Salary: $55,872.00 – $73,260.00 Annually
Location: Benton County – Richland, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2022-NWP33863391-11613
Department: Dept. of Ecology
Closing Date: Continuous

Learn more about this position and apply today at Department of Ecology’s Government Jobs page.

Job Description:

Per Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14.2 (Download PDF reader), Washington State employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination as part of the hiring process, prior to their start date. Requests for medical and religious exemptions will be considered. If you have questions, please contact Careers@ecy.wa.gov with “COVID-19 vaccination” in the subject line.

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen:

The Nuclear Waste Program (NWP) is looking to fill two Dangerous Waste Underground Storage Tank Regulatory Lead (Environmental Specialist 4) (In-Training) positions. The positions will be located in our Richland Field Office (RFO) in Richland, WA. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

In this role, you will work with the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) and their contractors on two of the most challenging and rewarding units applying the WA State Dangerous Waste Permit regulations. There are collectively 177 underground tanks in the 200 Area of the Hanford Site which are either single shell tanks or double shell tanks that contain millions of gallons of waste. You will work with the USDOE in developing a series of requirements that will monitor the safe storage and closure of these tanks. The work is challenging but also rewarding to assist in the cleanup of the most polluted site in the United States.

Agency Mission: 

Ecology’s mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington’s environment and to promote the wise management of our air, land, and water for the benefit of current and future generations. 

Program Mission: 

The Nuclear Waste Program (NWP) mission is to lead the effective and efficient cleanup of the United States Department of Energy’s Hanford Site; to ensure sound management of mixed hazardous wastes in Washington; and to protect the state’s air, water, and land at and adjacent to the Hanford site.

During Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery, employees are working a combination of in-office and/or telework based on position and business need. These positions are eligible to telework up to 90% of the time. Ecology is following current state guidance regarding mask requirements, health screening questions before entry, and social distancing. Looking ahead, Ecology has recently updated the agency policies on telework and flexible and compressed work schedules. 

Application Timeline: This position will remain open until filled, with a next screening date of November 14, 2022. In order to be considered for the next screening, please submit an application on or before November 13, 2022. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

About the Department of Ecology:

Protecting Washington State’s environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We are a culture that is invested in making a difference. Join a team that is highly effective and collaborative, with leadership that embraces the value of people.

Ecology cares deeply about employee wellness; we go beyond traditional benefits, proudly offering:

  • A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
  • An Infants at Work Program that is based on the long-term health values of infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.
  • Continuous growth and development opportunities. 
  • A wellness program that offers education, fitness classes, and an agency-wide fondness for outdoor meetings.
  • Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work.

Our Commitment to DEIR:

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.

  • Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.
  • Equity: We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.
  • Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology’s work.
  • Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement. 

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. 

Duties:

What Makes These Roles Unique? The Hanford Site has a long history of developing nuclear weapons, which resulted in millions of gallons of chemical and radioactive waste being stored in underground tanks. You will have the unique role in working with the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) in permitting the safe storage of waste in these underground tanks. You will also gain experience in developing the permits for these very complex units.

What You Will Do: 

  • Lead the Nuclear Waste Program team in performing the review of application material and meeting with USDOE to resolve issues.
  • Negotiate cleanup and permit conditions with USDOE and its contractors to develop final decision documents.
  • Represent the Nuclear Waste Program in explaining the scientific basis and technical approaches for permit conditions and policies to USDOE, its contractors, and external interest groups.
  • Provide management with recommendations regarding issues with the permitting of these units.

Qualifications:

Required:

This is an In-Training position. The goal class for this position is an Environmental Specialist 4 (ES4). We will consider applicants who meet the requirements for the ES4 or the ES3 levels. If the finalist meets the requirements at the ES3 level, then they will be hired as an ES3 and will be placed in a training program to become an ES4 within a specified period of time.

At the Environmental Specialist 3 (Salary Range 49:  $4,013-$5,268 Monthly)

A total of Six (6) years of experience and/or education as described below:

  • Professional level Experience in: Environmental analysis or control or environmental planning.
  • Education: Involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field.

See chart below for a list of ways to qualify for this position:

Possible CombinationsCollege Credit Hours or Degree – As Described AboveYears of Professional Level Experience – as Described Above
Combination 1No college credit hours or degree6 years of experience
Combination 2I have 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter credits.5 years of experience
Combination 3I have 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter credits (AA degree).4 years of experience
Combination 4I have 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter credits.3 years of experience
Combination 5A Bachelor’s Degree2 years of experience
Combination 6A Master’s Degree1 year of experience
Combination 7A Ph.D.0 years of experience

OR

One year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 2, at the Department of Ecology.

