Columbia River Basin Toxics Scientist (Natural Resource Scientist 3)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Columbia River Basin Toxics Scientist (Natural Resource Scientist 3) within the Environmental Assessment Program (EAP).

This is a project position that is funded until September 30, 2029. 

Location:

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule:

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• In this role you will be doing a lot of fieldwork, when office work is needed you may telework most of your work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities (about one day per week).
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by April 12, 2026
• This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after the date above may not be considered.

Duties

Would you like to join a team of highly skilled, passionate, and collaborative scientists and planners to reduce toxic contaminants in the Columbia River Basin? In this role, you will plan, lead, and/or provide technical support to environmental and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies to address toxic contaminants in the Columbia River Basin in coordination with internal and external partners/grantees.   

What you will do:

• Research and provide monitoring recommendations to inform toxics reduction strategies identified by internal Ecology and external basin interests.
• Convey toxics monitoring priorities and reduction strategies, using plain talk, as necessary, to basin interested parties, planners, management, and a variety of other audiences including the state legislature.
• Assist Ecology’s CRB science support team in review of grantee quality assurance project plans (QAPPs) and scientific reports.
• Prepare quality assurance project plans (QAPPs), standard operating procedures (SOPs), and scientific reports. Work closely with analytical laboratories to coordinate analysis of environmental samples including developing Request for Proposals for externally contracted analyses and work.
• Conduct surveys, analyze and record conditions for collection of environmental samples for toxics chemical analysis.
• Conduct statistical analysis and quality assurance reviews of environmental data.  Use various software programs for data analysis (spreadsheets and statistics), and report preparation (word processing).
• Communicate sampling results to partners, public, industry, and other agency in an understandable manner.
• Manage large datasets, assist with data reduction, and monitor entry of project data into Ecology’s EIM System.

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

Eight (8) years of experience and/or education as described below:

Experience: research and/or monitoring of toxic contaminants. 

    Experience must include three years of one or more of the following: 

• Experience in environmental toxics monitoring, demonstrated experience conducting environmental monitoring or assessment of toxic contaminants (e.g., PFAS, PCBs, pesticides, metals, emerging contaminants) in water, sediment, and/or biological tissues. 
• Experience with Study Design, QAPPs, Scientific Reports and SOPs Proven ability to prepare, review, and implement Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs), Scientific Reports, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and scientific study designs consistent with EPA and state requirements. 
• field leadership and sampling expertise, experience leading or coordinating field operations, including environmental sampling, instrument calibration, equipment decontamination, chain-of-custody procedures, and working safely in remote or adverse field conditions. 
• Data analysis and statistical skills, experience conducting statistical analysis, quality assurance review, and interpretation of environmental data using spreadsheets, statistical software, and data management systems. 
• large dataset and environmental database management, demonstrated ability to manage large environmental datasets, perform data reduction, and enter and maintain data in environmental databases such as Ecology’s EIM System and EPA’s WQX. 

Education: Environmental science, chemistry, toxicology, hydrology, biology, engineering, or a closely related scientific field. 
 

Examples of how to qualify:

• 8 years of experience.
• 7 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 6 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 5 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 4 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• 2 years of experience AND a Master’s degree.
• 1 year of experience AND a Ph.D.

Conditions of Employment: The ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of monitoring approaches to assess environmental toxics.
• Experience in conducting environmental monitoring using various media. 
• Knowledge of scientific research methods.
• Working knowledge of chemical properties and analytical methods.
• Experience with spreadsheets and statistical software.

If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.

Supplemental Information

Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Our Commitment to DEIR

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 Process

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 job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Click “Apply” at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:

• Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
• Resume

Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as “see resume” may be considered incomplete.

For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.

Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.

Need an Accommodation?

If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:

• Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or careers@ecy.wa.gov
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.

Questions?

• For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact James Medlen: James.Medlen@ecy.wa.gov 
• If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at careers@ecy.wa.gov

Program Mission: The mission of the Environmental Assessment Program (EAP) is to measure, assess, and communicate environmental conditions in Washington State. We work to improve the environment for current and future generations through innovative and excellent science and thriving partnerships.

About the Department of Ecology

As the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology 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. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.

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, Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *Click here for more information

To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or our blog.

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.

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

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.