Northwest Interstate Compact, Executive Director (EP5) Part Time DOH8071

Make a difference. 

 The Northwest Interstate Compact (NWIC) consists of eight states (WA, OR, ID, AK, MT, HI, UT, and WY), with Washington State serving as the host state. Within the NWIC, there are two low-level radioactive waste sites: the host state waste site (commercial low-level waste site/US Ecology) and the Clive, Utah site. Responsible for managing the movement and disposal of all radioactive waste within the Compact and prohibits the importation of waste from non-member states for disposal at the host state waste site (commercial low-level waste site/US Ecology, Washington). Additionally, the NWIC has an agreement allowing member states of the Rocky Mountain Compact to dispose of waste at the host state waste site (commercial low-level waste site/US Ecology, Washington).

This position is the Executive Director of the Northwest Interstate Compact (NWIC), representing the eight member states of the Compact, and holding the Chair position representing Washington State for the NWIC. Appointed by the Governor of Washington, this role combines high-level policy and technical advisory duties, empowering the incumbent to make decisions and represent both the member states of the NWIC and Washington State on regional and national low-level radioactive waste issues. Responsibilities include ensuring that the NWIC fulfills its mandate to safeguard public health and safety in the transportation, storage, and disposal of Low-Level Radioactive Waste. The Executive Director oversees intricate technical, legal, and regulatory matters concerning access to disposal facilities within the Compact, assesses the import and export of radioactive waste among Compact member states, and ensures compliance with federal Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Amendment Acts.

This part-time (50%) permanent Environmental Panner 5 (EP5) is considered home-based and Telework (mobile work) is currently expected. Required in-office or field work is rare and would be scheduled in advance. 

Work that matters

Public health promotes and protects the health of all people in the state of Washington, in the communities where they live, learn, work, and play. We understand that our efforts to achieve more equitable health outcomes for the communities we serve begin with our ability to operationalize and institutionalize equity throughout our internal policies, systems, and practices. 

About DOH

Join the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to safeguarding public health. As a frontline defender of our communities, DOH collaborates with partners around the clock to impact the lives of every Washingtonian and visitor. We’re not just an organization; we’re a catalyst for change, guided by our core values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement. Our Transformational Plan for the future of Washington’s health is in motion, and we invite you to make a meaningful impact on the well-being of the state by joining us in this exciting journey. Your work at DOH truly matters.

Why DOH  

We are dedicated to your work-life harmony and offer one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, designed to support your lifestyle. To learn more about “Why DOH”, visit Work@Health.   

Our Ideal Candidate 

Has a driving passion for the work, brings humility to their job and interactions, and understand how their actions affect others. They see the needs and objectives of others and take them into account while achieving their objectives, and they adapt their approach and expectations accordingly. They demonstrate resilience and outward behaviors even when confronted with others who are not open or collaborative. 

Required Qualifications 

Experience defined below may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile. 

Bachelor’s degree in environmental or physical sciences, environmental planning, management, engineering or a closely allied field.

AND

• Five (5) or more years (full-time equivalency) of professional experience, training, and increasing responsibility regulating the disposal of low-level radioactive waste, government policy work and monitoring, and cost reimbursement contract processing. 

• Experience will include practical skills in MS Excel for spreadsheet tasks, database management, MS Word for document creation and formatting, and Microsoft Outlook or similar email systems for electronic correspondence.

Desired Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in environmental or physical sciences, environmental planning, management, engineering or a closely allied field.

• Experience with state and federal regulations regarding low-level radioactive waste interstate compacts and waste disposal, understanding of mixed waste program state and federal laws, standards, and procedures applicable to radioactive waste transport, storage and disposal, physical sciences, mathematics, and environmental life sciences.

• Strong strategic and planning skills, knowledge of complex planning and policy issues, and the ability to think strategically on a statewide and national level.

• Experience evaluating highly complex detailed waste management and disposal proposals.

Application Process

Intrigued? Click "Apply" to submit your detailed application profile along with the following:

• A cover letter (without personal pictures) describing how you meet the qualifications and why you are interested in this position.
• A current resume (without personal pictures).
• Three (3) or more professional references, to be listed in your profile under the references section, which includes at least one supervisor, peer, and (if you have supervised staff) someone you have supervised or led.

Attachments: Do not attach any documents that include photos, letters of recommendation, or private information (transcripts, social security number, year of birth, etc.).   

Veterans: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or 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.

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

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. 

If you have questions or need other assistance, please contact Andrea Thieme at andrea.thieme@doh.wa.gov or (360) 918-6601 For persons with disabilities, this document is available in other formats. Please call 800-525-0127 (TDD/TTY 711) or email doh.information@doh.wa.gov. Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can’t log in, password or email issues, error messages).

Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions

With or without accommodation, I am willing and able to:

• Work a part-time 20-hour work week and occasionally adjust work schedules to meet business needs, which may include evenings and weekends. A flexible work schedule will be considered upon request and a supervisor’s approval.
• Occasionally travel alone or with another person throughout the state, which may include overnight. 
• Legally operate a state- or privately-owned vehicle or provide alternative transportation while on state business.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required and determined by the level of hazard.
• Participate in emergency response exercises and emergency events/high-priority assignments as assigned.
• This is a part-time position. Days and hours may vary to meet the core requirements of this position. May be required to work occasionally more than 20 hours per week, including evenings and weekends in emergencies or to meet critical deadlines and attend required meetings.