Salary : $78,912.00 - $106,104.00 Annually
Location : Benton County - Richland, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-NWP3305-04569
Department: Dept. of Ecology
Division: Nuclear Waste
Opening Date: 06/09/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Toxicologist 2within the .
Location:

Richland Field Office in Richland, WA.
Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule:

This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
A minimum of one day every other week is required in the office. You may telework most of your work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities.
Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

Apply by June 23, 2026
Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties
Join our team and help shape the future of environmental cleanup at the Hanford Site. In this role, you will support environmental risk assessments that protect human health and the environment and ensure regulatory compliance throughout cleanup activities. You will provide toxicological expertise on study design, risk analysis, and the development of soil and water cleanup levels, working closely with the program's senior toxicologist and project teams to build a holistic understanding of human and ecological risks across the site. Your work directly informs decisions at one of the nation's most complex cleanup sites, offering the chance to make a meaningful impact on public health, environmental protection, and long-term site recovery.
This position integrates the risk assessment requirements of Washington state regulations with federal Superfund cleanup and hazardous waste regulations. You will translate complex toxicological findings into clear recommendations that guide cleanup decisions, promote regulatory consistency, and support communication with technical staff, managers, and other involved groups. As part of this work, you will have opportunities to deepen your expertise by staying current with evolving toxicology and risk-assessment methods, participating in professional development, and collaborating with state and federal technical experts across multiple disciplines.
What you will do:

Lead the regulatory review of the Department of Energy's risk assessment and performance assessment activities
Provide consultation on risk and performance assessment issues, including the development and evaluation of constituent cleanup levels within the program and agency.
Coordinate with tank farm and environmental restoration chemists on sample design, analysis, and data quality to ensure usability in risk assessments.
Perform calculations and collaborate with agency toxicologists and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop and recommend cleanup levels for environmental media.
Review documents for technical merit, regulatory compliance, and consistency with established risk assessment guidance.
Evaluate and prepare professional comments on the appropriateness and adequacy of physicochemical properties, environmental fate and transport characteristics, environmental models, bioavailability issues, dose-response functions, and toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic characteristics of toxic agents in hazardous waste.
Represent the Program on task groups within the department and in coordination with external agencies and other partners.

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our

Required Qualifications:
Nine (9) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:

Risk Assessment - Ability to evaluate chemical and radiological hazards to provide clear, science-based conclusions that support protective environmental and public health decisions.
Environmental Data Interpretation - Ability to evaluate environmental sampling data to ensure the information is reliable and appropriate for decision-making.
Regulatory Application - Ability to apply state and federal environmental requirements to determine cleanup levels and assess compliance to support consistent and defensible regulatory decisions.
Critical Thinking - Ability to analyze information, evaluate assumptions, and identify uncertainties to support well-reasoned and defensible recommendations.
Technical Communication- Ability to explain technical information in clear, understandable terms to support informed decision-making by managers, partners, and the public.
Planning & Prioritization - Ability to plan and manage work tasks, timelines, and commitments to successfully meet program and project expectations.

Education involving a major study in toxicology or a health or ecological related science with a major emphasis in toxicology.
Examples of how to qualify:

9 years of experience.
8 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
7 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate's degree).
6 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
5 years of experience AND a Bachelor's degree.
3 years of experience AND a Master's degree.
1 year of experience AND a Ph.D.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Must meet U.S. Department of Energy requirements to acquire and maintain a badge for access to the Hanford Site.

Desired Qualifications:

Ph.D. in toxicology or a health or ecological related science with a major emphasis in toxicology and one year of toxicology experience.
OR
Master of Science degree in toxicology or a health or ecological related science with a major emphasis in toxicology and three years of toxicology experience.

If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.

Supplemental Information
Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit .
Application Process

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 job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply

Click "Apply" at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:

Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
Resume

Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see resume" may be considered incomplete.

For detailed application information, please visit our
Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.
Need an Accommodation?

If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:

Please contact us at [click to reveal phone number]360-407-6186 or
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.

Questions?

