The Position
Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) is seeking an Environmental Technician I to join our on-site environmental team at our mill in Port Townsend, WA. This position reports directly to the Environmental Manager and provides hands-on support for the mill’s environmental compliance programs.
This position supports environmental compliance through routine field inspections, recordkeeping, sampling, laboratory testing, data analysis, and reporting. The role works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and other mill personnel to ensure permit requirements are met and environmental issues are identified and resolved promptly.
There is opportunity for growth within the Environmental Technician role, with the potential to advance to Environmental Technician II or III as experience and qualifications are developed.
About Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC)
The Port Townsend Paper ("PTPC") mill is proud to have been in continuous operation for more than 90 years. We use a blend of virgin and recycled fibers (Kraft and OCC pulp) to produce Kraft pulp, paper, containerboard, medium, and market pulp. We have built a strong and loyal customer base by developing and nurturing strategic partnership-style relationships.
At PTPC, we believe that a healthy and safe work environment is fundamental to the success of all employees. We put that belief into practice every day by managing risk and building safety reliability into our processes and procedures. Engaging and empowering our workforce to maintain world-class safety performance is the pathway to achieving operational excellence. We also strive to preserve the environment, be good neighbors, and remain a valued member of the local community. Many of our employees have enjoyed working at PTPC for the greater part of their careers; we have employees with 20, 25, 30, even 35 years of service.
Job Responsibilities
Environmental Compliance Inspections
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Conduct environmental compliance inspections required by permits, plans, procedures, and regulatory programs, ensuring inspections are completed within required frequencies and properly documented.
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Conduct NPDES/BMP inspections in accordance with the mill's NPDES permit and required Best Management Practices (BMP) Plan, including field observations, documentation of findings, photographs where appropriate, and identification of conditions requiring corrective action.
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Conduct monthly SPCC inspections in accordance with the facility's Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan. Document inspection findings and assist with tracking deficiencies and corrective actions through completion.
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Conduct monthly NCG/Condensate inspections and associated compliance documentation.
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Conduct annual NCG/Condensate system inspections using a TVA meter or other approved monitoring equipment. Record monitoring results, identify potential leaks or deficiencies, and document required follow-up actions.
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Assist with quarterly ASB condensate sampling, including sample collection, field measurements, sample documentation, chain-of-custody preparation, and coordination with laboratory personnel as required.
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Conduct fuel and operations testing, including:
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Daily and quarterly landfill waste testing and/or characterization activities.
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Heavy black liquor solids testing.
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Recovery-related process/environmental testing.
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Lime availability testing.
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Liquor Total Suspended Solids (TSS) testing.
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Other routine environmental or operational testing as assigned.
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Perform quarterly ASB/condensate sampling and semi-annual sludge level measurements.
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Conduct weekly waste inspections of designated waste accumulation, storage, and management areas to verify compliance with applicable facility procedures and regulatory requirements.
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Prepare and maintain waste characterization and profiling documentation for materials being shipped offsite for treatment, recycling, or disposal.
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Support odor investigations and community complaint response, including conducting odor investigations, documenting observations, recording weather and wind conditions, identifying potential sources, reviewing relevant operating conditions, and maintaining investigation records.
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Document and track corrective actions resulting from environmental inspections, including identified deficiencies, responsible departments/personnel, required actions, target completion dates, follow-up inspections, and verification of completion.
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Participate in training, cross-training, and professional development to maintain regulatory compliance and safety certifications.
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Cross-train and serve as backup support to the Air Rotation and Water Rotation Technicians.
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Support continuous improvement of the mill's environmental programs by identifying recurring deficiencies, inspection trends, and opportunities to improve environmental performance, documentation, and compliance.
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Perform other environmental compliance, sampling, inspection, testing, documentation, and field-support duties as assigned by the Environmental Manager.
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Waste management and reduction: sample mill wastes, coordinate off-site disposal, monitor hazardous waste generation, and conduct inspections.
Coverage Expectation
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Employees are expected to provide coverage for absences, vacations, and other temporary gaps for Environmental Technician roles. This includes performing field work, laboratory tasks, inspections, sampling, and reporting as needed to ensure uninterrupted environmental compliance operations.
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As trained and qualified, employees may occasionally provide support for higher-level environmental activities during temporary staffing needs or absences.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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Organize work effectively, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
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Apply critical thinking and sound judgment to solve problems and make decisions independently.
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Perform mathematical calculations and accurately interpret technical information and data.
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Follow written and verbal instructions and retain information related to procedures, processes, and regulatory requirements.
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Communicate technical information clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
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Maintain accurate and detailed records, reports, and other compliance documentation.
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Exercise attention to detail when conducting inspections, collecting samples, performing testing, and documenting results.
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Remain professional and composed when handling stressful, unexpected, or time-sensitive situations.
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Work independently while recognizing when issues require additional direction or support.
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Use computer systems, spreadsheets, databases, and other technology required to complete environmental and administrative tasks.
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Learn and apply environmental regulations, permit requirements, mill processes, and company procedures.
Qualifications
Level 1 –Environmental Compliance Technician
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High school diploma required; coursework or training in environmental science, chemistry, or laboratory methods preferred.
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Entry-level or limited experience in environmental compliance, laboratory work, or industrial operations.
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At least one year of experience working in a heavy industrial environment preferred.
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Strong quantitative, organizational, and computer skills.
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Willingness to learn industrial processes and regulatory requirements.
Employment Terms
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Full Time, non-exempt position
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Salary Range: $50,000 to $70,000 DOE
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Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance
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Paid time off, 9 holidays, and 1 personal holiday day
- Retirement plan with 4% match plus an additional 2% annual contribution
Employment is contingent on authorization to work in the United States and successful completion of a background check.
Port Townsend Paper Company is an equal opportunity employer. We are a drug free workplace.
