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Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility Compliance Expert (Environmental Specialist 5)



Job Details

Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility Compliance Expert (Environmental Specialist 5)
Employer

State of Washington

Salary

$72,924.00 - $98,040.00 Annually

Location

Benton County – Richland, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2025-NWP4426-01862

Department

Dept. of Ecology

Division

Nuclear Waste

Opening Date

03/13/2025

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 Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility Compliance Expert (Environmental Specialist 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.
  • A minimum of two days per week is required in the office. 
  • Occasional travel and evening or weekend work may be required to fulfill inspection schedules.
  • Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

 

Application Timeline:

  • Apply by March 26, 2025
  • 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 March 26, 2025, may not be considered.

 



Duties

This position serves as program expert for the compliance oversight of Hanford tank waste treatment, storage and disposal facilities (TSDFs). The facilities include 177 tanks storing 56 million gallons of mixed radioactive/dangerous waste. Each of the 177 tanks includes multiple dangerous waste management units (DWMUs). The treatment facilities include the 242-A Evaporator, the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility with four million-gallon basins, the Effluent Treatment Facility (ETF), the Waste Treatment Plant (WTP, aka Vitrification Plant), and the Tank Side Cesium Removal DWMU.

In this role, you will support the NWP’s permit writers and engineers by recommending permit modifications based on inspection findings. You will coordinate with the NWP’s air engineers regarding emissions from TSDFs that are regulated under the Air Quality Regulations, and with the NWP’s water quality permit lead regarding effluent discharges from the ETF to the State Approved Land Disposal Site. You will also coordinate with the program’s Regulatory Integration Specialist and with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding treatment and disposal of used tank equipment into the Environmental Restoration Disposal Facility, a Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act landfill.

These TSDFs are nationally significant and receive interest from the Director of Ecology, the Governor’s office, state legislators, Congressional delegations from multiple states, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, multiple other U.S Executive branch and Cabinet agencies, public interest groups, and the news media.


What you will do:


  • Conduct inspections and investigations at the tank waste TSDFs. 
  • Read, analyze, interpret, and monitor documents in the operating record of the tank waste facilities. 
  • Conduct inspections of the waste generator locations associated with the tank waste facilities.
  • Coordinate site visits, oversight, and return to compliance actions with internal project/permitting staff for the tank waste facilities. 
  • Document inspections, observations, and recommendations. Enter data into agency data systems. 
  • Develop strategies to achieve and maintain compliance at the tank waste TSDFs. 
  • Input data into and retrieve information from agency and program standard compliance applications such as RCRA Info, SharePoint, etc. 

 

Qualifications

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

 

Required Qualifications:


Ten years of experience performing environmental-based work or work related to the essential functions and key activities of the position that includes:

  • Developing reports based on observations and evidence.
  • Conducting inspections of facilities.

Must also demonstrate competence in the following skill sets:

  • Using critical / analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to perform work tasks.

  • Reviewing and understanding information to determine compliance with regulatory requirements.

  • Conducting research or data analysis.

Examples of how to qualify:

  • 10 years of experience.
  • 9 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
  • 8 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
  • 7 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
  • 6 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
  • 4 years of experience AND a Master’s degree.
  • 3 years of experience AND a Ph.D.
  • 1 year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 4, at the Department of Ecology.

 

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 

  • Proof of US Citizenship and a Social Security Number is required by the United State government for entry into the inspected facilities.
  • Must meet the U.S. Department of Energy requirements to acquire and maintain a USDOE Badge for the Hanford Site.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
  • Must take and pass HAZWOPER training within the first six months of employment, and refreshers annually.

 

Desired Qualifications:

  • Prior experience regulating or working at a hazardous waste Treatment, Storage, and Disposal (TSD) facility.

 

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.

 

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 Edward Holbrook at Edward.Holbrook@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 (NWP) is responsible for regulating the cleanup of the Hanford Nuclear reservation and regulating treatment, storage, and disposal of radioactive mixed wastes Statewide.


About the Department of Ecology

As the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work balance. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.

 


Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology's 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.

 

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.


Ecology employees may be eligible for the followingMedical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s)Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan ForgivenessTuition Waiver,  Long Term Disability & Life InsuranceDeferred Compensation ProgramsDependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP),  Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA)Employee Assistance ProgramCommute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader)Combined Fund DriveSmartHealth *Click here for more information 

 

To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedInFacebookInstagramYouTube, or our blog.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

 

Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.  

 

Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.


#LI-Hybrid

 


More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. 

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the
Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.


Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays 
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. 

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. 

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.


As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.  

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave 
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01
How did you hear about this job?
  • Community Based Organization
  • Community / Technical College
  • Ecology Employee
  • Ecology Recruiter
  • Ecology Jobs Page
  • Facebook
  • Job Board
  • Job Fair
  • LinkedIn
  • Newspaper
  • Other State Agency
  • Other Website
  • Professional Association
  • Twitter
  • University Job Board
  • WorkSource
  • Other
02
If you selected Community Based Organization, Community / Technical College, Job Board, Job Fair, LinkedIn Group, Newspaper, Other State Agency, Other Website, Professional Association, University Job Board, WorkSource, or Other, please share which one.
03
Have you ever worked for the Department of Ecology in any capacity including: Permanent, Non-permanent, Project, Intern, or Volunteer?
  • Yes
  • No
04
How many years of experience do you have performing environmental-based work or work related to the essential functions and key activities of the position that includes: Developing reports based on observations and evidence. Conducting inspections of facilities. Please include any experience gained through employment, internships, and/or volunteer positions. Note that experience gained from academic coursework, class projects, or other degree requirements is assessed in later questions.
  • One year
  • Three years
  • Four years
  • Six years
  • Seven years
  • Eight years
  • Nine years
  • Ten years or more
  • None of the above
05
Please provide additional details to support your response above. The following information is needed: position title(s), specific duties, and periods of employment. Make sure your response specifically addresses the qualification above. An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.
06
What is your level of education?
  • 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits
  • 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (AA degree)
  • 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree
  • Ph.D.
  • None of the above
07
If you have college credits or a degree, please list your major(s) or field(s) of study and any degree(s) earned. If you don't have this education, put N/A.
08
Please describe any experience you have with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) or Washington State Dangerous Waste Regulations.
09
Please describe any experience you have with other state or federal regulations, such as Air Quality and Water Quality regulations.
10
Please describe any experience you have with observing, documenting, and writing inspection reports at facilities where dangerous waste is managed?
11
Are you able to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No
12
The State of Washington and the Department of Ecology, play a vital role in fostering a Diverse, Equitable, Inclusive, and Respectful (DEIR) workplace and contributing to equitable outcomes for the communities we serve. We view DEIR 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. We believe it is everyone's job to contribute to a DEIR workplace.

What experiences have you had working with people whose backgrounds are very different from your own? What impact did those experiences have on how you worked?

13
I understand that Ecology does not use the E-Verify system and is unable to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).
  • Yes
  • No

* Required Question

Employer
State of Washington
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact
Website
http://www.careers.wa.gov
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

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