Evaporator Regulatory Lead; Environmental Specialist

Job Summary

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.

Richland Field Office in Richland, WA. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

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.

Apply by July 20, 2026. Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

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.

• 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.

• Must have nine (9) years of experience and/or education equivalent in environmental mandates.
• Experience performing environmental‑based work or related duties that includes at least two of the following: reviewing and interpreting technical or regulatory documents, developing, implementing, or overseeing technical procedures, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, communicating or negotiating technical or regulatory information, applying environmental laws and regulations, developing permits, providing technical guidance, using critical/analytical thinking, reviewing / assessing information and data to draw conclusions, and conducting research and data analysis.
• Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning; or an academic discipline related to the duties of the position.

• 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.

• M…