State of Washington
Waste Management Chemist (Chemist 4) (In Training)
SALARY
$5,358.00 - $7,032.00 Monthly
$64,296.00 - $84,384.00 Annually
LOCATION
Benton County – Richland, WA
JOB TYPE
Full Time - Permanent
JOB NUMBER
2018-NWP4062-01443
DEPARTMENT
Dept. of Ecology
DIVISION
Nuclear Waste
OPENING DATE
02/15/2018
CLOSING DATE
Continuous
FLSA
Non-Exempt
BARGAINING UNIT
NA
SALARY
$5,358.00 - $7,032.00 Monthly
$64,296.00 - $84,384.00 Annually
LOCATION
Benton County – Richland, WA
JOB TYPE
Full Time - Permanent
JOB NUMBER
2018-NWP4062-01443
DEPARTMENT
Dept. of Ecology
DIVISION
Nuclear Waste
OPENING DATE
02/15/2018
CLOSING DATE
Continuous
FLSA
Non-Exempt
BARGAINING UNIT
NA
Standard header verbiage - 10Oct
Description verified and added as part of bug verification and testing as mentioned in description i
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
Protecting Washington State's environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We have a culture that is invested in making a difference. If you want to join a team that is highly effective, collaborative, has leadership that embraces the value of people, Ecology is a good fit.
The Nuclear Waste Program (NWP) is looking to hire a Waste Management Chemist (Chemist 4)(In-Training). The position will be located in our office in Richland, WA.
The Waste Management Chemist position provides senior chemistry and regulatory technical support for the permitting and cleanup of the Hanford site and other mixed waste facilities. Tracks, analyzes and prepares reports on permit applications, waste analysis plans and sampling and analysis plans, and waste treatment plans needed for permitting and cleanup decisions at Hanford.
We are looking for applicants who have strong technical abilities, excellent people skills, and the ability to understand and communicate complex technical issues.
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.ecology.wa.gov.
Local efforts... Diverse people... Statewide impactsResponsibilities
The Waste Management Chemist position is located within the Nuclear Waste Program. The Nuclear Waste Program's (NWP) mission is to lead the effective and efficient cleanup of the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Site, ensure sound management of mixed hazardous wastes in Washington, and protect the state's air, water, and land at and adjacent to the Hanford site.
Some of the key work activities of the Waste Management Chemist are:
- Provides senior chemistry expertise to project managers, staff and specialists in the NWP.
- Tracks, analyzes and prepares reports on waste analysis plans and sampling and analysis plans needed to make permitting and cleanup decisions at Hanford.
- Reviews and develops waste analysis and sampling and analysis plans and methods to ensure that waste treatment of solid and liquid mixed and hazardous waste at Hanford and other Nuclear Waste Program facilities satisfies RCRA Land Disposal Restrictions requirements.
- Establishes requirements for radioactive and hazardous chemical waste acceptance, characterization, and treatment in documents such as dangerous and mixed waste permits, Hanford's Land Disposal Restrictions Report, the TPA M-91 Project Management Plan, and the Hanford Lifecycle Scope, Cost and Schedule report.
- Provides technical assessments of the waste acceptance, characterization, and treatment requirements outlined in Hanford Site documents (including RI/FS workplans, Proposed Plans, Records of Decision (RODs), sampling and analysis plans (SAPs), and waste analysis plans (WAPs)).
- Understand the analytical parameters required to ensure that the evaluation of the tested waste is technically valid, and that the necessary QA/QC standards have been met.
- Has detailed knowledge of RCRA SW-846 requirements as well as the analytical methods needed to perform analysis of waste that is also radioactive.
- Reviews sampling and analysis for air and water permitting and compliance.
- Evaluates data quality based on sampling laboratory quality assurance and quality control requirements.
- Evaluates data for compliance with a plan, permit, or regulatory requirements.
- Recommends actions to managers, project managers, and staff.
- Participates in meetings including those for establishing data quality objectives, permit notice of deficiency negotiations, and enforcement actions.
