242-A Evaporator Regulatory Lead (Environmental Specialist 4)

State of Washington • Benton County – Richland, WA

37d • Hybrid

About The Position

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen The Department of Ecology is hiring a 242-A Evaporator Regulatory Lead (Environmental Specialist 4) within the Tank Waste Treatment Section of 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. A minimum of one in-office day per week and two site visits per month are required. Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change. Application Timeline: Apply by July 20, 2026 Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed. Duties In this role, you will oversee permitting and regulatory compliance for the 242-A Evaporator, a key system for handling high-level and highly toxic waste at the Hanford Site. You will be responsible for leading a team of engineers and chemists, reviewing technical documents, developing permit requirements, and collaborating directly with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other agencies. You will address complex environmental challenges, guide regulatory decisions, and play a central role in the cleanup of one of the nation’s most challenging nuclear waste sites. This position is ideal for someone with strong regulatory expertise, experience in technical review and permitting, and the ability to coordinate across multiple organizations. You will gain valuable experience in nuclear waste management, environmental compliance, and public engagement while supporting critical regulatory work that protects Washington’s environment now and for the future.

Requirements

• Nine (9) years of experience and/or education as described below:
• Experience performing environmental-based work OR work related to the duties of the position that includes at least two of the following:
• Reviewing and interpreting technical or regulatory documents, reports, or applications for compliance, accuracy, and completeness.
• Developing, implementing, or overseeing technical procedures, policies, or permits.
• Coordinating multi-disciplinary teams or technical specialists to achieve compliance and/or complete project goals.
• Communicating, presenting, or negotiating technical or regulatory information to external agencies, contractors, or the public.
• Demonstrated competence in Regulatory Knowledge and Application: Ability to interpret and apply environmental laws, regulations, and policies to ensure compliance and support informed, defensible decision-making.
• Demonstrated competence in Permit Development, Negotiation, and Oversight: Ability to develop, review, negotiate, and manage permits to ensure regulated activities meet all applicable requirements.
• Demonstrated competence in Technical Guidance: Ability to lead, mentor, and coordinate technical staff while providing expert guidance to support consistent, high-quality regulatory decisions and program outcomes.
• Using critical / analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to make decisions or determine a course of action.
• Reviewing / assessing information and data to draw conclusions and recommending decisions or actions.
• Conducting research and performing data analysis on both qualitative and quantitative data.
• Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning; or an academic discipline related to the duties of the position.
• Examples of how to qualify:
• 9 years of experience.
• 8 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 7 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 6 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 5 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• 3 years of experience AND a Master’s degree or higher.
• 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 40-hour HAZWOPER training within six months of appointment and annual refreshers

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of tank waste systems and RCRA regulations: Understanding of tank systems, treatment processes, and hazardous/mixed waste permitting to support regulatory review and oversight.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the development, review, and compliance of the 242-A Evaporator permit to ensure adherence to state and federal regulations, including RCRA, air, and hazardous waste requirements.
• Review technical documents and operational data to develop regulatory strategies, alternative approaches, and permit conditions.
• Negotiate permit requirements, cleanup conditions, and variance requests with DOE, contractors, EPA, and other agencies, ensuring alignment with the Tri-Party Agreement.
• Lead and coordinate a team of engineers and chemists, providing guidance on technical reviews, off-normal events, and compliance issues.
• Conduct site visits and field oversight to verify compliance with permits and environmental regulations.
• Respond to public comments and present technical information clearly in meetings and briefings.
• Provide regulatory expertise and testimony as needed for permit decisions or related legal proceedings.
• Coordinate with the Double-Shell Tank Systems regulatory team to support integrated coverage of connected waste systems.

Benefits

• 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
• Combined Fund Drive
• SmartHealth
• Personal protective equipment will be provided by the program along with reimbursement for required footwear.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior