Voluntary Cleanup Program Site Manager (Hydrogeologist 3) Two Positions

Voluntary Cleanup Program Site Managers (Hydrogeologist
3)

The Department of Ecology is hiring two Voluntary Cleanup Program Site Managers (Hydrogeologist
3) within the Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP).

Location:

• Southwest Region Office in Lacey, 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 day every other week is required in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by August 10, 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Join a mission-driven team working to protect Washington's communities by advancing cleanup of sites impacted by hazardous substances released to the environment. As a Site Manager in the Toxics Cleanup Program's southwest region, you will manage cleanup projects that enroll in the Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP), ensuring cleanups meet the requirements of the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA). You will evaluate complex geologic and environmental data, guide consultants and property owners toward technically sound cleanup actions, and help move contaminated sites to closure.

If you are energized by applying geologic expertise to real-world cleanup projects, and want to make a direct and positive impact across the region, we would be thrilled to welcome your talent to our team.

• 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 work groups, planning efforts, and policy review as needed.
• Maintain accurate site records and ensure timely data submittals and document uploads in agency databases to support tracking, reporting, and regulatory decision-making.

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

Required Qualifications:

Possession of a valid Washington State Geologist license and Hydrogeologist Specialty license AND Seven years of experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist or closely allied profession. Experience must include the following:

• Regulatory and Cleanup Oversight: Experience reviewing environmental cleanup investigations and applying state cleanup regulations to support compliance and sound regulatory decisions.
• Environmental Project Management: Skill in managing multiple contaminated-site projects, coordinating work plans and schedules, and ensuring steady progress toward cleanup completion.
• Geologic and Environmental Data Interpretation: Ability to interpret geologic, hydrogeologic, and environmental data to evaluate site conditions and confirm that investigations are sufficient for decision-making.
• Technical Communication and Documentation: Strong technical writing skills, including preparing clear, defensible reports, letters, and regulatory determinations.
• Collaboration and Issue Resolution: Effective at working collaboratively with property owners, consultants, local governments, community members, and internal teams to resolve project issues.
• Quality Assurance and Field Oversight: Experience evaluating field investigation activities, sampling plans, and data-quality practices, and maintaining accurate site records.
• Technical Leadership and Mentorship: 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.

Examples of how to qualify -- a valid Washington State Geologist license and:

• 7 years of experience.
• 6 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 5 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate's degree).
• 4 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 3 years of experience AND a Bachelor's degree.
• 1 year of experience AND a Master's degree.
• A Ph.D.

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