242-A Evaporator Regulatory Lead (Environmental Specialist 4)

242-A Evaporator Regulatory Lead (Environmental Specialist 4)

Salary: $67,992.00 - $91,464.00 Annually Location: Benton County - Richland, WA Job Type: Full Time - Permanent Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid Job Number: 2026-NWP2416-01262 Department: Dept. of Ecology Division: Nuclear Waste Opening Date: 03/09/2026 Closing Date: Continuous

Salary Information The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description 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 March 23, 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.

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.

What you will do:

• 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.

Qualifications For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications: 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.
• Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:
• Regulatory Knowledge and Application: Ability to interpret and apply environmental laws, regulations, and policies to ensure compliance and support informed, defensible decision-making.
• Permit Development, Negotiation, and Oversight: Ability to develop, review, negotiate, and manage permits to ensure regulated activities meet all applicable requirements.
• 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.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid drivers 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.

Desired Qualifications:

• 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.

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.

Supplemental Information Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Our Commitment to DEIRDiversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecologys 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.

Application Process 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.

How 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.

For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.

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.

Need an Accommodation? If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:

• Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or careers@ecy.wa.gov
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.

Questions? For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Moises Guevara at Moises.Guevara@ecy.wa.gov If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at careers@ecy.wa.gov

About the Nuclear Waste Program The Nuclear Waste Program enforces regulatory compliance and oversees cleanup at the Hanford Site and other facilities managing nuclear waste statewide. It also promotes public involvement, congressional and federal contact, and interstate activities to enhance nuclear waste management, compliance, and cleanup of the Hanford Site.

About the Department of Ecology As the State of Washington's environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting