Fluorinated Gas Section Lead Compliance Specialist (Environmental Specialist 5)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Fluorinated Gas Section Lead Compliance Specialist (Environmental Specialist 5) within the Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP).

This position can be based at any of the following duty stations. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the selected duty station.

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.
• Central Region Office in Union Gap, WA.
• Eastern Region Office in Spokane, WA.
• Northwest Region Office in Shoreline, WA.
• Southwest Region Office in Lacey, WA.

Note: If the selected duty station is the Northwest Region Office in Shoreline, the salary will include an additional 5% premium pay due to its location in King County. Salary range: $6,571 - $8,835 monthly.

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.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by January 6, 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

As the Fluorinated Gas Section Lead Compliance Specialist, you will serve as Washington's technical authority on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and other fluorinated gases, providing advanced scientific, regulatory, and analytical expertise to support the implementation of Washington’s F-gas laws and rules. Working within the F-gas Section Implementation Unit, you will maintain deep knowledge of Washington's F-gas laws, rules, and policies, and applicable federal regulations to develop, interpret, and refine regulatory language and program guidance. You will collaborate with other program staff, Washington State agencies such as the Department of Health and the Department of Commerce, as well as the regulated community to ensure consistent statewide compliance, address regulatory issues, and contribute to the development of policies, procedures, and tools that strengthen F-gas oversight and reduction. 

Your expertise will directly inform Washington’s F-gas reduction strategies, advance the transition to climate-friendly technologies, and support the implementation of laws that protect people and the environment. 

What you will do:

• Serve as Washington’s technical authority on HFCs and other F-gases, providing expert guidance on state and federal regulations, rule language interpretation, and compliance expectations.
• Lead the development of technical policies, rule updates, guidance documents, and standard operating procedures to support consistent implementation of Washington's regulation on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and other fluorinated greenhouse gases (WAC 173-443) and related legislation.
• Advise program leadership on complex and sensitive regulatory issues, contribute to enforcement discussions, and recommend improvements to enhance rule clarity and effectiveness.
• Deliver technical presentations on proposed and adopted F-gas rules during public meetings with the regulated community, Tribal organizations, public officials, and other affected entities, and represent the agency on national or multi-state organizations (such as the US Climate Alliance).
• Provide expert-level technical assistance and customer service for the regulated community requiring expert scientific knowledge.
• Train inspectors and other compliance specialists in the section on the implementation of manufacturer requirements, prohibitions, and refrigerant management program teams. Create training modules and standard operating procedures to carry out this work.
• Conduct and apply research on refrigerant technology, national and international regulatory changes, alternative refrigerants, and opportunities to further reduce F-gas use in Washington.
• Use advanced computer programs, e.g. GIS and disparity index tools, to analyze, map, interpret, and disseminate complex resource information.
• Serve as the business lead for Washington's refrigerant management program (RMP) database updates, collaborating with IT teams to refine system functionality, develop business rules, and ensure accurate data management.

Qualifications

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

Ten years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Experience performing environmental-based work, OR work related to the duties of the position, that includes experience in all of the following:
  • Regulatory or Compliance - Interpreting or implementing environmental, chemical, or industrial regulations. Experience providing compliance assistance, regulatory guidance, or supporting enforcement activities.
  • Scientific/Technical Analysis - Conducting technical or scientific analysis related to refrigerants, greenhouse gases, air quality, climate policy, chemical management, or a similar field. Experience reviewing scientific literature or analyzing complex technical information.
  • Communication & Engagement - Translating complex technical information into clear, accessible language for non-technical audiences. Experience preparing guidance documents, SOPs, reports, or presenting technical information to interested parties or the public.
  • Collaboration & Project Coordination - Working effectively with interdisciplinary teams, multiple agencies, and diverse interested parties. Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple technical tasks or projects.
  • Leadership - Demonstrating the ability to guide others, influence outcomes, and hold yourself accountable for results.
• Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:
  • Conducting, administering, or responding to environmental and/or safety compliance inspections; environmental compliance; or as a lead field inspector following, managing, and creating standard operating procedures (SOPs) for environmental and/or safety compliance inspections.
  • Acting as team lead or project coordinator, delegating tasks, tracking progress of the project, and providing guidance and leadership to a team doing the same work.
  • Using critical / analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to make decisions or determine a course of action.
  • Reviewing / assessing information and data to draw conclusions and recommending decisions or actions.
  • Conducting research and performing data analysis on both qualitative and quantitative data.
    
• Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning, or an academic discipline related to the duties of the position.

Examples of how to qualify:

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

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of issues affecting air quality and climate change.
• Expert-level knowledge of state / federal refrigerant reduction programs.
• Expert-level working knowledge of WAC 173-443 (hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and other fluorinated greenhouse gases).
• Ability to explain basic chemistry and regulatory processes to a variety of audiences and education levels.

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

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 Tamara Dumitrescu at Tamara.Dumitrescu@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 Climate Pollution Reduction Program’s (CPRP) mission is to implement policies and programs to reduce carbon emissions in the state of Washington so that the state meets its statutory greenhouse gas emission limits. We focus on long term, creative, and strategic decision making to achieve broad statewide success by reducing carbon emissions, so residents have a healthy environment and climate. The F-Gas Section Lead Compliance Specialist will directly work to protect and improve the climate as the state’s expert in reducing hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and other fluorinated gas emissions throughout Washington State, thereby reducing the impact of potent global warming pollutants. This position plays a key role in reducing emissions and improving air quality throughout Washington state.

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 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.

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.

State of Washington Job Opportunities | Work that Matters