- Observes sampling events, obtains split samples, handles technical aspects of submission of samples to contract laboratories and evaluates resulting data.
This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be March 5, 2018. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before March 4, 2018. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.To broaden the candidate pool, we will consider candidates that qualify at the Chemist 3 and Chemist 4 levels. Please read the qualifications section below to learn more about this exciting career growth and in-training opportunity.
Qualifications
- Required Qualifications:At the Chemist 3 level: Pay Range – 60 ($4,623-6,062) MonthlyA Bachelor's degree with a major in chemistry or a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of college level chemistry AND four years of experience performing chemical analysis in an analytical laboratory.
OR
Two years of experience as a Chemist 2.
A Master's degree will substitute for two years of the required experience or a Ph.D. degree will substitute for three years of the required experience provided a Bachelor's degree and the required college-level chemistry have been achieved.
At the Chemist 4 level: Pay Range – 66 ($5,358-7,032) MonthlyA Bachelor's degree with a major in chemistry or a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of college level chemistry AND six years of experience performing chemical analysis in an analytical laboratory.
OR
One year of experience as a Chemist 3.
A Master's degree will substitute for two years of the required experience or a Ph.D. degree will substitute for three years of the required experience provided a Bachelor's degree and the required college-level chemistry have been achieved.
Desired Qualifications:
Knowledge of nuclear chemistry and Hanford waste streams.Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment:
This position required passing a U.S,. Department of Energy test and acquiring a badge for access to the Hanford site.
HAZWOPER 40 hour certification is required to perform work. Must be able to meet the physical activity requirements for this certification.
Why work for Ecology?
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 the health and financial security of you and your family a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to work/life balance.
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, Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth
Student debt and how working for Ecology can help
Employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.
*See the Benefits tab in this announcement for more information
Supplemental Information
Application Instructions
Please include the following documents as an attachment to your application:- A cover letter describing how your experience, skills and abilities meet the required qualifications of this position.
- A resume outlining your professional experience.
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 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 send an email to ron.skinnarland@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Ron 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.
Benefits
- 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 and that your priority is making sure 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. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.
Insurance BenefitsEmployees and 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.
Retirement and Deferred CompensationState 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.
Vacation (Annual Leave)You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.
HolidaysFull-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:
HOLIDAYDATENew Year's DayJanuary 1Martin Luther King, Jr's birthdayThird Monday in JanuaryPresidents' DayThird Monday in FebruaryMemorial DayLast Monday in MayIndependence DayJuly 4Labor DayFirst Monday in SeptemberVeterans' DayNovember 11Thanksgiving DayFourth Thursday in November & Friday afterChristmas DayDecember 25Personal HolidayEmployee's selection each calendar year
*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.Social SecurityAll state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.Sick LeaveFull-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.
- Employer
- State of Washington
- Employer
- State of Washington
- Waste Management Chemist (Chemist 4) (In Training) Supplemental Questionnaire
- * QUESTION 1
- How did you hear about this job posting?
- * QUESTION 2
- If you selected Community Based Organization, Community / Technical College, Job Board, Job Fair, LinkedIn Group, Newspaper, Other State Agency, Other Website, Professional Association, University Job Board or WorkSource location then please share which one.
- * QUESTION 3
- Please select the statement that best describes your level of education in the field of chemistry.
- * QUESTION 4
- Please indicate your degree(s).
- * QUESTION 5
- If the degree you have isn't in Chemistry, do you have at least 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of college level chemistry?
- * QUESTION 6
- Please select the statement that best describes your experience performing chemical analysis in an analytical laboratory.
- * QUESTION 7
- Please list your position title(s) and describe your duties, with periods of employment, to support your response to the previous question. An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration. If none, please type N/A on the space below.
- * QUESTION 8
- Describe your experience with RCRA/ dangerous waste permitting and compliance.
- * QUESTION 9
- Describe your experience with CERCLA cleanup actions.
- * QUESTION 10
- Describe your experience with MTCA requirements and cleanup actions.
- * QUESTION 11
- Describe your experience with the RCRA requirements for chemical analytical methods in SW-846?
- * Required Question