Senior Engineer (Environmental Engineer 5)

Senior Engineer (Environmental Engineer 5)

Salary: $96,144.00 - $129,288.00 Annually Location: Multiple Locations Statewide, WA Job Type: Full Time - Permanent Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid Job Number: 2026-SWM0408-02403 Department: Dept. of Ecology Division: Solid Waste Management Opening Date: 03/20/2026 Closing Date: Continuous

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

Benefits Questions and descriptions regarding benefits are available upon request.

Description Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen. The Department of Ecology is hiring a Senior Engineer (Environmental Engineer 5) within the Solid Waste Management (SWM) program.

Location This position will be based out of the following duty stations:

• Central Region Office in Union Gap, WA.
• Eastern Region Office in Spokane, WA.

Schedule This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.

• A minimum of one day per week is required in the office.
• This role will also include field work as needed.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline

• Apply by April 5, 2026.
• This position will remain open until filled.
• The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins.
• Applications received after the date above may not be considered.

Duties In this role, you will manage the landfill disposal of 70% of the states municipal solid waste and work across all of Eastern Washington on different solid waste handling facilities to ensure their compliant and safe operation. This includes:

• Compost facilities.
• Working with landfills with underground fire issues.
• Potentially being a site manager to manage the cleanup of contaminated properties under the Model Toxics Cleanup Act (MTCA) to prevent, contain, and cleanup environmental pollution.
• Ensuring that financial assurance accounts for solid waste facilities are adequately funded, so that funding is available for facility post-closure care.

What You Will Do

• Provide the final quality assurance review on technical and engineering documents to maintain high technical standards.
• Assure all work produced by the section is consistent with existing legislation, regulations, and agency policy.
• Review engineering documents for compliance with laws, regulations, and standard engineering practices associated with solid waste handling and biosolids facilities. These include but are not limited to landfills, transfer stations, surface impoundments, tanks, and waste tire storage facilities.
• Serve as the Solid Waste Management (SWM) statewide lead engineer with expertise in lagoons, surface impoundments, emissions from organic wastes, and innovative emerging recycling process technologies.
• Conduct construction site visits to ensure construction quality assurance, operations and engineering plans are followed where needed for large or significant projects (e.g. new solid waste facilities) and assist other jurisdictions in conducting inspections.
• Serve as the SWM statewide lead engineer with expertise on internal/external technical workgroups as they occur to assess organic waste emissions.
• Serve as a cleanup site manager for contaminated properties under MTCA authorities.
• Monitor and track financial assurance requirements and ensure that facilities remain compliant to cover long-term financial assurance needs.

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

Required Qualifications

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington.
• Five years of experience in environmental engineering.

NOTE: Individuals who are interested in applying to this position, and believe they meet licensing requirements for the State of Washington based on reciprocity, are responsible for ensuring they meet licensing requirements for the State of Washington prior to submitting their application materials. These requirements can be found at the following website: WA State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors: How To Get Your Professional Engineer License When Licensed in Another Jurisdiction.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment

• Maintain registration as a professional or environmental engineer in the State of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington.
• Must hold a valid Washington State Drivers License, or be able to obtain one, and be eligible to drive state vehicles within the first month of employment.
• Obtain and maintain landfill operator certification.
• Obtain and maintain compost facility operator certification.

Desired Qualifications

• Manager of Landfill Operator Certification.
• Proficiency with HELP and LandGEM models.
• Compost Facility Operator Certification, or similar training or experience.
• Completion of an Environmental Remediation Course, or similar training or experience.

Diversity Statement If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.

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.

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

1. Click "Apply" at the top of this page.
2. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions.
3. Please include the following documents as an attachment to your application:
   • A cover letter describing how your experience, skills and abilities meet the required qualifications of this position.
   • A resume outlining your professional experience.
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     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 James Rivard at: James.Rivard@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 Solid Waste Management Program The mission of the Solid Waste Management Program is to reduce wastes through prevention and reuse, keep toxics out of the environment, and safely manage what remains.

     About the Department of Ecology As the State of Washingtons environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washingtons 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.

     Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) 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. 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.

     Employee Benefits 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
     • 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

     Survey Questions

     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 in environmental engineering? 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 or more
     • None of the above

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

     06. What is your level of education in engineering?

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

     07. 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.

     08. 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?

     09. Are you able to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license?

     • Yes
     • No

     10. I understand that Ecology does not use the E-Verify system and is unable to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).

     • Yes
     • No

     11. Are you registered as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington, or another state with registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington?

     • Yes
     • No

     12. Please list your Professional Engineer license(s) and the state(s) they are from. If none, put N/A.

     13. Applicants who possess an engineering license in another state and would like to qualify using the licensing equivalency option, must achieve a PE license in the state of Washington within six months of the hire date. If you are qualifying through the equivalency option, would you be able to obtain a Washington PE License within six months of the hire date?

     • Yes
     • No
     • Not applicable, I am already licensed in Washington.

     14. Please, in your own words (less than 1200 words), explain to us about your environmental engineering experience as well as experience working with regulatory requirements.

     Employer Information

     • State: Washington
     • Address: View Job Posting for Agency Information
     • Location: Washington, 98504
     • Website:http://www.careers.wa.gov