Washington State Department of Ecology

Description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Nuclear Waste Program (NWP) within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Deputy Nuclear Waste Program Manager (WMS Band 3) position. This position is located in our Richland Field Office (RFO) in Richland, WA. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

As the Deputy Program Manager, you will serve a unique role in the program with the opportunity to get familiar with the entire program, supervise staff, be responsible for specific work scope, and serve in a leadership role in the management team including acting as Program Manager when they are absent. In this role, you will help lead the programs management team and operations and oversee staff implementing state and federal environmental laws on the Hanford Nuclear Reservation and several other facilities in Washington that handle radioactive and hazardous waste. The Deputy Program Manager will also directly supervisor a high performing team responsible for managing budget, planning and dangerous waste permitting efforts for the Nuclear Waste Program. The Deputy will have the opportunity to drive completion of the Hanford Site-wide Revision 9 permit renewal and work to resolve regulatorily complex environmental problems across the Hanford site, engaging with other managers at other agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy. You will gain experience in the programs permitting processes, building consensus, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Agency Mission: The mission of the Department of Ecology's is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment for current and future generations.

Program Mission: The Nuclear Waste Program’s mission is to lead the effective and efficient cleanup of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hanford site and to ensure sound management of mixed hazardous and radioactive wastes to protect the air, water, and land. 

The Nuclear Waste Program is responsible for implementing state and federal environmental laws on the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, and for fulfilling the State’s obligations under the Hanford Federal Facilities Agreement and Consent Order. To accomplish this work, the Nuclear Waste Program is organized into seven sections: (1) Technology and Operations; (2) Waste Management; (3) Cleanup; (4) Tank Waste Treatment; (5) Compliance and Regulatory Assistance; (6) Public Involvement, and (7) Permitting, Planning and Budget. When fully staffed, the Nuclear Waste Program includes approximately 90 people.

Tele-work options for this position: This position will be eligible for up to a 60% tele-work schedule. Applicants with questions about position location options, tele-work, and flexible or compressed schedules are encouraged to reach out to the contact person listed below in “other information.” Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline: This position will remain open until filled. We will review applications on April 22, 2024. In order to be considered, please submit an application on or before April 21, 2024. If your application isn't received by this date, it may not be considered. The agency reserves the right to make a Hire any time after the initial screening date. 

Please Note: We will review all applications received before the date above. Additional reviews after this date typically only occur if we have a small applicant pool, or if a successful Hire was not made.

Ecology employees may be eligible for the following:

Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *Click here for more information 

About the Department of Ecology

Protecting Washington State's environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We are a culture that is invested in making a difference. Join a team that is highly effective and collaborative, with leadership that embraces the value of people. To learn more, check out our Strategic Plan. 

Ecology cares deeply about employee wellness; we go beyond traditional benefits, proudly offering:

• A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
• An Infants at Work Program that is based on the long-term health values of infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.
• Continuous growth and development opportunities. 
• Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work.

Our commitment to DEIR

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.

Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.

Equity: We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.

Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology’s work.

Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.

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. 

Duties

What makes this role unique and challenging? 

In this role, you will have the unique challenge and opportunity to work with the Program Manager and Agency leadership to work on some of the most regulatory complex cleanup work at our Agency. You will have the opportunity to serve on federal work groups supporting Department of Energy cleanup sites, engaging with other states, tribal nations and interested parties representing WA state’s interests.

What you will do: 

• Manage the Hanford Sitewide RCRA Permit, the State of Washington’s primary mechanism for oversight of the Department of Energy’s cleanup efforts at Hanford. The Sitewide Permit involves all sections of the program and is a priority for the State.
• Responsible for the configuration control process for the program, ensuring that permits are maintained accurately to meet regulatory requirements, and for coordinating all regulatory decisions, including resolution of issues and management of schedule impacts.
• Manage the two non-Hanford dangerous waste permits for Perma-Fix Northwest and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, including maintenance of the current permit and issuance of timely permit renewals. 
• Lead the maintenance of the strategic plan for the Program including working with teams and sections to develop specific, measurable, achievable, and coordinated action plans that promote achievement of agency and program vision, values, and primary goals and strategies of the plan.
• Coordinate the development and communication of key program policy positions on mixed waste issues and serves as an internal and external policy point of contact for the program on highly complex issues, including contact with state legislators and staff, federal agencies and congressional staff, tribes, local governments, state agencies, and interest groups. 
• Responsible for implementing improvements as directed by the Program Manager and overseeing Section Managers’ implementation of them.
• Analyze proposed legislation, prepares legislative testimony for agency managers, and testifies at hearings on bills of interest to the department. 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

NOTE: All relevant experience including lived, volunteer, professional, or a combination of experience and education that demonstrates the ability to perform the work will be considered.

