Environmental Engineer

Job Description

UW Facilities (UWF) has an outstanding opportunity for a Facilities Project Engineer / Architect to join the team.

Engineering Services is a team of engineers, architects, drafters, engineering assistants, and records staff that is responsible for all UW Facilities information and design standards.

Our professional staff provide an array of services utilizing their technical expertise for the University to perform design and construction reviews; commissioning; troubleshooting support for capital projects, operations and maintenance; and other engineering and architectural needs.

The Environmental Engineer ensures University-wide compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations across the full lifecycle of campus facilities-planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance. This role provides strategic environmental engineering leadership for a large, complex institution with diverse facility types and environmentally sensitive surroundings.

The position protects human health and the environment, reduces institutional risk and liability, and ensures compliance is achieved in a practical, cost‑effective manner aligned with the University's mission. The Environmental Engineer works closely with Facilities leadership, Capital Project teams, Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), Sustainability, regulators, and external consultants to integrate environmental stewardship into daily operations and long‑range capital planning.

Key Responsibilities

Environmental Compliance & Program Leadership

• Lead University-wide environmental compliance strategy, including long‑range planning for emerging regulations.
• Develop policies, procedures, and programs that reduce regulatory risk and support sustainability and decarbonization goals.
• Prepare environmental "programming" documents that guide capital investments and multi‑year compliance initiatives.

Capital Project Support

• Provide environmental engineering leadership during programming, design review, construction, commissioning, and turnover of major capital projects, including large and complex facilities.
• Ensure environmental requirements are integrated into project scope, schedule, and budget.
• Oversee environmental permitting and compliance documentation for construction projects.

Consultant Oversight & Fiscal Stewardship

• Develop scopes of work and participate in consultant selection.
• Direct and review consultant performance, technical deliverables, and cost proposals.
• Manage budgets and funding requests for environmental programs, ensuring cost‑effective compliance.

Technical Judgment & Problem Solving

• Interpret and apply complex environmental regulations across diverse facilities and activities.
• Resolve conflicts between regulatory requirements, project objectives, cost, and risk.
• Lead technical response and corrective actions during environmental incidents.

Reporting, Monitoring & Operations

• Oversee required environmental monitoring and regulatory reporting (e.g., air emissions, stormwater, GHG/HFC).
• Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and audit readiness of compliance data in coordination with internal partners.

Standards, Coordination & Special Assignments

• Contribute to Facilities design standards and life‑cycle cost optimization.
• Coordinate with EH&S, legal counsel, sustainability, and external agencies.
• Participate in emergency response, inspections, and business continuity activities as needed.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in environmental or civil engineering
• 5 years of relevant professional experience within the environmental engineering field.
• Ability to develop, plan, direct, and coordinate effective engineering programs and projects.
• Ability to acquire a Professional Engineers License in WA State.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; e.g. clients, regulatory agencies and personnel, health/safety professionals, consultants, management, peers, etc. to accomplish goals that are in the best interest of the university.
• Ability to work independently.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity and ownership needed; must be customer-focused and results-oriented, innovative, creative, highly motivated, and team-oriented.
• Familiarity with facilities-related computer software, including design tools, construction management software, computerized maintenance management systems, and the full Microsoft Office suite of applications.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations and changing needs.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Desired Qualifications

• Certification as a Professional Registered Engineer with the State of Washington.
• Accreditation as an AHERA Building Inspector (capable of performing asbestos surveys) or ability to complete within 6 months of employment.
• Accreditation as an AHERA Project Designer (capable of developing asbestos abatement design documents) or ability to complete within 6 months of employment.
• Successful completion of a US EPA-sponsored 72-hour Lead Training Program for Supervisors and Contractors or ability to complete within 6 months of employment.
• Successful completion of a Washington State Department of Ecology-sponsored 40-hour RCRA (Hazardous Waste) Training Program or ability to complete within 6 months of employment.
• Successful completion of a 24-hour EPA-sponsored Hazardous Materials Sampling Training Program or ability to complete within 6 months of employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Must be able to work in mechanical/electrical spaces, utility tunnels, outdoors, confined spaces, around operating equipment such as boilers, pumps and transformers, and on active construction sites.
• While usual hours fall within standard business hours, work may be required during hours beyond standard business hours including weekends.
• Position requires flexibility to deal with emergency situations, meetings, or other scheduled work that may fall outside normal work hours.
• Must be able to move/lift 50 pounds.
• Professional travel may be required.
• Must have a valid Washington Driver License.
• Must be able to work in non-smoking environment.
• Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$90,576.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$135,864.00 annual

Other Compensation:

• Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives - on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.