Protecting Washington State’s environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We are 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, and believes in the fun factor, Ecology is a good fit.

The Environmental Assessment Program (EAP) program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a position that leads monitoring (Natural Resource Scientist 1). This position is located at our Headquarters Building in Lacey, WA but conducts work statewide.

This position is a unique opportunity to gain desirable experience in a diverse array of scientific skills used in conducting environmental projects related to toxic chemicals. The person in this position will have the opportunity to spend a significant amount of time outdoors conducting fieldwork statewide.

We are looking for applicants to be detail oriented, motivated, have experience with: field instrumentation, boating, data analysis and technical writing. Prior experience with toxic chemicals is preferred.

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.ecy.wa.gov.

Local efforts… Diverse people… Statewide impacts

The program’s Toxics Studies Unit in Lacey, WA is looking for a field monitoring lead (Natural Resource Scientist 1).

This position is responsible for leading field operations as part of a statewide monitoring program for persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) chemicals in Washington. The data collected is used to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of chemical action plans designed to reduce and eliminate these chemicals in the environment and inform other pollution control actions.

The successful candidate will work under the technical direction of the PBT project manager to define the research needed and consult with agency management regarding goals and objectives. This position is responsible for performing specialized natural resource science research and compiling available scientific literature and data to better define and describe the occurrence and distribution of PBT chemicals in Washington State.

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Leads environmental field operations including: gear preparation and use, instrument calibration, collection and preparation of environmental samples (water, sediment and tissue), and stream flow measurements for the PBT monitoring program. These operations often involve the use of specialized boats.
• Assists with preparation of quality assurance project plans (QAPPs) and scientific reports.
• Assists with preparation and testing of consumer products for PBT chemicals.
• Coordinates scientific collector permit reporting requirements for the PBT program.
• Conducts statistical analysis and quality assurance review of environmental data.
• Uses various software programs for data analysis and mapping (spreadsheets, statistics, and GIS), and report preparation (word processing).

This is a non-permanent position that is expected to go through February 28, 2016.

Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s of science degree with major study in fisheries, environmental, physical, one of the natural sciences, or other closely allied field

AND

Two years of professional experience in environmental analysis or control in one of these specialty areas.

Advanced educational degrees (master’s or PhD) will substitute for the required experience, provided the major study was in one of the fields listed above.

Desired Qualifications:

Ability to conduct field sampling from a boat under a variety of conditions.

Experience collecting environmental samples of water, sediment or fish tissue.

Experience with spreadsheets, database software, and Geographic Information System (GIS).

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Must possess a valid Washington State Drivers License.

For immediate consideration, please apply online at:

http://agency.governmentjobs.com/washington/default.cfm?action=viewJob&jobID=1139127.