Environmental Engineer 3 DOH8761

Salary: $7,082.00 - $9,522.00 Monthly
Location : Spokane County - Other, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: DOH8761
Department: Dept. of Health
Division: Environmental Public Health (EPH)
Opening Date: 11/24/2025
Closing Date: 12/5/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
Environmental Engineer 3 DOH8761

Environmental Public Health - Radiation Protection

Permanent • Full-time • Homebased
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 and connect with us on , , and our blog,
Benefits and Lifestyle

We prioritize your work-life balance and offer one of the most competitive benefits packages nationwide, tailored to support your lifestyle. Discover more about "Why DOH" by visiting
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.

APPLICATION DIRECTIONS:

To apply, click "Apply" and complete the application. Attach your resume, and cover letter.
In your Applicant Profile, include at least three professional references (including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you've supervised or led, if applicable). Please do not include private information such as social security number or year of birth.

Do attach the following:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• DD-214 (if applicable)

Veterans Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or a signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year
Do not include or attach the following - these documents or details will not be reviewed:

• REMOVE personal photos - do not submit any documents containing personal photos.
• Transcripts (unless specifically requested in the Application Directions)
• Certifications or Diplomas
• Projects or Portfolios
• Letters of Recommendation

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.
DOH is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran's status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.
Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Andrea Thieme at and reference the assigned "DOHXXXX" recruitment number.
Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at [click to reveal phone number]1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.
SUBSCRIBE to DOH Job Alerts

Supplemental Information
This recruitment may be used to fill positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the candidate pool may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.
Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.
Experience and education selected, listed, or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the submitted applicant profile.
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 (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 (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 , 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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 07-21-2025
01

Where did you first hear about this employment opportunity?

• a. DOH Employment Site/Job Alerts
• b. DOH Employee
• c. Friend or Acquaintance
• d. Indeed
• e. LinkedIn
• f. Careers.wa.gov
• g. Job Fair - if selected, answer Question 2
• h. Other - if selected, answer Question 2

02

If you selected "g" or "h" to Question 1: Where you first heard about this employment opportunity?
03

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

04

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status? (e.g. H-1B, F1, TN, etc.) DOH is not an E-Verify agency)

• Yes
• No

05

I have read and I understand the Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions that are listed in the job posting and I am willing and able to accept these conditions if offered and accept the position.I have reviewed my responses to the supplemental questions to ensure their accuracy. I understand that once my application is submitted, these responses cannot be modified.

• Yes
• No

06

(Select One) I have experience in the following:

• a. 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.
• b. 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.
• c. Neither of the above.

07

My experience includes the use of computer word processing, inputting data into databases related to work activities, and communicating with others verbally and in writing, including utilizing email systems.

• Yes
• No

08

(Select ALL that apply) I have the DESIRED experience in the following:

• a. Experience in engineering design and review of closure activities associated with low-level radioactive waste sites and uranium mills.
• b. Knowledge of principal state and federal regulations and requirements for engineering activities at low-level waste sites and uranium mills.
• c. Experience in reviewing surety closure cost analyses for low-level radioactive waste sites and/or uranium mills.
• d. Experience managing projects and working in a team environment.
• e. Experience observing and inspecting structures, products, and environmental conditions to collect information and detect problematic situations.
• f. None of the above

Required Question