Environmental Engineer (I, II, III)

Job Title : Environmental Engineer (I, II, III)

Reports to : Environmental Manager

Grade: 3 ($65,000-$92,500) to 4 ($87,500-$122,500)

The Position

Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) is seeking an Environmental Engineer to provide technical and regulatory support for environmental compliance at our integrated pulp and paper mill in Port Townsend, WA. This position reports directly to the Environmental Manager.

The role may be filled at one of three levels based on qualifications and experience:

• Environmental Engineer I (Junior Environmental Engineer)
• Environmental Engineer II
• Environmental Engineer III (Senior Environmental Engineer)

The Environmental Engineer supports assigned environmental compliance programs, which may include air quality, wastewater, stormwater, and waste management, depending on mill needs. Assignments may shift between programs over time.

About Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC)

The Port Townsend Paper mill has been in continuous operation for more than 90 years. We use a blend of virgin and recycled fibers to produce Kraft pulp, containerboard, medium, and market pulp, and have built strong customer relationships through long-term partnerships.

At PTPC, we prioritize a healthy and safe work environment by managing risk and embedding safety into all processes and procedures. We strive to preserve the environment, support our community, and maintain a workplace where many employees have built long, fulfilling careers, with numerous staff reaching 20, 25, 30, and even 35 years of service.

About the Role

Environmental Engineers identify, evaluate, and resolve environmental compliance challenges by applying technical knowledge, regulatory expertise, and operational insight. The role involves:

• Supporting compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Partnering with mill operations, maintenance, and environmental staff
• Supporting continuous improvement in environmental systems

This position focuses on engineering oversight, compliance strategy, and program management, rather than routine lab testing or sample collection.

Job Responsibilities

• Understand the mill's Safety, Environmental, and Quality objectives and how your decisions affect the mill's ability to perform.
• Manage and support assigned environmental compliance programs (air, water, stormwater, waste).
• Manage permit-related tasks including recordkeeping, data analysis, reporting, project repairs, permit penalties and fee payments, purchase requisitions, and equipment orders.
• Track environmental project expenses and process payments for.
• Serve as PTPC's designated preparer or responsible engineer for assigned environmental programs and communicate with regulatory agencies such as EPA, Washington Ecology, and Jefferson County.
• Provide technical guidance to operations and leadership on environmental performance, risk, and compliance.
• Maintain environmental records, reporting tools, and technical documentation.
• Support and Manage investigations of permit excursions, environmental complaints, or incidents.
• Participate in audits, inspections, and regulatory agency interactions.
• Investigate and respond to odor/opacity complaints.
• Support Environmental Management System (EMS) development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support mill safety, housekeeping, and environmental improvement programs.
• Provide off-hours or on-call support during mill emergencies, absences, environmental incidents, or scheduled shutdowns as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
• Ability to analyze complex problems and implement practical solutions.
• Strong technical communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to organize and present technical data clearly.
• Professionalism in high-pressure or time-sensitive situations.
• Comfortable working in industrial environments.

Proficient with Microsoft Office and environmental reporting tools.

Qualifications by Level

Level 1 - Junior Environmental Engineer

• Bachelor's degree in environmental, Civil, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• Entry-level to early-career experience in environmental compliance or industrial operations.

Level 2 - Environmental Engineer

• Bachelor's degree in environmental, Civil, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering required
• 3-7 years of environmental compliance experience in an industrial or manufacturing setting.
• Working knowledge of air and/or water compliance programs.

Level 3 - Senior Environmental Engineer

• Bachelor's degree in environmental, Civil, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering required; Master's degree preferred
• Minimum 5+ years of progressive environmental compliance experience, preferably in pulp & paper or heavy industry.
• Advanced knowledge of air and/or water regulatory programs.
• Demonstrated experience leading regulatory interactions and complex compliance programs.

Preferred Certifications (Role Dependent)

• Wastewater Operator certification
• Landfill operations certification
• AHERA Building Inspection certification

Employment Terms

• Full-time, Exempt position
• Salary range: $87,500-$122,500
• Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance.
• 3 weeks paid vacation.
• 9 paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

• Retirement plan.
• Employee Assistance coverage with full services, including dietary and nutritional services, retirement planning, and support services.
• In compliance with the Immigration and Naturalization Act, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.
• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Port Townsend Paper Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. We are a drug-free workplace.