Environmental Engineer III

Location: Spokane County – Other, WA

Job Description:

Salary

$7,082.00 - $9,522.00 Monthly

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

DOH8761

THE OPPORTUNITY

Join the Department of Health (DOH) in advancing our mission to protect and improve the health of all people in Washington State. This role supports the Division of Environmental Public Health (EPH) within the Office of Radiation Protection (ORP), helping ensure communities are safeguarded from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. You'll play a key part in upholding DOH's cornerstone values of equity, innovation, and engagement-while supporting meaningful government-to-government relationships with Tribal partners and contributing to environmental justice efforts statewide.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a Professional Engineer (PE) providing independent geological engineering expertise for the Radioactive Waste Management Section.
• Lead the final review, approval, and oversight of engineering activities related to the closure of the state's commercial low-level radioactive waste disposal facility, a uranium mill facility, and various mineral processing facilities.
• Ensure engineering plans, specifications, and quality assurance activities meet all state and federal regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with federal partners to confirm that facility closures meet standards for eventual return to federal or other regulatory oversight.
• Support implementation of the Healthy Environments for All (HEAL) Act, including environmental justice assessments, budgeting requirements, and meaningful community engagement.
• Work peer-to-peer with Tribal program staff and organizations, supporting Tribal sovereignty and government-to-government responsibilities.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS ROLE

This position offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on environmental and public health across Washington. You'll help shape how radioactive waste facilities are safely closed and maintained, ensuring long-term protection for communities and the environment. You'll also play a direct role in advancing equity and environmental justice through the HEAL Act-building relationships, engaging communities, and influencing decisions that affect overburdened and vulnerable populations.

EXPECTATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In this role, you will:

• Conduct highly technical engineering reviews with independence and professional judgment.
• Apply geological engineering principles to complex, long-term closure planning and oversight.
• Maintain clear, collaborative communication with federal agencies, Tribal partners, local jurisdictions, and internal DOH teams.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements tied to radiation protection and environmental health.
• Follow the HEAL Act framework to integrate equity considerations into program work, community engagement, and environmental justice assessments.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The strongest candidates bring:

• Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE), with experience in geological, geotechnical, environmental, or civil engineering.
• Expertise reviewing engineering plans, specifications, QA/QC documents, and regulatory closure plans.
• Experience working with state and federal environmental regulations, ideally related to radioactive waste, contaminated sites, or complex industrial facilities.
• A collaborative approach with strong communication skills, especially when engaging Tribal governments, community partners, and regulatory agencies.
• Commitment to equity, environmental justice, and meaningful community engagement-aligned with the HEAL Act and DOH values.

Location and Flexibility 

We value work-life balance and offer the convenience of remote work with occasional in-person collaboration opportunities. Attending events or working in the In-office is rarely required and would be scheduled in advance. This is a remote/home-based position available to applicants residing anywhere in Washington State, as well as those living near the Oregon/Washington border and the Idaho/Washington border. 

It is anticipated that you'll be expected to perform work activities in the field within the Spokane region 1-2 days a month. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

We value all relevant experience (paid or unpaid) and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. You must meet at least ONE of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. While "Preferred Experience" is not required, these skills or experiences can help you stand out as a candidate.

Option 1: Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the state of Washington or eligible for reciprocity within 6 months AND at least three (3) years of relevant geological, civil, or environmental engineering experience.

Option 2: Bachelor's degree, with a major study in geological, civil, or environmental engineering. AND Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the state of Washington or eligible for reciprocity within 6 months AND at least two (2) years of relevant geological, civil, or environmental engineering experience.

Computer Skills: Use of computer word processing, input data into databases related to work activities, and communicate with others verbally and in writing, including utilizing email systems.

Preferred/Desired Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience:

• Experience in engineering design and review of closure activities associated with low-level radioactive waste sites and uranium mills.
• Knowledge of principal state and federal regulations and requirements for engineering activities at low-level waste sites and uranium mills.
• Experience in reviewing surety closure cost analyses for low-level radioactive waste sites and/or uranium mills.
• Experience managing projects and working in a team environment.
• Experience observing and inspecting structures, products, and environmental conditions to collect information and detect problematic situations.

We are the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)

We're nearly 2,000 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health. Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience. At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We're passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health. To learn more about the DOH please visit doh.wa.gov and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and our blog, Public Health Connections.

Benefits and Lifestyle

We prioritize your work-life balance and offer one of the most competitive benefits packages nationwide, tailored to support your lifestyle. 

Conditions of Employment

This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative. 

I am prepared, with or without accommodations, to do the following:

• Commit to a full-time 40-hour workweek schedule (flexible work schedule requests must be approved supervisor).
• Communicate through applications such as MS Teams and MS Outlook, and by phone while working remotely.
• Adjust my work schedule occasionally to align with business needs, which may entail working evenings and weekends.
• This position is eligible for teleworking 
• Perform my job duties either remotely from home or in person at the designated DOH site location.
• Work in an environment where radiation exposure is likely and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required and determined by the level of hazard. 
• Use radiation detection instrumentation, contamination survey instruments, and other associated equipment in everyday work and in emergency response conditions.
• Relocate or transfer objects and materials weighing up to 40 pounds, with or without accommodation.
• Occasional travel may be necessary, sometimes requiring overnight stays or trips out of state. You must be able to legally drive a vehicle or arrange alternative transportation for state business.
• Engage in emergency response exercises and high-priority assignments as assigned during emergency events.