Remote Ecological Modeling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $98,064.00 - $131,868.00 Annually
Location : Yakima County - Union Gap, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-AQ3424-05320
Department: Dept. of Ecology
Division: Air Quality
Opening Date: 06/26/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring an Air Quality Professional Engineer Permit Writer (Environmental Engineer 5)within the (AQP).
Location:

• Central Region Office in
• 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.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by July 12, 2026.
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties
You will 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. You will 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. You will determine regulatory applicability, application completeness, best available control technology, and ambient air impact analyses to develop permit conditions consistent with regulatory requirements. You will participate in site visits and inspections of industrial facilities with agency or federal compliance inspectors, and you will prepare for and represent the program during EPA audits of State Operating Permit Programs.
What you will do:

• 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.
• Prepare for, and represent the program, during audits of State Operating Permit Programs by EPA.

Learn more about what it is like to be an Engineer at the Department of Ecology
Qualifications
For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our
Required Qualifications:
Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington.
And
Five (5) years of engineering experience and/or education as described below:
Experience and/or education must also include:

• 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. Applicants are responsible for reviewing and ensuring they meet Washington's comity requirements before submitting application materials.
Licensing requirements can be found on the Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors website:
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.
• Technical 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.

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
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
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
• 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 Will Strand at
• 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

Air Quality Program Mission: To equitably protect and improve air quality for all of Washington.
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: , , *, *, , , & , , , , , , , *Click here for more information
To learn more about Ecology, please visit our , explore , check out our , and connect with us on , , , , or our
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.
#LI-Hybrid
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 prog