Voluntary Cleanup Program Site Manager (Hydrogeologist 3) Two Positions

About the role

Join a mission-driven team working to protect Washington's communities by advancing cleanup of sites impacted by hazardous substances released to the environment. As a Site Manager in the Toxics Cleanup Program's southwest region, you will manage cleanup projects that enroll in the Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP), ensuring cleanups meet the requirements of the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA). You will evaluate complex geologic and environmental data, guide consultants and property owners toward technically sound cleanup actions, and help move contaminated sites to closure.

What You Will Do

• Review and evaluate technical reports, sampling data, work plans, scopes of work, and corrective-action proposals to identify regulatory compliance, data adequacy, and next steps for contaminated sites.
• Conduct and document initial investigations and site hazard assessments, including data analysis, contamination evaluation, and preparation of clear written recommendations and assessment reports.
• Provide technical oversight and geologic/hydrogeologic review of complex cleanup sites, including evaluating field activities, monitoring-well installation, and environmental sampling plans.
• Prepare technical correspondence, opinion letters, regulatory determinations, and other cleanup documentation that clearly communicates requirements and supports cleanup progress.
• Collaborate with property owners, consultants, community members, and local or state agencies to address technical issues, communicate expectations, and support productive, solution-focused interactions.
• Offer technical assistance and mentorship to junior staff, contribute to peer reviews, and participate in program workgroups, planning efforts, and policy review as needed.
• Maintain accurate site records and ensure timely data submittals and document uploads in agency databases to support tracking, reporting, and regulatory decision-making.

Required Qualifications

Possession of a valid Washington State Geologist license and Hydrogeologist Specialty license AND seven years of experience as a hydrogeologist, hydrologist, geologist or closely allied profession. Experience must include the following:

• Regulatory and Cleanup Oversight: Experience reviewing environmental cleanup investigations and applying state cleanup regulations to support compliance and sound regulatory decisions.
• Environmental Project Management: Skill in managing multiple contaminated-site projects, coordinating work plans and schedules, and ensuring steady progress toward cleanup completion.
• Geologic and Environmental Data Interpretation: Ability to interpret geologic, hydrogeologic, and environmental data to evaluate site conditions and confirm that investigations are sufficient for decision-making.
• Technical Communication and Documentation: Strong technical writing skills, including preparing clear, defensible reports, letters, and regulatory determinations.
• Collaboration and Issue Resolution: Effective at working collaboratively with property owners, consultants, local governments, community members, and internal teams to resolve project issues.
• Quality Assurance and Field Oversight: Experience evaluating field investigation activities, sampling plans, and data-quality practices, and maintaining accurate site records.
• Technical Leadership and Mentorship: Ability to mentor junior staff and contribute to team consistency through peer review and knowledge-sharing.

Education: major study in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology or closely allied field.

Examples of how to qualify — a valid Washington State Geologist license and:

• 7 years of experience.
• 6 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 5 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate's degree).
• 4 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 3 years of experience AND a Bachelor's degree.
• 1 year of experience AND a Master's degree.
• A Ph.D.

Special Requirements

Possession of a Washington State Geologist license. Individuals who are interested in applying to this position, and believe they meet licensing requirements for the State of Washington based on reciprocity, are responsible for ensuring they meet licensing requirements for the State of Washington prior to submitting their application materials. These requirements can be found at the WA State Licensing (DOL) Official Site: How to get your license: Geologists, engineering geologists, or hydrogeologists by reciprocity.

Desired Qualifications

• Washington State Hydrogeologist Specialty License (or ability to obtain).
• OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER training with current 8-hour refresher.
• Advanced Environmental and Regulatory Interpretation: Demonstrated ability to analyze complex environmental, geologic, and regulatory information to develop clear, well-supported cleanup recommendations consistent with Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA), Underground Storage Tank (UST) regulations, and related environmental laws.
• Technical Communication and Engagement Skills: Strong ability to convey complex technical and regulatory concepts clearly in writing and verbally to support understanding, navigate challenging interactions, and guide cleanup progress.
• Collaborative Problem Solving and Relationship Building: Experience working constructively with property owners, consultants, local governments, and agency staff to identify and resolve sensitive or complicated technical issues.
• Senior-Level Technical Leadership: Experience providing technical guidance, peer review, or mentorship that strengthens team capability and supports consistent, science-based cleanup decisions.
• Applied Cleanup Project and Technical Tools Experience: Proficiency managing contaminated site cleanup projects and using relevant software tools (e.g., Visio, Adobe applications, statistical tools, groundwater modeling platforms) to enhance the clarity, efficiency, and defensibility of technical evaluations.

Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.