Columbia Basin Compliance Unit Supervisor; WMS

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).

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

• 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.

• 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.

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.

• Unit Leadership & Strategic Alignment
  :
  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
  :
  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
  :
  Plan and track the unit’s inspections of hazardous waste generators, transporters, and receiving facilities across both the ERO and CRO regions.
• Enforcement Oversight
  :
  Guide the team through the complexities of preparing, issuing, and tracking formal enforcement actions, including administrative orders, penalties, and expedited enforcement offers.
• Legal & Program Liaison
  :
  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
  :
  Represent the unit within the Compliance Network, collaborating on statewide policies and procedures while influencing the recommendations brought to Program Management. 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
  :
  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
  :
  Explore innovative ways to share workloads through local and state agency government partnerships to ensure efficient use of state resources.

• Combined total of 8 years of experience and/or education.
• 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…