Science and Engineering Unit Supervisor; Environmental Engineer

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
.

• 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.
• 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.

• Apply by January 27, 2026
• 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 the date above may not be considered.

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.

• 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.

Note: Personal protective equipment will be provided by the program.

Learn more about what it is like to be an Engineer at the Department of Ecology.

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

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or another state based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington, AND
• Five (5) years of experience in environmental engineering, which must include at least one (1) year of experience investigating and cleaning up contaminated sites.

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must meet U.S. Department of Energy requirements to acquire and maintain a badge for access to the Hanford Site.
• Must complete initial 40-hour HAZWOPER training within six months of appointment and annual 8-hour HAZWOPER Refresher training.
• Rad Worker Certification provided by U.S. Department of Energy must be obtained within six months of hire.

NOTE: 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 following website: WA State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors:
How To Get Your Professional Engineer License When Licensed in Another Jurisdiction.

• The ability to work constructively with a wide variety of personalities.
• Experience in:
  • Interpreting state and federal regulations.
  • Supervising technical staff.
  • Writing engineering reports and recommendations.
  • Evaluating technical environmental engineering data and computations.
  • Planning,…