Stormwater Monitoring Scientist (Natural Resource Scientist 2)
We are looking for applicants who want to use their research experience in environmental assessment in order to work collaboratively with other Ecology staff, government agencies, and the public to achieve Ecology’s mission of protecting, preserving and enhancing Washington’s environment for future generations.
As an agency, we invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.
To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecy.wa.gov and check us out on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.
Local efforts… Diverse people… Statewide impacts
DutiesThe mission of the Water Quality Program is to protect and restore Washington’s waters to sustain healthy watersheds and communities. Our work ensures that state waters support beneficial uses including recreational and business activities, supplies for clean drinking water, and the protection of fish, shellfish, wildlife, and public health.
Some of the key activities of the Stormwater Monitoring Scientist include: Plan, direct, and coordinate monitoring studies supporting implementation of stormwater monitoring programs:
- Define monitoring research projects including scope, and coordinate the development of monitoring plans with local governments (cities and counties with stormwater permits) and other monitoring providers
- Use knowledge of environmental assessment and monitoring to interpret scientific studies and develop recommendations so that stormwater policy decisions are informed by best science
- Evaluate stormwater monitoring project plans and specifications to ensure they are meeting agency needs, goals, and objectives
- Analyze and evaluate standard operation procedures (SOPs), quality assurance project plans (QAPPs), and water quality monitoring plans
- Consult with project managers, laboratories, and scientists on implementation of monitoring studies
- Analyze and apply stormwater research work to inform municipal stormwater monitoring requirements
- In consultation with management and the stormwater monitoring technical lead, define the goals and objectives of status and trends monitoring efforts
- Write reports, analyze, and apply related stormwater research
- Formulate and justify conclusions and recommendations in relevant monitoring reports and data analysis documents
- Serve as a data coordinator for the Environmental Information Management (EIM) System including developing and defining recordkeeping and reporting procedures for monitoring data
As the section staff supporting the administration of stormwater monitoring programs, apply knowledge of environmental science, problem solving, and research techniques to:
- Develop and administer contracts, requests for proposals, and grant proposals
- Coordinate with the Water Quality Program Managers Office and Fiscal Office on program budget
- Oversee annual program revenue collection and documentation
- Organize meetings and workshops with topic groups to share findings, coordinate, and inform partnerships regionally on stormwater science findings
- Develop communication materials for stormwater audiences and ensure delivery of study findings via several strategies (e.g. web, flyers, meetings)
This is a project position with a current end date of July 31, 2018, with the possibility of extension.
This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be May 2nd, 2017. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before May 1st, 2017. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree with major study in chemistry, biology, or environmental science AND Three (3) years-professional research work experience in environmental assessment and managing research studies. A Master’s degree will substitute for two (2) years of experience, and a Ph.D. degree will substitute for all of the required experience, provided the field of major study was in one of the degrees listed above.
Desired Qualifications:
Education and experience involving stormwater monitoring, stream hydrology, statistical analysis, and water quality modeling.
Supplemental InformationApplication Instructions:
Please include the following documents as an attachment to your application:
- A cover letter describing how your experience, skills and abilities meet the required qualifications of this position.
- A resume outlining your professional experience.
Please complete the applicant profile when applying for this position. Or, you may paste the text of your resume within the profile’s resume text field.
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 at (360) 407-6186.
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 call Human Resources at (360) 407-6186 or e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not call this number or 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 Vince McGowan at: Vincent.McGowan@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Vince 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.
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 and that your priority is making sure 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. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and 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.
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.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment and are able to take leave after six months of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees as follows:
| YEARS | ACCRUAL |
| During 1st year | 12 days |
| During 2nd year | 13 days |
| During 3rd & 4th years | 14 days |
| During 5th, 6th & 7th years | 15 days |
| During 8th, 9th & 10th years | 16 days |
| During 11th year | 17 days |
| During 12th year | 18 days |
| During 13th year | 19 days |
| During 14th year | 20 days |
| During 15th year | 21 days |
| During 16th year & thereafter | 22 days |
A maximum of 30 working days (240 hours) may be accumulated. Holidays
Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:
| HOLIDAY | DATE |
| New Year’s Day | January 1 |
| Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday | Third Monday in January |
| Presidents’ Day | Third Monday in February |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May |
| Independence Day | July 4 |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September |
| Veterans’ Day | November 11 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
| Personal Holiday | Employee’s selection each calendar year |
*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
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.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for the following: illness, injury, preventative health care, exposure to a contagious disease that might endanger others, disability due to pregnancy or childbirth, illness, injury or death of relatives.
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.
How did you first learn about this job posting?
- Community Based Organization
- Community / Technical College
- Ecology Employee
- Ecology Recruiter
- Ecology Jobs Page
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- Other State Agency
- Other Website
- Professional Association
- University Job Board
- WorkSource
- www.careers.wa.gov
If you selected Community Based Organization, Community / Technical College, Job Board, Job Fair, LinkedIn Group, Newspaper, Other State Agency, Other Website, Professional Association, Radio, University Job Board or WorkSource location then please share which one.
Please select the statement that best describes your level of education in chemistry, biology, or environmental science.
- I have a bachelor’s degree.
- I have a master’s degree.
- I have a Ph.D.
- None of the above statements apply.
Please indicate your degree and major study.
Please select the statement that best describes your professional-level research experience in environmental assessment and managing research studies.
- I have at least one years of experience.
- I have at least two years of experience.
- I have at least three years of experience.
- None of the above statements apply.
Please provide additional information to support your response to question 5 above. The following information is needed: position title(s), specific duties, and periods of employment. Make sure your responses specifically address the qualifications above. An incomplete answer, including “please see resume” may remove you from further consideration.
Please describe your education and/or experience involving stormwater monitoring, stream hydrology, statistical analysis, and water quality monitoring. If you do not have this education or experience, please type NA.
Please describe your education and/or experience networking with scientists, speaking and/or coordinating scientific meeting agendas, and writing and communicating scientific materials for adoption of new practices. If you do not have this education or experience, please type NA.
Required Question
AgencyState of Washington
Address View Job Posting for Agency Information
View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504.