242-A Evaporator Regulatory Lead (Environmental Specialist 4)

About the role

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. The 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Lead 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Cook up with the Double-Shell Tank Systems regulatory team to support integrated coverage of connected waste systems.

  Qualifications

  • Nine (9) years of experience and/or education as described below:
    • Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:
      • Reviewing and interpreting technical or regulatory documents, reports, or applications for compliance, accuracy, and completeness.
      • Developing, implementing, or overseeing technical procedures, policies, or permits.
      • Coordinating multi-disciplinary teams or technical specialists to achieve compliance and/or complete project goals.
      • Communicating, presenting, or negotiating technical or regulatory information to external agencies, contractors, or the public.
      • Regulatory Knowledge and Application: Ability to interpret and apply environmental laws, regulations, and policies to ensure compliance and support informed, defensible decision-making.
      • Permit Development, Negotiation, and Oversight: Ability to develop, review, negotiate, and manage permits to ensure regulated activities meet all applicable requirements.
      • Technical Guidance: Ability to lead, mentor, and coordinate technical staff while providing expert guidance to support consistent, high-quality regulatory decisions and program outcomes.
      • Using critical / analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to make decisions or determine a course of action.
      • Reviewing / assessing information and data to draw conclusions and recommending decisions or actions.
      • Conducting research and performing data analysis on both qualitative and quantitative data.
    • Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning; or an academic discipline related to the duties of the position.

  Desired Qualifications

  • Knowledge of tank waste systems and RCRA regulations: Understanding of tank systems, treatment processes, and hazardous/mixed waste permitting to support regulatory review and oversight.