Columbia Basin Compliance Unit Supervisor (WMS1)

Full Job Description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Columbia Basin Compliance Unit Supervisor (WMS Band 1) within the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program (HWTR).

Location:

• Eastern Region Office in Spokane, WA.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule:

This position will have flexibility of a hybrid schedule, empowering work from home and office, providing less time in traffic and shrinking your carbon footprint.

This position will be eligible for up to a 80% telework schedule.

Applicants with questions about position location options, telework, 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 are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by February 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 above date may not be considered.

Requirements

This is a unique opportunity to lead a new consolidated unit at a pivotal moment for the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction (HWTR) program.

As the supervisor of the Columbia Basin Compliance Unit, you are not just maintaining the status quo; you are the architect of a newly merged team, bringing together talent from both the Eastern and Central regions.

You will have the strategic influence to unify two teams, streamline enforcement consistency, and shape how Washington protects its environment east of the Cascades.

You will provide tactical direction to align processes and procedures for this new team.

If you enjoy high-level coordination, mentoring professional staff, and coordinating with other compliance unit supervisors to shape and improve program direction this role offers the perfect balance of leadership and technical impact.

HWTR’s Columbia Basin Compliance Unit implements the Resource Conservation & Recovery Act (RCRA) and/or the Washington State Dangerous Waste Regulations (WAC 173-303) by conducting inspections at businesses and facilities and investigating complaints or referrals from other agencies.

In this role, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight for seven professional staff members.

One of these staff members will serve as the team lead and will assist with coordination of inspection planning and technical regulatory interpretations or compliance direction.

Your work will focus on the following core areas:

• Unit Leadership & Strategic Alignment: You will direct the newly established Columbia Basin Compliance Unit, ensuring all activities align with the HWTR Strategic Plan, the Performance Partnership Agreement with the EPA, and statewide program goals.
• Supervision & Mentorship: You will prioritize and oversee the daily work of seven staff members, providing them with the resources and guidance needed to conduct inspections, investigate complaints, and deliver technical assistance.
• Compliance & Inspection Management: With support from your team lead, you are responsible for planning and tracking the unit’s inspections of hazardous waste generators, transporters, and receiving facilities across both the ERO and CRO regions.
• Enforcement Oversight: You will guide your team through the complexities of preparing, issuing, and tracking formal enforcement actions, including administrative orders, penalties, and expedited enforcement offers.
• Legal & Program Liaison: You will serve as the primary point of contact for the Attorney General’s Office regarding compliance and enforcement cases, ensuring legal coordination is seamless across the regions.
• Statewide Consistency & Policy Development: You will represent your unit within the Compliance Network, collaborating on statewide policies and procedures while influencing the recommendations brought to Program Management. You will collaborate with the Unit Supervisors in the Northwest and Southwest regions to ensure statewide consistency for RCRA and WAC 173-303 compliance and plan and advocate for improvements to support inspection work.
• Environmental Response: You will manage the investigation of public hazardous waste complaints received through the Environmental Report Tracking System (ERTS) and assign necessary follow-up actions.
• Resource & Partnership Optimization: You will explore innovative ways to share workloads through local and state agency government partnerships to ensure efficient use of state resources.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.

You may qualify through a combination of education and experience described below:

A combined total of 8 years of experience and/or education

Experience: Professional experience in environmental protection, hazardous waste/toxic substances regulation, or compliance/enforcement work, including at least one year in a lead or supervisory role. Experience may include:

• Leading or coordinating regulatory inspections or investigations.
• Interpreting and applying state or federal environmental regulations.
• Collaborating across teams or agencies to address compliance or policy issues.

Education: involving a major study in environmental science, environmental planning, business or public administration, urban planning, or closely aligned degree programs.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 8 years of experience.
• 7 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 6 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 5 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 4 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• 2 years of experience AND a Master’s degree or above

Desired Qualifications:

• Two or more years of supervisory or formal team leadership experience, particularly in a regulatory or environmental context.
• Demonstrated ability to manage performance, prioritize team’s workload, resolve conflicts, and support and mentor technical staff.
• Demonstrated emotional intelligence (self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, relationship building, and motivation) across varied leadership, learning, and communication styles.
• Experience implementing the Resource Conservation & Recovery Act (RCRA) and/or the Washington State Dangerous Waste Regulations (WAC 173-303).
• Demonstrated technical writing skills, including reviewing and editing other’s writing for plain language.
• Experience coaching individuals and teams.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire and motivate team members, especially to advocate for direction or policy with which they may not fully agree.
• Demonstrated ability to adjust to changing priorities and unexpected situations in a dynamic work environment.

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.

Additional 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 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.

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 Elaine Snouwaert at Elaine.Snouwaert@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 Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program

The mission of the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction program is to protect Washington’s residents and environment by reducing the use of toxic chemicals, safely managing dangerous waste, preventing new contaminated sites, and cleaning up contamination.

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 Incentives (Download PDF reader), 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.

Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency.

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