The Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP) within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill an ERO Brownfields Program Lead (Hydrogeologist 4) position. This position is located in our Eastern Regional Office (ERO) in Spokane, WA.

ERO Brownfields Program Lead position is responsible for identifying sites suspected to have historical dangerous material contamination, many of which will have hydrogeological issues, with the potential for redevelopment through public outreach and education. Technical and/or financial assistance are then provided to local governments and private entities to move the property through the cleanup process including the life cycle of assessment, remediation, and redevelopment. The position provides oversight of contaminated site investigations including Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) a conducted by private parties or Ecology’s contractors as part of the Brownfields Program and if cleanup is required  helps guide the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) cleanups progress including supporting applications for obtaining cleanup funding.

We are looking for applicants who possess excellent people skills, are organized and thorough, have the ability to quickly assess a situation and make a recommendation for agency decision, have excellent writing skills and the ability to communicate with a diverse audience.

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. Maybe you’ve seen some of our recent stories on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.

To learn more about our agency, please visit our website at www.ecy.wa.gov.

Some of the key work activities for the  ERO Brownfields Program Lead position are:

Program Implementation:

• Implements the Brownfields Program at a regional level to identify, inventory, and prioritize potential brownfield sites and projects focusing on small and rural communities.
• Coordinates with the brownfields headquarters staff to manage annual budgets, identify priorities, and implement the program in a manner consistent with the agency plan.
• Provides feedback to the Program Manager through the Section Manager on how to improve and enhance the statewide program.
• Provides technical assistance to stakeholders and property owners to encourage participation in the Brownfield and the Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) and to assist with developing funding strategies for assessment and cleanup of eligible properties.
• Conducts outreach and education to communities, property owners, and other stakeholders to promote the Brownfields Program and the VCP.

Project Management:

• Develops task orders, track budgets, and review invoices for assessment and cleanup of brownfield projects.
• Provides technical oversight of contractor activities at Ecology-led and EPA-led projects.
• Initiates, reviews, and provides comments for project-related QA project plans, sampling and analysis plans, site assessment and cleanup reports, risk evaluations, cleanup work plans, community involvement plans, and analysis of brownfield cleanup alternatives.
• Independently reviews and evaluates hazardous substance and hydrogeological investigation reports.
• Responsibilities include determining the professional completeness of the reports, plans, well drilling/installation, sampling and computer modeling practices, the completeness and accuracy of the hydrogeological and other characterization of the site.
• Manages and/or oversees the investigation and cleanup of contaminated sites for compliance with MTCA and other applicable, relevant, and appropriate laws and regulation.
• Reviews and approves environmental covenants for brownfields projects under the VCP.

Grant Management Support:

• Works with public and private entities to develop funding strategies for assessment and cleanup of brownfields projects that use funding resources from multiple agencies.
• Supports the program office and stakeholders in applying for grants, such as brownfields program State and Tribal Response Program grants, EPA cleanup grants, and Integrated Planning Grants, and secure matching funds from stakeholders.
• Completes grant reports and tracking requirements.
• Coordinates with TCP Financial Services Unit and Ecology Brownfields Team as required.

Program Coordination:

• Coordinates with TCP and other Ecology programs at the regional and state level to maximize program effectiveness and consistency.
• Provides hydrogeological peer review reports and data for VCP, leaking underground storage tank, and formal sites.

Please Note: This is a project position that is funded until January 31, 2021.

This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be February 20, 2018.  In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application including a cover letter and resume on or before February 19, 2018. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

Please read the supplemental questions carefully and answer completely. Incomplete responses, including “please see resume” may disqualify you from further consideration.

Department of 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 at (360) 407-6186.

If you are reading this announcement in print format, please visit www.careers.wa.gov to access the online recruitment system. Click on “Look for Jobs” and select Dept. of Ecology under the “Department” search list. Click “Apply Search.”

Other Information: 

If you need assistance applying for this job, please call Human Resources at (360) 407-6186 or e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not call this number or send an email to this address to follow-up the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile’s main page.

If you have specific questions about the position, please email Kathy Falconer at: Kfal461@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Kathy to inquire about the status of your application.

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.

This position is included in the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) union bargaining unit for the Department of Ecology. All employees covered by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the WFSE will, as a condition of employment, either become members of the WFSE and pay membership dues or, as non-members, pay a representation fee as described in the CBA, no later than the 30th day following the effective date of this CBA or the beginning of their employment.

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 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.