Permit Writer​/Unit Lead; Environmental Specialist

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Permit Writer / Unit Lead (Environmental Specialist
3) within the Nuclear Waste Program.

• Richland Field Office, Richland, WA. Must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

• Eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• Telework most of the work time with occasional in‑person meetings; fieldwork and travel infrequent.
• Schedules may change based on position needs.

• Apply by April 6, 2026.
• Position will remain open until filled; agency may make a hire at any time after reviews begin.

Lead permit application reviews and develop permits for assigned facilities within the Facility Transition Project, interpreting and applying state and federal environmental regulations. Negotiate permit conditions and oversee that hazardous and mixed waste facilities meet environmental protection standards. Collaborate with federal agencies, contractors, technical specialists, and local partners, resolving disagreements and advancing cleanup progress at Hanford.

• Conduct technical review of documents, reports, and permit applications for facilities on and off the Hanford Site.
• Review permit applications for technical accuracy, negotiate permit conditions, conduct conflict resolution, and make decisions on the scientific and regulatory merit of proposed actions.
• Provide oversight of compliance and waste management activities at permitted facilities, supporting compliance inspections and evaluating technical information.
• Represent the agency through public presentations, technical meetings, collaborative discussions, negotiations, and consultations.
• Evaluate sampling data, site characterization work, remedial investigations, and feasibility studies for contaminated Hanford sites, communicating technical recommendations in written reports or verbal briefings.

• Six (6) 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 two or more of the following:
• Reviewing technical or regulatory documents, reports, or permit applications.
• Developing permit requirements, policies, or organizational decisions.
• Negotiating with external clients on permit requirements, policies, or organizational decisions.
• Evaluating completeness of sampling data, site characterization efforts, remedial investigations, and feasibility studies.
• Representing organizations through public presentations, technical meetings, collaborative group meetings, negotiations, and consultations.
• Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skillsets:
• Critical Thinking – problem‑solving and evaluating complex technical and regulatory information.
• Project Coordination and Workload Management – managing workload through organization and prioritization.
• Data Analysis and Regulatory Interpretation – reviewing, interpreting, and evaluating environmental data.
• Technical Permit Writing – developing, drafting, and finalizing environmental permits and regulatory decisions.
• Regulatory Decision Negotiation – negotiating permitting decisions with regulated entities, public interest groups, and partner agencies.
• Education in environmental, physical, or natural sciences, or closely related field.

• 6 years of experience.
• 5 years of experience + 30–59 semester or 45–89 quarter college credits.
• 4 years of experience + 60–89 semester or 90–134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 3 years of experience + 90–119 semester or 135–179 quarter college credits.
• 2 years of experience + a Bachelor’s degree.
• No experience + 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 8‑hour refresher training.

• Knowledge of Hanford Site Dangerous Waste/RCRA permit applications and permits and CERCLA remedial documents.

The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

This position is covered by a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).