For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Beth Rochetteat
If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at [click to reveal email address]careers@ecy.wa.gov

About the Nuclear Waste Program

The Nuclear Waste Program (NWP) enforces regulatory compliance and cleanup at the Hanford Site and at other facilities managing nuclear waste statewide. It also promotes public involvement, congressional and federal contact, and interstate activities in order to enhance nuclear waste management, compliance, and cleanup of the Hanford Site. This position is in NWP's Cleanup Section.
About the Department of Ecology

As the State of Washington's environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington's environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology 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. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.
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.
We believe that DEIRis 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.
Ecology employees may be eligible for the following: Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), , 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 *Click here for more information

For this position, personal protective equipment will be provided by the program along with reimbursement for required footwear.
To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore , check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, 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.

Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.
#LI-Hybrid
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 01-07-2026
01

How did you hear about this job?

Community Based Organization
Community / Technical College
Ecology Employee
Ecology Recruiter
Ecology Jobs Page
Facebook
Job Board
Job Fair
LinkedIn
Newspaper
Other State Agency
Other Website
Professional Association
Twitter
University Job Board
WorkSource
Other

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, WorkSource, or Other, please share which one.
03

Have you ever worked for the Department of Ecology in any capacity including: Permanent, Non-permanent, Project, Intern, or Volunteer?

How many years of experience do you have related to the duties of this position?Please include any experience gained through employment, internships, and/or volunteer positions. Note that experience gained from academic coursework, class projects, or other degree requirements is assessed in later questions.

One year
Two years
Three years
Four years
Five years
Six years
Seven years
Eight years
Nine or more years
None of the above

Which level best describes your current proficiency in evaluating chemical and radiological hazards to provide clear, science-based conclusions that support protective environmental and public health decisions?

None - No exposure or experience: I have not participated in evaluating chemical or radiological hazards or in developing risk-based conclusions.
Foundational - Basic awareness; limited exposure or training: I have basic familiarity with human health or ecological risk concepts and can assist with simple evaluations under guidance, but have limited experience conducting full risk assessments.
Intermediate - Performs tasks with some guidance; developing practical experience: I have experience evaluating toxicity, exposure, or hazard information with support. I can identify key risk drivers and contribute to risk assessments, though I may seek clarification for complex contaminants, pathways, or assumptions.
Advanced - Performs tasks independently with consistent, demonstrated competence: I independently evaluate chemical and radiological hazards, interpret toxicity and exposure data, and develop defensible risk-based conclusions. I advise project teams on risk assumptions, conceptual models, and cleanup thresholds.
Expert - Recognized subject matter authority who leads, mentors, or sets direction: I am recognized as an expert in human health and ecological risk assessment. I lead complex evaluations, mentor staff, guide interpretation of toxicological and exposure data, and shape program or interagency approaches for evaluating chemical and radiological risks.

Which level best describes your current proficiency in evaluating environmental sampling data to ensure the information is reliable and appropriate for decision making?

None: I have not reviewed or interpreted environmental sampling or analytical data.
Foundational: I understand basic concepts in environmental sampling or analytical methods and can assist in simple data reviews with guidance.
Intermediate: I have experience reviewing sampling data for completeness, quality, and suitability. I can identify potential data gaps or uncertainties but may need guidance when evaluating complex data sets or statistical issues.
Advanced: I independently review environmental data for quality, comparability, and regulatory relevance; identify potential limitations; and ensure data are appropriate for risk assessment and cleanup decisions.
Expert: I am recognized as a subject matter authority in environmental data evaluation. I lead complex reviews, mentor staff, and guide teams on data usability, statistical interpretation, and sampling/analytical method considerations.

Which level best describes your current proficiency in applying state and federal environmental requirements to determine cleanup levels and assess compliance?

None: I have no experience applying environmental regulations or cleanup standards.
Foundational: I have basic awareness of regulatory frameworks (e.g., CERCLA, RCRA, WAC) and can assist with straightforward evaluations under supervision.
Intermediate: I have experience applying relevant regulations to support cleanup decisions, interpret cleanup levels, and identify compliance issues with some guidance.
Advanced: I independently apply state and federal regulations, evaluate compliance with cleanup requirements, and identify regulatory risks, inconsistencies, or required corrective actions. I provide regulatory interpretation to project teams.
Expert: I am recognized as an authority on environmental regulatory application. I lead complex compliance evaluations, mentor staff, and help shape regulatory strategy or guidance interpretation for cleanup programs.

