Air Quality Professional Engineer Permit Writer (Environmental Engineer 5)

About the role

The Department of Ecology is hiring an Air Quality Professional Engineer Permit Writer (Environmental Engineer 5) within the Air Quality Program (AQP).

Location: Central Region Office in Union Gap, WA. 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. Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the program’s professional engineering expert, providing comprehensive engineering review, technical support, mentoring, training, and consulting on Air Operating Permits and related regulations, procedures, guidance, and policy.
• Review, evaluate, and issue permits for Title IV and Title V air pollution sources, as well as applications for General Orders and minor New Source Review.
• Determine regulatory applicability, application completeness, best available control technology, and ambient air impact analyses to develop permit conditions consistent with regulatory requirements.
• Participate in site visits and inspections of industrial facilities with agency or federal compliance inspectors, and prepare for and represent the program during EPA audits of State Operating Permit Programs.

Qualifications

• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington.
• Five (5) years of engineering experience and/or education as described below:
• Technical Engineering Experience – Ability to apply advanced engineering principles to evaluate complex systems or processes to support accurate technical decisions.
• Engineering Analysis – Ability to perform detailed calculations and assessments to determine potential impacts, risks, or compliance outcomes.
• Modeling and Analytical Tools – Ability to use specialized computer models and analytical tools to predict outcomes and support sound decision-making.
• Regulation and Policy Interpretation – Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, and policies to determine requirements and ensure compliant actions or decisions.
• Permit and Document Development – Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and complete technical documents to support decisions that are consistent, enforceable, and aligned with requirements.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment

• Professional Engineer (PE) in the state of Washington.
• Note: Individuals who are licensed as professional engineers in another U.S. jurisdiction or foreign country and wish to apply for this position must qualify for licensure in Washington State by comity.

Desired Qualifications

• Air Quality Principles Knowledge – Ability to understand and apply the principles and practices of air quality control to support accurate technical and regulatory decisions.
• Regulatory Understanding – Ability to interpret federal and state air quality regulations to determine requirements and ensure consistent compliance.
• Communication Skills – Ability to communicate clearly in writing and speaking to share information, explain decisions, and support understanding among diverse audiences.
• Techical Document Review – Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex technical documents to make informed decisions and provide accurate guidance.
• Records and Data Management – Ability to maintain complete, accurate, and timely administrative and inspection records to support transparency, accountability, and program requirements.
• Multitasking and Adaptability – Ability to manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced and changing environment to meet deadlines and maintain work quality.