Science and Engineering Unit Supervisor; Environmental Engineer

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.
• Upon hire, 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 June 15, 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may be reviewed only if additional qualified applicants are needed.

Lead the science and engineering behind one of the nation’s most complex environmental cleanup efforts.

In this role, you will serve as the working supervisor for the Science and Engineering Unit within Ecology’s Nuclear Waste Program, providing senior‑level engineering oversight for the cleanup of the Hanford Site. This position combines licensed engineering practice, regulatory expertise, and people leadership in support of Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) cleanup and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) permitting for tank farms, waste sites, and groundwater.

You will apply advanced engineering judgment to complex cleanup and permitting issues while supervising a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers. You will work closely with the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, contractors, and internal project managers on engineering issues associated with single‑shell tank waste retrieval and closure, groundwater and soil remediation, and hazardous waste permitting. This role offers a high level of collaboration and technical challenge at the scale and complexity of the Hanford Site, making it an exceptional opportunity for experienced engineers seeking impactful work.

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.

For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington, and
• Five years of experience in environmental engineering, which must include at least one year of experience investigating and cleaning up contaminated sites.

NOTE:

Individuals who are licensed as professional engineers in another U.S. jurisdiction or foreign country and wish to apply for this position must qualify for licensure in Washington State by comity. Applicants are responsible for reviewing and ensuring they meet Washington's comity requirements before submitting application materials. Licensing requirements can be found on the Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors website.

Special Requirements/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…