We will directly contact the top candidates to interview for this position. Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities that address the required and desirable qualifications we described below.

A total of nine years of combined experience and/or education.

Experience: Professional experience in environmental or natural resources planning, program development, or natural resource management. Specific skills required:

• Advanced skills in performance assessment, budget management, human resource management, and strategic planning.
• Extensive knowledge of Washington State and federal hazardous waste laws and regulations, enforcement policies, hazardous waste permits and waste management programs.
• Experience in building consensus, conflict resolution and maintaining key relationships internally and externally.
• Knowledge of state and federal statutory, administrative, and case law governing dangerous and nuclear waste and related resources; state legislative processes; principals of policy and program planning and development; state and national politics of nuclear waste; principles of developing and managing program budget and workload; and a basic understanding of air and water regulations and permitting, and advanced principles of environmental management. Requires a basic knowledge of economics, multi-agency roles and responsibilities, and political interactions.
• Experience providing direction to management and staff, including coaching, training, recruitment, and performance management. This experience may be concurrent with the other listed professional experience.

Education: With a major study in environmental, physical, or natural science, environmental studies, engineering, public or business administration, planning, public policy, political science, law, or other related qualifying discipline.

Possible Combinations

College credit hours or degree – as listed above.

Years of required experience – as listed above.

Combination 1

No college credit hours or degree

9 years of experience

Combination 2

30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter credits

8 years of experience

Combination 3

60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter credits (AA degree)

7 years of experience

Combination 4

90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter credits

6 years of experience

Combination 5 

A Bachelor's Degree

5 years of experience

Combination 6 

A Master's Degree

3 years of experience

Combination 7

A Ph.D.

2 years of experience

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Hanford is a federally restricted cleanup site. Candidates for the position must meet U.S. Department of Energy badging requirements to attain access to the Hanford Site and successfully complete the Hanford General Employee Training (HGET). 
• Most work is conducted in an office environment. However, hours can be unpredictable and can include night meetings, travel and site visits that extend the normal workday. Travel will require overnight stays and multiple days out of state to travel to and attend meetings and conferences.

Desired Qualifications:

We highly encourage you to apply even if you do not have some (or all) of the desired experience below.

• Demonstrated management experience.
• Knowledge and experience with data analytics and project management and other information technology.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures of the Program.
• Five or more years of supervisory or project management experience.

Note: Having some (or all) of this desired experience may make your application more competitive in a highly competitive applicant pool.

Supplemental Information

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 candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Need an Accommodation in the application and/or screening process or this job announcement in an alternative format?

• Please call: (360) 407-6186 or email: careers@ecy.wa.gov and we will be happy to assist.
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can reach the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
• If you need assistance applying for this job, please e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not send an email to this address to follow-up on the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile's main page.
• If you are reading this announcement in print format, please enter the following URL to your search engine to apply: https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/Jobs-at-Ecology. 

Application Instructions:

It's in the applicant's best interest to submit all of the documents listed below. Applications without these documents may be declined.

• A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position.
• A resume outlining your experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to the minimum qualifications of this position.
• Three professional references.

Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable. 

For Your Privacy:

When attaching documents to your application (such as Resume, Cover Letter, Transcripts, DD-214, etc.):

• Please be sure to remove private information such as your social security number, date of birth, etc. 
• Do not attach documents that are password-protected, as these documents may not be reviewed and may cause errors within your application when downloaded. 

Additional Application Instructions for Current Ecology Employees:

Please make sure to answer the agency-wide questions regarding permanent status as a classified employee within the Washington General Service or Washington Management Service. Do not forget to select Department of Ecology as a response to question 2, and type your personnel ID number for question 3. If you are not sure of your status or do not know your personnel ID number, please contact Human Resources.

Application Attestation: 

The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of your application or dismissal if employed. 

Other Information:

If you have specific questions about the position, please email Stephanie Schleif at: Stephanie.Schleif@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Stephanie to inquire about the status of your application.

To request the full position description: email careers@ecy.wa.gov

Why work for Ecology?

As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment for current and future generations. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.

Joining Ecology means becoming a part of a team committed to protecting and restoring Washington State's environment. A career in public service 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.

To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram 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. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 407-6186. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. 

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

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