Natural Resource Scientist 2

Please Note: The pay listed above includes the 3.25% pay increase that will go into effect on July 1, 2022. 

Per Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14.2 (Download PDF reader), Washington State employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination as part of the hiring process, prior to their start date. Requests for medical and religious exemptions will be considered. If you have questions, please contact Careers@ecy.wa.gov with “COVID-19 vaccination” in the subject line.  

The Environmental Assessment Program (EAP) within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Toxics Unit Staff Scientist (Natural Resource Scientist 2) position. This position is located in our Eastern Regional Office (ERO) in Spokane, WA. 

In this role, you will perform specialized surface water flow monitoring, freshwater aquatic and stream ecology research, and groundwater monitoring using conventional techniques. Your responsibilities will include gathering and analyzing sampling information to assess the status and trends of the streams, rivers and groundwater resources throughout Washington State. You will use scientific knowledge and professional judgment to serve as a staff natural resource scientist performing specialized freshwater aquatic and stream ecology research, groundwater investigations, coordinating, gathering, and analyzing water quality and biological sampling information to develop recommendations in order for management to make decisions regarding natural resources in Eastern Washington

During Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery, employees are working a combination of in-office and/or telework based on position and business need. Ecology is following current state guidance regarding mask requirements, health screening questions before entry, and social distancing. Looking ahead, Ecology has recently updated the agency policies on telework and flexible and compressed work schedules. Applicants with questions about position location options, telework, and flexible or compressed schedules are encouraged to reach out to the contact person listed below in “other information.”

The Environmental Assessment Program provides a range of scientific, monitoring, laboratory, and quality assurance services. Its mission is to measure and assess environmental conditions in Washington State.

Ecology cares deeply about employee wellness; we go beyond traditional benefits, proudly offering:

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.

Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.

 

Equity: We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.

 

Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology’s work.

 

Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.

We believe that DEIR is 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. 

Application Timeline: This position will remain open until filled, with an initial screening date of July 6, 2022. In order to be considered for initial screening, please submit an application on or before July 5, 2022. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

 

Duties

What makes this role unique? 

The Environmental Assessment Program is the science arm of our agency. Our scientists measure and analyze environmental conditions. Quality data is our highest priority. We use this data to evaluate and communicate environmental threats and to guide the state's environmental policy decisions. Our hydrologists maintain a network of stream-gaging stations that report streamflow conditions in rivers and streams across the state to examine current water quality and streamflow conditions, and studies trends in stream health over time. The data we collect helps us make decisions on how to meet the water needs of people, wildlife, and the natural environment. Our natural resource scientists study water quality and habitat to learn what kinds of plants and animals freshwater ecosystems support and collect data on the health of environmental systems that support plant and animal life. Our research helps us to restore and measure the health of important habitats across the state that are crucial for the survival of Washington's diverse plant and animal populations.    

What you will do: 

Qualifications

Experience for both required and desired qualifications can be gained through various combinations of formal professional employment, educational and volunteer experience. See below for how you may qualify.

Option 1: A Bachelor of science degree with major study in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, natural science, freshwater stream ecology or closely allied field. 

Three years of experience in freshwater stream ecology research and hydrogeologic investigations.

Option 2: A Master’s degree with major study in hydrology, hydrogeology, freshwater stream ecology or aquatic ecosystem monitoring.

One year of experience in freshwater stream ecology research and hydrogeologic investigations.

Option 3: A Ph.D. with major study in hydrology, hydrogeology, freshwater stream ecology or aquatic ecosystem monitoring.

Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment: 

Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications: 

We highly encourage you to apply even if you do not have some (or all) of the desired experience below.

Note: Having some (or all) of this desired experience may make your application more competitive in a highly competitive applicant pool.

Supplemental Information

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 candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Need an Accommodation in the application and/or screening process or this job announcement in an alternative format?

It's in the applicant's best interest to submit all of the documents listed below. Applications without these documents may be declined.

Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable. 

When attaching documents to your application (such as Resume, Cover Letter, Transcripts, DD-214, etc.):

 

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.

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. 

If you have specific questions about the position, please email Cathrene Glick at: Cathrene.glick@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Cathrene to inquire about the status of your application.

To request the full position description: email careers@ecy.wa.gov

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.

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 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.

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 *See the Benefits tab in this announcement for more information 

The Department of Ecology is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Forgiveness Program (PSLF). See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.

To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.

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

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. 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.

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.