Agency Mission:  Ecology’s mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington’s environment and to promote the wise management of our air, land and water for the benefit of current and future generations.

Program Mission: The Air Quality Program’s mission is to enhance and protect air quality in Washington State. This position serves as Ecology’s designated scientific expert in the field of ambient air monitoring. This position plans and conducts original air monitoring scientific research and collaborates with other Air Quality Program scientists to provide vital information on air quality that will be used by the Air Quality Program to accomplish its strategic goals and mission.

The Air Monitoring Coordinator position uses expert scientific knowledge of air monitoring, atmospheric science, and human exposure science, as well as sophisticated data analysis skills, to conduct original scientific research in ambient air monitoring. This position researches and drafts short and long-term policy recommendations to Program management on efficient and effective use of program resources to fully understand and accurately characterize air quality and avoid non-attainment with air standards.

This position consults with the Air Quality Program Leadership Team and the Monitoring Advisory Committee and coordinates with external partner management to implement original air monitoring research that helps the Program achieve its strategic goals and mission. As such, this position serves as the agency expert in defining, planning, designing, and implementing important air monitoring research on new approaches and technologies in the science of ambient air monitoring where there is little to no precedent.

This position analyzes and applies the latest air monitoring, atmospheric, and human exposure science and uses this information to provide expert scientific and technical consultative services to the Program, local air agencies, the US EPA, US Forest Service, National Park Service, tribal nation personnel, the public and others on the science of ambient air monitoring.

Examples of projects this position will handle are:

• Air basin specific assessments to find what is happening with air chemistry and develop solutions to keep the air within standards,
• Science based searches for the sources of air pollution, and recommendations for solutions,
• Collaboration with modelers and operators to properly site monitoring equipment,
• Review and assessment of new air monitoring technology and methodology,
• Collaboration with program and outside scientists and toxicologists on emerging trends and threats to air quality and health,
• Working with our policy group on air quality exceptional events to make good cases to EPA to avoid (where appropriate) non-attainment,
• Science-based work to evaluate smoke impacts from wildfires.
• Science work supporting specific projects such as the Yakima basin nitrogen study, the Tri-Cities ozone work, and wildfire smoke mortality studies.  These projects are controversial and need skilled staff evaluating, writing, and helping management to be correctly positioned on the issues.

This position…..

• Keeps our state monitoring network in compliance with federal standards.
• Beyond that, advocates for better monitoring to address WA air quality needs.

Types of problems this position gets to solve….

• Where should we site our monitors?
• How can we stay in compliance with standards?  Which ones can we let go (if any?)
• What new technology (monitors, software, GIS, web, etc.) can help in our mission to protect air quality?
• What functional programmatic changes are needed?

Interesting Aspects of this position….

• Air Quality is all about human health. We all breathe a lot. Improving air quality has a direct benefit to health.
• Air Quality is in the midst of many emerging initiatives, including vehicle emissions, climate, roadway impacts, ozone, toxics, etc. This position is at the nexus of those issues and how we are able to report the state of our air quality.
• Ecology has developed many great relationships with local universities, agencies, and others. We are building a science-based group to handle air quality.

The Culture of the team….

• The team is diverse and fun. There is musical talent, many outdoor and athletic pursuits, a broad range of experience in terms of age, education, and previous jobs.
• We are pretty good (and getting better!) at having crucial conversations quickly and calmly.

This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be June 4, 2018.  In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before June 3, 2018. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

A Bachelor’s degree with a major study in a natural science

AND

Six (6) years of professional research work experience in ambient air monitoring, atmospheric chemistry, human exposure science or other closely allied field.

A Master’s degree will substitute for two (2) years of the required experience, provided the field of major study was in ambient air monitoring, atmospheric, or human exposure science.

A Ph.D. degree will substitute for three (3) years of the required experience, provided the field of major study was in the specialty field.

Desired Qualifications:

We are looking for scientific educational or professional expertise in air quality issues – this includes atmospheric chemistry, air quality measurement or evaluation expertise, ability to help decide proper air quality priorities in this state, ability to evaluate proper AQ priorities, and working with our program scientific and policy staff to make correct and strategic moves for AQ progress. We need a person able to write and manage grants and contracts with our partners, as well as providing scientific expertise.

• Five (5) years of experience using R, SigmaPlot, ChemStat, Minitab, IGOR Pro, SAS or other data analysis software.
• Five (5) years of experience using GIS systems (such as ArcGIS) to analyze and display environmental information.
• Demonstrated advanced understanding of the principles of air monitoring.
• Five (5) years of experience in calibrating, maintaining, and operating air monitoring equipment.
• Demonstrated understanding of Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, rules, policy, and guidance that affect ambient air monitoring.
• Demonstrated understanding of exploratory data analysis and familiar with non-parametric statistics.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze environmental data sets; to take initiative to research issues, to seek out and use computer models and other data sources, to and initiate and complete projects.
• Demonstrated skill in writing and preparing presentations, scientific publications, and reports, as well as the ability to present technically complex information in a way that is understandable to a wide variety of audiences.
• Ability to quickly learn contracts and grant procedures, in concert with our budget group.

Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment:

• Obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license.

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 (Download PDF reader), 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

Please complete the applicant profile when applying for this position.

In order to be considered, applicants MUST attach a resume, and cover letter that describes their interest in this position.

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 a 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.

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 e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not 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 email Cullen Stephenson at: cste461@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Cullen 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.