At the Environmental Specialist 4 (goal class) (Salary Range 55: $4,656-$6,105 Monthly)

A total of Nine (9) years of experience and/or education as described below:

  • Professional level Experience in: Environmental analysis or control or environmental planning.
  • Education: Involving major a study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field.

See chart below for a list of ways to qualify for this position:

Possible CombinationsCollege Credit Hours or Degree – As Described AboveYears of Professional Level Experience – as Described Above
Combination 1No college credit hours or degree9 years of experience
Combination 2I have 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter credits.8 years of experience
Combination 3I have 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter credits (AA degree).7 years of experience
Combination 4I have 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter credits.6 years of experience
Combination 5A Bachelor’s Degree5 years of experience
Combination 6A Master’s Degree3 year of experience
Combination 7A Ph.D.2 years of experience

OR 

Two years of experience as an Environmental Specialist 3, at the Department of Ecology.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

  • This position requires meeting the U.S. Department of Energy requirements for acquiring a badge for access to the Hanford site within 6 months. Information about obtaining the Hanford Badge Real ID (Download PDF reader) Real ID information from the Department of Licensing. 
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. 
  • Must be able to work safely in environments where potential exposure to industrial dangerous waste chemicals, dust and noise levels, and low levels of radioactivity might occur. 
  • Must be able to wear safety clothing and equipment, up to and including Level C, as defined in the OSHA 40-hour Hazardous Waste Training requirements. 
  • Must be able to complete HAZWOPER training and Ecology field safety training within one year of employment. 
  • Must complete U.S. DOE Radiation Worker 1 work training prior to any field oversight or inspections of radiation controlled areas such as in the Double Shell tank farms. 

Desired Questions:

We highly encourage you to apply even if you do not have some (or all) of the desired experience below.

  • Knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of environmental remediation.  
  • Demonstrated knowledge of principles and practices of environmental regulations and guidance related to the permitting 
  • Ability to provide technical direction to professional staff for studies or projects; provide final review for technical reports, permit evaluations, and conclusions reached by professional staff; work effectively with other government officials, the regulated community, and stakeholders on complex or controversial environmental issues or problems.

Note: Having some (or all) of this desired experience may make your application more competitive in a highly competitive applicant pool.

Supplemental Information:

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 candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Need an accommodation in the application and/or screening process or this job announcement in an alternative format?

  • Please call: (360) 407-6186 or email: careers@ecy.wa.gov and we will be happy to assist.
  • If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can reach the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
  • If you need assistance applying for this job, please e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not send an email to this address to follow-up on the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile’s main page.
  • If you are reading this announcement in print format, please enter the following URL to your search engine to apply: https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/Jobs-at-Ecology.   

Application Instructions:

It’s in the applicant’s best interest to submit all of the documents listed below. Applications without these documents may be declined.

  • A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position.
  • A resume outlining your experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to the minimum qualifications of this position.
  • Three professional references.

Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.

For Your Privacy:

When attaching documents to your application (such as Resume, Cover Letter, Transcripts, DD-214, etc.):

  • Please be sure to remove private information such as your social security number, date of birth, etc. 
  • Do not attach documents that are password-protected, as these documents may not be reviewed and may cause errors within your application when downloaded. 

Additional Application Instructions for Current Ecology Employees: 

Please make sure to answer the agency-wide questions regarding permanent status as a classified employee within the Washington General Service or Washington Management Service. Do not forget to select Department of Ecology as a response to question 2 and type your personnel ID number for question 3. If you are not sure of your status or do not know your personnel ID number, please contact Human Resources.

Application Attestation: 

The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of your application or dismissal if employed. 

Other Information:

If you have specific questions about the position, please email Nina Menard at Nina.Menard@ecy.wa.gov.  Please do not contact Nina to inquire about the status of your application. 

To request the full position description: email careers@ecy.wa.gov

Why work for Ecology?

As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington’s environment for current and future generations. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.

Joining Ecology means becoming a part of a team committed to protecting and restoring Washington State’s environment. A career in public service 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.

Ecology employees may be eligible for the following:

Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver,  Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP),  Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth 

*See the Benefits tab in this announcement for more information 

Student Debt: How Working for Ecology Can Help:
The Department of Ecology is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Forgiveness Program (PSLF). See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.

To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.
Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.   

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. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 407-6186. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

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.