Science and Engineering Unit Supervisor (Environmental Engineer 5)

Washington State Department of Ecology; Richland (WA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)

Paid leave and holidays

Tuition waiver

Flexible spending account

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Ecology is seeking a Science and Engineering Unit Supervisor (Environmental Engineer 5) for the Nuclear Waste Program in Richland, WA. This role involves leading teams for the cleanup of the Hanford Site, overseeing engineering projects, and collaborating with various agencies. Candidates must be a registered engineer in Washington with five years of environmental engineering experience. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage, retirement plans, and paid leave.

Qualifications

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in Washington or equivalent.
• Experience investigating and cleaning up contaminated sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead regulatory oversight for cleanup of the Hanford Site.
• Manage a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers.
• Collaborate on engineering issues related to waste retrieval.
• Oversee work of the Science and Engineering Unit.

Skills

Environmental engineering experience

Regulatory interpretation

Supervising technical staff

Engineering report writing

Data evaluation

Education

Professional Engineer registration

5 years of environmental engineering experience

Job description

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. 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.

Duties

Lead the science, engineering, and regulatory oversight for the cleanup of the Hanford Site, including Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) cleanup and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) permitting for tank farms, waste sites, and groundwater. Manage a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers, working closely with the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, contractors, and internal project managers on single‑shell tank waste retrieval and closure, groundwater and soil remediation, and hazardous waste permitting.

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.

Required Qualifications

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or an equivalent registration in another state.
• Five (5) years of environmental engineering experience, including at least one (1) year of experience investigating and cleaning up contaminated sites.

Desired Qualifications

• 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 and administering environmental engineering projects, and dangerous waste permitting and cleanup at a federal facility.

Special 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.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee and dependents.
• Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and other leave.
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Tuition waiver.
• Long-term disability and life insurance.
• Deferred compensation and dependent care assistance.
• Flexible spending account and employee assistance program.
• Commuter trip reduction incentives.

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, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.