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

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

Salary

$62,748.00 - $84,516.00 Annually

Location

King County - Shoreline, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-CPR5438-07628

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Climate Pollution Reduction Program

Opening Date

09/25/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Regional Compliance Inspector - Refrigerant Management Program (Environmental Specialist 3) within the Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP).

Location:

• Northwest Region Office in Shoreline, WA.

• The salary listed includes 5% premium pay due to the position location in King County.

• 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 one day per week is required in the office. This position is expected to be in the office for a full workday every Tuesday.

• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by October 4, 2026.

• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties

Do you want your work to directly reduce climate-polluting emissions in Washington State? Does the idea of helping businesses understand and comply with environmental regulations appeal to you? Are you interested in conducting on-the-ground inspections and working one-on-one with the regulated community to keep refrigerant systems operating safely and responsibly? If you answered "yes," then this role may be a great fit for you!

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. If you are motivated by fieldwork, enjoy problem-solving, and want your work to contribute to meaningful climate solutions, this position offers a rewarding opportunity.

In this role, you will:

• 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.

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

Six years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which must include the following:

• 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.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license or provide alternate reliable transportation for travel throughout Ecology's Northwest Region area.

Desired Qualifications:

• 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.

If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.

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 Ecologys 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 Leonard Machut at Leonard.Machut@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 Climate Pollution Reduction Program

The mission of the Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP) is to guide Washington to a net zero future by 2050. We implement policies that encourage businesses and individuals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a clean energy economy.

Since November 2019, Washington has been transitioning away from using potent greenhouse gases known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in products and equipment. These "super pollutant" greenhouse gases can be thousands of times more powerful than carbon dioxide. Theyre commonly used in air conditioning and refrigeration, in producing insulating foams, and as propellants.

Launched in 2024, the Refrigerant Management Program (RMP) requires facilities with refrigeration and air conditioning systems containing more than 50 pounds of certain refrigerants to conduct periodic leak inspections, promptly repair leaks, and maintain records. The rule also requires service practices intended to minimize refrigerant emissions. The RMP is designed to reduce emissions of climate-polluting refrigerants from leaky refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. This compliance specialist position will directly work to protect the climate by reducing HFC emissions in the Northwest Region.

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 Incentive, 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. Thats 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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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 01-07-2026

01

How did you hear about this job?

• Community Based Organization
• Community / Technical College
• Ecology Employee
• Ecology Recruiter
• Ecology Jobs Page
• Facebook
• Job Board
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Newspaper
• Other State Agency
• Other Website
• Professional Association
• Twitter
• University Job Board
• WorkSource
• Other

02

If 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.

03

Have you ever worked for the Department of Ecology in any capacity including: Permanent, Non-Permanent, Project, Intern, or Volunteer?

• Yes
• No

04

How many years of experience do you have related to the duties of this position? 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 or more years
• None of the above

05

How would you describe your ability to understand rules or technical requirements and apply them to figure out whether a facility or process is meeting those requirements?

• None - I have not done this type of work before.
• Foundational - I can look at basic requirements and understand them with some guidance.
• Intermediate - I can review rules or instructions and independently apply them to routine situations.
• Advanced - I can sort through more complicated requirements and apply them accurately in different situations.
• Expert - People often come to me when they need help interpreting complex requirements or deciding what they mean for compliance.

06

Please rate your ability to conduct structured inspections or field evaluations to verify required procedures, operational practices, or recordkeeping obligations.

• None - I have not conducted inspections or field evaluations.
• Foundational - I have supported inspections or performed basic checks with guidance.
• Intermediate - I independently conduct structured inspections or field evaluations using established procedures.
• Advanced - I lead or conduct complex inspections that involve multiple systems or technical considerations.
• Expert - I am frequently relied upon to design, oversee, or perform highly complex inspections that require specialized expertise.

07

Please rate your ability to use analytical thinking and professional judgment to evaluate information, identify potential compliance concerns, and recommend appropriate corrective actions.

• None - I have no experience evaluating compliance concerns or recommending actions.
• Foundational - I can identify straightforward issues with guidance.
• Intermediate - I routinely evaluate evidence and recommend reasonable next steps.
• Advanced - I analyze complex situations and confidently determine compliance outcomes.
• Expert - I am asked to assist other compliance inspectors in complex or high impact compliance determinations.

08

Describe an occasion when you helped someone understand technical, operational or procedural information. What approach did you use, and how did you ensure your explanation was clear? If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.

09

Please indicate your ability to coordinate work and share information with teammates to ensure consistent approaches to tasks or projects.

• None - I have not coordinated work across teams.
• Foundational - I share information when asked or when needed.
• Intermediate - I regularly coordinate activities or exchange information to support consistency.
• Advanced - I help align processes or approaches across teams.
• Expert - I routinely lead cross-team alignment efforts.

10

Please rate your proficiency using databases, digital tools, or online systems to organize documentation, analyze trends, or track work activities.

• None - I have no experience with databases or digital documentation tools.
• Foundational - I can enter data and follow basic instructions.
• Intermediate - I independently use databases or digital tools to organize work.
• Advanced - I analyze trends, troubleshoot issues, or help improve system use.
• Expert - I am frequently relied upon to optimize workflows and data systems.

11

Please rate your ability to research new or emerging technical or regulatory issues and determine how they may affect a program or operational process.

• None - I have not researched emerging technical or regulatory issues.
• Foundational - I can review basic information with guidance.
• Intermediate - I independently research topics and identify relevant implications.
• Advanced - I evaluate emerging issues and recommend potential improvements.
• Expert - I am frequently relied upon to assess new trends and advise on program impacts.

12

Please provide additional details to support your responses to Questions 5 - 11 above. The following information is needed: position title(s), specific duties, and periods of employment. Make sure your response specifically addresses the qualifications below. An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.

• 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 that support compliance outcomes.
• 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 systems or 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 requirements 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.

13

What is your level of education?

• 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits
• 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associates degree)
• 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree or above
• None of the above

14

If you have college credits or a degree, please list your major(s) or field(s) of study and any degree(s) earned. If you dont have this education, put N/A.

15

The 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 everyones 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?

16

Are you able to obtain/maintain a valid drivers license or provide reliable alternate transportation for travel throughout Ecology's Northwest Region area?

• Yes
• No

17

I 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

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov