SWRO Customer Service Support (Customer Service Specialist 3) (Internal Only)
Salary
$46,080.00 - $61,644.00 Annually
Location
Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type
Agency Internal - Permanent
Remote Employment
Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number
2026-SWRO3506-03847
Department
Dept. of Ecology
Division
Southwest Region Office
Opening Date
05/18/2026
Closing Date
5/25/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information
The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
This recruitment is open only to current Department of Ecology employees, including those on temporary or project assignments, and Ecologys Washington Conservation Corps members.
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a SWRO Customer Service Support (Customer Service Specialist 3) within the Southwest Region Office (SWRO).
Location:
Schedule:
Duties
In this position, you will provide primary assistance to Southwest Region Office (SWRO) staff for region-wide events and project support while also working closely with the public to respond to inquiries and environmental concerns, resolving issues, and connecting customers with appropriate services. You will play an integral role in directing inquiries to the right resources, coordinating region-wide events and safety activities, assisting with environmental incident routing through Environmental Report Tracking System (ERTS) and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) processes, and helping keep daily operations running smoothly.
This work directly supports Ecology's mission by strengthening how the region responds to community needs, maintains efficient internal operations, and upholds high standards of service. In this role, you'll have opportunities to collaborate with programs across the agency, build expertise in environmental reporting systems, gain experience managing a regional fleet, and contribute to long-term projects in records management and safety coordination. With responsibilities spanning customer service, operational logistics, and cross-agency teamwork, this position is ideal for someone who enjoys variety, continuous learning, and making a meaningful impact on organizational effectiveness.
What you will do:
Provide customer service to the SWRO and coordinate region-wide engagement activities, including staff meetings, outreach events, and production of regional project, legislative, and newsletter updates.
Develop, manage, and improve systems that keep daily office operations running smoothly, such as coverage planning, shared workspace use, equipment availability, and routine facility tasks.
Partner with the Region Planner, Communications Manager, and program staff to coordinate logistics, share information, and assist with major project outreach efforts.
Assist internal and external customers by explaining agency forms, processes, and resources; mentor staff on customer service practices; and cover environmental report intake during absences of the ERTS Coordinator.
Contribute to safety and emergency readiness by serving on agency safety committees, maintaining the SWRO Safety SharePoint site, and coordinating safety-related communication and events.
Oversee regional conference rooms and audio/visual equipment, ensuring equipment is maintained, functional, and properly scheduled.
Support regional fleet operations by coordinating vehicle maintenance and repairs, helping staff with reservations and reporting, providing basic electric-vehicle guidance, and driving state vehicles for servicing as needed.
Provide reliable backup customer service support, including reception coverage, mail processing, cash/check handling, general inquiries, routing calls, and assisting staff with agency processes, following established guidelines and standards.
Qualifications
For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.
Required Qualifications:
Five (5) years of experience and/or education as described below:
Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skillsets:
Customer Service- Ability to understand customer needs and provide clear, accurate information to help people get the services or support they need.
Communication - Ability to share information clearly in writing and verbally to ensure others understand processes, expectations, and next steps.
Technical Skills - Ability to use and troubleshoot common software, databases, and digital tools to complete daily tasks and support program operations.
Data Accuracy - Ability to enter, review, and manage information in systems to ensure records are complete, accurate, and available when needed.
Planning & Coordination - Ability to manage and organize a variety of tasks, events, and schedules to ensure work is completed on time and operational continuity.
Problem Solving - Ability to identify issues and determine practical solutions to keep work moving forward.
Policy & Procedure Application - Ability to understand and apply agency policies, guidelines, and regulations to ensure work is completed correctly and consistently.
Customer Conflict Resolution - Ability to guide customers and staff through issues to support positive outcomes and service continuity.
Microsoft Office and Technology Proficiency- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Teams, PowerPoint, and basic Excel functions for tracking and routine tasks, with the ability to quickly learn new technologies and databases.
Examples of how to qualify:
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Desired Qualifications:
Multi-Line Phone Operation - Ability to answer and manage multi-line phone calls to ensure customers reach the right person quickly and accurately.
SharePoint Proficiency - Ability to use SharePoint to create documents, manage information, and support daily operations.
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.
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:
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:
Questions?
About the Southwest Region Office
The Department of Ecologys Southwest Region Office (SWRO) provides core environmental and natural resource services to the 12 counties of the Olympic Peninsula and Southwest Washington. The office is one of four regional offices and serves as the base of operations for 174 staff from multiple environmental programs. The SWRO also includes a field office in Vancouver, which is the base for 12 employees. From these locations, Ecology delivers a full spectrum of environmental services, including water quality protection, water rights administration, toxic site cleanup, hazardous chemicals oversight, shorelines and wetlands protection, spill response, waste management, and environmental monitoring.
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.
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.
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.
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-DNI
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?
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?
04
How many years of experience do you have working in an office environment providing assistance to customers regarding inquiries, complaints, and problem resolution? 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.
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?
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?
10
Please indicate your level of proficiency in Customer Service - Ability to understand customer needs and provide clear, accurate information to help people get the services or support they need.
11
Please indicate your level of proficiency in Communication - Ability to share information clearly in writing and verbally to ensure others understand processes, expectations, and next steps.
12
Please indicate your level of proficiency with technical tools and systems - Ability to use and troubleshoot common software, databases, and digital tools to complete daily tasks and support program operations.
13
Please indicate your level of proficiency in Data Accuracy - Ability to enter, review, and manage information in systems to ensure records are complete, accurate, and available when needed.
14
Please indicate your level of proficiency in Planning & Coordination - Ability to manage and organize a variety of tasks, events, and schedules to ensure work is completed on time and operational continuity.
15
Please indicate your level of proficiency in Problem Solving - Ability to identify issues and determine practical solutions to keep work moving forward.
16
Please indicate your level of proficiency in Policy & Procedure Application - Ability to understand and apply agency policies, guidelines, and regulations to ensure work is completed correctly and consistently.
17
Please indicate your level of proficiency in Customer Conflict Resolution - Ability to guide customers and staff through issues to support positive outcomes and service continuity.
18
Please indicate your level of proficiency with Microsoft Office and related technologies.
19
Please indicate your level of proficiency in operating and managing multi-line phone systems.
20
Please indicate your level of proficiency in using SharePoint.
21
I understand that Ecology does not use the E-Verify system and is unable to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).
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