Which level best describes your current proficiency in analyzing information, evaluating assumptions, and identifying uncertainties to develop well-reasoned and defensible recommendations?

None: I do not have experience evaluating assumptions or analyzing complex technical information.
Foundational: I can identify basic assumptions or uncertainties with guidance but have limited experience assessing their implications for decisions.
Intermediate: I analyze technical information, identify key assumptions, and recognize uncertainties. I can explain the basis of recommendations, though I may seek support on challenging or ambiguous issues.
Advanced: I independently evaluate assumptions, data limitations, and uncertainties; synthesize multiple lines of evidence; and develop well supported recommendations. I help others understand risk tradeoffs and decision implications.
Expert: I am recognized for advanced analytical judgment. I guide teams through complex uncertainty evaluations, mentor others in analytical methods, and help shape defensible program level decision approaches.

Which level best describes your proficiency in explaining technical information in clear, understandable terms to support informed decision making?

None: I have no experience communicating technical environmental or toxicological information.
Foundational: I can convey basic technical points with guidance but may struggle to tailor messages for non-technical audiences.
Intermediate: I communicate technical information clearly in written and verbal formats and can adjust explanations for varied audiences, though I may need support for high stakes or complex topics.
Advanced: I independently communicate complex scientific and regulatory issues in clear, accessible terms to managers, project teams, and partners. I routinely develop well-structured technical comments, summaries, or presentations.
Expert: I am recognized as an effective technical communicator who can translate highly complex or sensitive information for diverse audiences. I mentor others, represent the program externally, and contribute to communication strategies.

Which level best describes your proficiency in planning and managing work tasks, timelines, and commitments to successfully meet program and project expectations?

None: I have not planned or managed technical work tasks or deliverables.
Foundational: I can complete assigned tasks with guidance but rely on others to set priorities and organize deadlines.
Intermediate: I plan and manage my workload, meet deadlines with minimal reminders, and adjust priorities with some support when new issues arise.
Advanced: I independently plan, track, and deliver complex work products; coordinate with project managers and specialists; and reliably meet commitments even under changing conditions.
Expert: I lead planning for complex or multi-party efforts, mentor staff in workload management, and help shape project timelines, expectations, and resource planning.

Please provide additional details to support your responses to questions 4-10 above.
The following information is needed: specific duties or activities where skills were developed, and the capacity in which they were developed (education, employment, volunteer or lived experience, etc.). Make sure your response specifically addresses the qualification below: 1. Risk Assessment - Ability to evaluate chemical and radiological hazards to provide clear, science-based conclusions that support protective environmental and public health decisions. 2. Environmental Data Interpretation - Ability to evaluate environmental sampling data to ensure the information is reliable and appropriate for decision-making. 3. Regulatory Application - Ability to apply state and federal environmental requirements to determine cleanup levels and assess compliance to support consistent and defensible regulatory decisions. 4. Critical Thinking - Ability to analyze information, evaluate assumptions, and identify uncertainties to support well-reasoned and defensible recommendations. 5. Technical Communication- Ability to explain technical information in clear, understandable terms to support informed decision-making by managers, partners, and the public. 6. Planning & Prioritization - Ability to plan and manage work tasks, timelines, and commitments to successfully meet program and project expectations.
Make sure your response specifically addresses the qualification above. An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.

Please briefly describe any experience you have with environmental risk assessment for human health and for ecological receptors.
13

What is your level of education?

30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits
60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (AA degree)
90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Ph.D.
None of the above

If you have college credits or a degree, please list your major(s) or field(s) of study and any degree(s) earned. If you don't have this education, put N/A.
15

The State of Washington and the Department of Ecology, play a vital role in fostering a Diverse, Equitable, Inclusive, and Respectful (DEIR) workplace and contributing to equitable outcomes for the communities we serve. We view DEIR 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. We believe it is everyone's job to contribute to a DEIR workplace. What experiences have you had working with people whose backgrounds are very different from your own? What impact did those experiences have on how you worked?
16

Are you able to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license?

I understand that Ecology does not use the E-Verify system and is unable to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Required Question

Toxicologist 2

Toxicologist 2

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