Science and Engineering Unit Supervisor (Environmental Engineer 5)

Science And Engineering Unit Supervisor (Environmental Engineer 5)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Science and Engineering Unit Supervisor (Environmental Engineer 5) within the Nuclear Waste Program.

Location:

• Richland Field Office in Richland, WA.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule:

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• You may telework most of your work time; at least one day in the office per week is encouraged due to the management role.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by May 31, 2026
• This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after the date above may not be considered.

Lead the science and engineering behind one of the nation's most complex environmental cleanup efforts.

In this role, you will serve as the working supervisor for the Science and Engineering Unit within Ecology's Nuclear Waste Program, providing senior-level engineering oversight for the cleanup of the Hanford Site. This position combines licensed engineering practice, regulatory expertise, and people leadership in support of Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) cleanup and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) permitting for tank farms, waste sites, and groundwater.

You will apply advanced engineering judgment to complex cleanup and permitting issues while supervising a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers. You will work closely with the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, contractors, and internal project managers on engineering issues associated with single-shell tank waste retrieval and closure, groundwater and soil remediation, and hazardous waste permitting. This role offers a high level of collaboration and technical challenge at the scale and complexity of the Hanford Site, making it an exceptional opportunity for experienced engineers seeking impactful work.

What you will do:

• Collaborate with the U.S. Department of Energy and contractors on engineering issues related to single-shell tank waste retrieval and closure, CERCLA remedial actions, and RCRA permitting.
• Provide professional engineering review and comment on waste site cover designs, groundwater and soil remediation designs, and supporting technical documents for CERCLA units and tank farms.
• Promote coordinated and consistent remedial approaches between CERCLA and Treatment, Storage, and Disposal (TSD) units in alignment with MTCA, CERCLA, and RCRA requirements.
• Plan, assign, and oversee work of the Science and Engineering Unit; coach and mentor staff; and ensure high-quality, timely technical work products.
• Facilitate resolution of science and engineering issues by integrating staff expertise, regulatory requirements, and practical engineering solutions.
• Work closely with the Cleanup Section Manager and Project Managers, the Lead Hydrogeologist, and the Lead Chemist to ensure work is well planned, resourced, and delivered on schedule.

Learn more about what it is like to be an Engineer at the Department of Ecology

Required Qualifications:

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington, AND
• Five (5) years of experience in environmental engineering, which must include at least one (1) year of experience investigating and cleaning up contaminated sites.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must meet U.S. Department of Energy requirements to acquire and maintain a badge for access to the Hanford Site.
• Must complete initial 40-hour HAZWOPER training within six months of appointment and annual 8-hour HAZWOPER Refresher training.
• RadWorker Certification provided by U.S. Department of Energy must be obtained within six months of hire.

Desired Qualifications:

• The ability to work constructively with a wide variety of personalities.
• Experience in:
• Interpreting state and federal regulations.
• Supervising technical staff.
• Writing engineering reports and recommendations.
• Evaluating technical environmental engineering data and computations.
• Planning, promoting, and administering environmental engineering projects.
• Dangerous waste permitting and cleanup at a federal facility.

If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.

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.

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.

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.

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.

About the Nuclear Waste Program

The Nuclear Waste Program (NWP) enforces regulatory compliance and cleanup at the Hanford Site and at other facilities managing nuclear waste statewide. It also promotes public involvement, congressional and federal contact, and interstate activities in order to enhance nuclear waste management, compliance, and cleanup of the Hanford Site. This position is in NWP's Cleanup Section.

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.

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.