Voluntary Cleanup Program Site Manager (Hydrogeologist 3) Two Positions

State of Washington•Thurston County – Lacey, WA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Ecology is hiring two Voluntary Cleanup Program Site Managers (Hydrogeologist 3) within the Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP). This role involves managing cleanup projects that enroll in the Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP), ensuring cleanups meet the requirements of the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA). The position requires evaluating complex geologic and environmental data, guiding consultants and property owners toward technically sound cleanup actions, and helping move contaminated sites to closure. The role is based in the Southwest Region Office in Lacey, WA, with eligibility for telework and flexible schedule options, requiring a minimum of one day every other week in the office.

Requirements

Possession of a valid Washington State Geologist license and Hydrogeologist Specialty license
Seven years of experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist or closely allied profession.
Experience reviewing environmental cleanup investigations and applying state cleanup regulations to support compliance and sound regulatory decisions.
Skill in managing multiple contaminated-site projects, coordinating work plans and schedules, and ensuring steady progress toward cleanup completion.
Ability to interpret geologic, hydrogeologic, and environmental data to evaluate site conditions and confirm that investigations are sufficient for decision-making.
Strong technical writing skills, including preparing clear, defensible reports, letters, and regulatory determinations.
Effective at working collaboratively with property owners, consultants, local governments, community members, and internal teams to resolve project issues.
Experience evaluating field investigation activities, sampling plans, and data-quality practices, and maintaining accurate site records.
Ability to mentor junior staff and contribute to team consistency through peer review and knowledge-sharing.
Major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology or closely allied field.
Possession of a Washington State Geologist license.

Nice To Haves

Washington State Hydrogeologist Specialty License (or ability to obtain).
OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER training with current 8-hour refresher.
Demonstrated ability to analyze complex environmental, geologic, and regulatory information to develop clear, well-supported cleanup recommendations consistent with Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA), Underground Storage Tank (UST) regulations, and related environmental laws.
Strong ability to convey complex technical and regulatory concepts clearly in writing and verbally to support understanding, navigate challenging interactions, and guide cleanup progress.
Experience working constructively with property owners, consultants, local governments, and agency staff to identify and resolve sensitive or complicated technical issues.
Experience providing technical guidance, peer review, or mentorship that strengthens team capability and supports consistent, science-based cleanup decisions.
Proficiency managing contaminated site cleanup projects and using relevant software tools (e.g., Visio, Adobe applications, statistical tools, groundwater modeling platforms) to enhance the clarity, efficiency, and defensibility of technical evaluations.

Responsibilities

Review and evaluate technical reports, sampling data, work plans, scopes of work, and corrective-action proposals to identify regulatory compliance, data adequacy, and next steps for contaminated sites.
Conduct and document initial investigations and site hazard assessments, including data analysis, contamination evaluation, and preparation of clear written recommendations and assessment reports.
Provide technical oversight and geologic/hydrogeologic review of complex cleanup sites, including evaluating field activities, monitoring-well installation, and environmental sampling plans.
Prepare technical correspondence, opinion letters, regulatory determinations, and other cleanup documentation that clearly communicates requirements and supports cleanup progress.
Collaborate with property owners, consultants, community members, and local or state agencies to address technical issues, communicate expectations, and support productive, solution-focused interactions.
Offer technical assistance and mentorship to junior staff, contribute to peer reviews, and participate in program workgroups, planning efforts, and policy review as needed.
Maintain accurate site records and ensure timely data submittations and document uploads in agency databases to support tracking, reporting, and regulatory decision-making.