Lead Ust Facility Assessor (Environmental Specialist 5)

Salary: $5,900.00 - $7,932.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2023-PLIA-019
Department: Pollution Liability Insurance
Opening Date: 12/27/2023
Closing Date: 1/10/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Schedule and Salary:

• A hybrid/flexible shift is available. Office core hours are 8AM-5PM.
• The annual salary range of compensation for this position is dependent upon qualifications, although the expected hiring salary will typically be less than the top of the range, to allow for growth and development movement.
• Frequent in-state travel required, some overnight travel is anticipated as well as occasional travel to attend meeting sites, or project sites to assist staff, arrange meetings, training, etc.

Who we are:The Pollution Liability Insurance Agency (PLIA) provides an effective and efficient government funding model that helps owners and operators of underground storage tanks (USTs) meet financial responsibility and environmental cleanup requirements. PLIA has a team of dedicated professionals committed to open collaboration, innovative thinking, and delivering high quality service, to ensure success in meeting our mission.
What you will be doing:
You will support the agency mission by serving as the lead Facility Assessor for the Financial Assurance (FA) Program. You will provide expert-level technical consultation, oversight, and aid to underground storage tank (UST) owners and operators. You will be collecting and analyzing information for use by the FA Program in annual fee and deductible determination and providing advanced analysis and recommendations for the agency to improve program best practices. You will also be independently developing, implementing, and overseeing training opportunities for PLIA site assessors and staff. You will be ensuring the proper implementation of state regulations and standards, providing highly specialized and practical solutions to common issues relating to tank systems across the state. You will ensure the agency fulfills its goal of providing thorough assessments and innovative recommendations for the maintenance and improvement of oil tank systems throughout the state.
Duties
What you will be doing:

• Complete specialized facility assessments, environmental investigations, feasibility studies, and review specialized cleanup action plans for accuracy and compliance with state regulations.
• Draft, revise, and establish best practices for the FA Program in coordination with supervisor.
• Make specialized technical recommendations to senior staff regarding the implementation of the agency's technical assistance program.
• Develop, instruct, and refine highly specialized training and development opportunities for PLIA Site Assessors for each region across the state.
• Review application materials for accuracy and completeness and correspond with program applicants.
• Provide primary assistance to the agency's Legislative and Policy Manager with the development of program rules and policies.
• Provide technical insight and support for the development and communication of legislative proposals.
• Independently evaluate claims filed under the HOIP program to determine claim eligibility and ensure validated claims comply with program policies.

Qualifications
NOTE: Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education with the following:
REQUIRED:
A valid driver's license.
AND
A Bachelor's degree involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field
AND
Six years of professional level experience in environmental analysis or control, or environmental planning, which includes two years equal to an Environmental Specialist 3 or above.
OR
A Master's degree in one of the above fields
AND
Four years of professional- level experience as required above which includes two years equal to an Environmental Specialist 3 or above.
OR
A Ph.D. in one of the above fields
AND
Three years of professional-level experience as required above which includes two years equal to an Environmental Specialist 3 or above.
OR
One year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 4.
And the following competencies:

• Knowledge of planning principles, techniques, current trends, environmental laws, policies and programs.
• Knowledge of governmental administrative structure at local and state levels.
• Excellent working knowledge of the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) and/or soil remediation methods for contaminated site cleanups.
• Possess excellent communications skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to evaluate information obtained and make definitive decisions in compliance with state requirements.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to deal well with stress and difficult clients.
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable rules, regulations, and policies.
• Ability to establish and enhance collaborative working relationships with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality and ethical behavior at all times.
• Ability to learn and understand the language and concepts of our agency's culture and commit to being a part of creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable, respectful and inclusive workplace.
• Demonstrate a commitment to growth, learning and self-awareness when provided training and opportunities to participate in improving our work environment.
• Participate and behave in a manner that creates trust and builds working relationships, promoting teamwork and collaboration in the work environment.
• Demonstrate the understanding that all people are valued; contribute to an equitable, inclusive and respectful environment when working with members of the group, team, organization or community.
• Commit to being an active participant in continually evaluating and improving strategies that promote equity and inclusion in our organization.
• Able to learn and understand the language and concepts of our DES DEI culture and commit to being a part of creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable, respectful and inclusive workplace.
• Demonstrate a commitment to growth, learning and self-awareness when provided training and opportunities to participate in improving our work environment.
• Participate and behave in a manner that creates trust and builds working relationships, promoting teamwork and collaboration in the work environment.
• Demonstrate the understanding that all people are valued; contribute to an equitable, inclusive and respectful environment when working with members of the group, team, organization or community.
• Commit to being an active participant in continually evaluating and improving strategies that promote equity and inclusion in our organization.
• Model and champion our culture and values; cultivates a shared, strategic vision; develops people; drives results; fosters learning; builds relationships; fosters teamwork and collaboration; communicates effectively; makes things happen as a public servant; leads and navigates change; embraces and embeds inclusion in decision making.

PREFERRED:

• Experience in serving, communicating, and interacting with diverse individuals and groups.

Supplemental Information
READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS COMPLETELY:
Please attach the following documents to be considered for the position. Failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

• A letter of interest that shows your personality and voice to describe why you are the most successful candidate and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position
• A current resume, detailing experience, and education
• A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)

NOTE: The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the "duties summary" section of your application in Careers.wa.gov, completeness of the application material submitted, and the supplemental questionnaire. A resume will not substitute for completing the "duties summary" section of the application. Responses to the supplemental questionnaire regarding work experience must be reflected in the "duties summary" section of the application.
**IMPORTANT: If you think you do not qualify, please consider again. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At PLIA, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.
Opportunity for all:
PLIA celebrates differences and is committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.
Contact Information:
Persons with a disability who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the
Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact Angie Anderson at (360) 407-8446 or
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. That's 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.