dispose of large quantities of animal carcasses…this could be your dream job!

Agency Mission: Ecology's mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment and to promote the wise management of our air, land and water for the benefit of current and future generations.

Program Mission: The mission of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) program is to reduce wastes through prevention and reuse, keep toxics out of the environment, and safely manage what remains.

Tele-work options for this position: This position will be eligible for up to an 90% telework schedule. Extended field work may be necessary during disasters and large animal mortality events. Applicants with questions about position location options, tele-work, and flexible or compressed schedules are encouraged to reach out to the contact person listed below in “other information.” Schedules are dependent upon position needs and is subject to change.

Application Timeline: This position will remain open until filled, we will review applications on August 31, 2023. In order to be considered, please submit an application on or before August 30, 2023. If your application isn't received by this date, it may not be considered. The agency reserves the right to make a Hire any time after the initial screening date.

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 
 

About the Department of Ecology

Protecting Washington State's environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We are a culture that is invested in making a difference. Join a team that is highly effective and collaborative, with leadership that embraces the value of people. To learn more, check out our Strategic Plan. 

Ecology cares deeply about employee wellness; we go beyond traditional benefits, proudly offering:

• A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
• An Infants at Work Program that is based on the long-term health values of infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.
• Continuous growth and development opportunities.
• Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work.

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. 

What makes this role unique?

Emergency management is a complex discipline—multiple levels of government are involved as is the private sector when responding to the aftermath of a natural or people-caused disaster. In this role, you must develop an excellent understanding of solid waste handing regulations (Chapter 173-350 WAC) and the soft skills to know how to implement them, primarily through providing technical assistance to affected parties. You’ll need to love working with people in high pressure situations, as well as enjoy being the main technical expert, to succeed at this job!

What you will do:

 

• Represent Ecology regarding mass animal mortality and disaster debris management, when working with federal, state and local governments, the public, businesses, legislators, advisory committees, tribal nations, and interest groups.
• Provide on-sight or remote assistance to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, fires, and disease outbreaks.
• Represent solid waste disposal issues on the Ecology Emergency Management group (EMAG) and in the Ecology Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP).
• Direct the Beneficial Use Determinations (BUD) Program, working with regional staff and management.
• Independently provide technical assistance on proper medical waste disposal.
• Prepare position papers, policy analyses, and make lead studies on mass animal mortality and disaster debris management.