EIM Data Manager (IT Data Management – Journey)

Washington State Department of Ecology; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

Job summary

Washington State Department of Ecology seeks an EIM Data Manager (IT Data Management – Journey) to lead the Environmental Information Management System. You will guide data schemas, metadata, and governance while collaborating with scientists, developers, and external partners.

The role offers telework and flexible scheduling, with responsibilities that advance regulatory, scientific, and operational outcomes across the agency.

Qualifications

• Five years of experience or education related to environmental data management and schema design.
• Ability to evaluate metadata, units, and reference tables for data integrity.
• Experience aligning data activities with agency and national standards.
• Proven coordination of system integrations and data quality improvements.
• Strong ability to perform complex queries and data analyses to support improvements.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical expert for environmental data management, lead EIM initiatives.
• Manage metadata in 60+ EIM reference tables, including parameters, methods, taxa, units.
• Lead documentation across system applications and data types.
• Oversee customer service, system accounts, and user inquiries.
• Identify valid values for new collection methods and data collection devices.
• Define data requirements for system upgrades and new functions.

Skills

Environmental Data Modeling and Schema

Metadata Management

Analytical Reasoning

System Integrations

Advanced Querying

Governance and Standards

Customer Service and Training

Education

Computer Science / IT or Environmental Science

Job description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

Information Technology Services Office (ITSO).

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

Description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring an EIM Data Manager (IT Data Management – Journey) within the Information Technology Services Office (ITSO).

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.
• You may telework most of your work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline

• Apply by August 12, 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties

In this position, you will serve as Ecology’s subject matter expert for the Environmental Information Management System (EIM), Ecology’s authoritative repository for environmental monitoring data. You will have the unique opportunity to lead technical and strategic initiatives and projects, manage complex scientific reference tables and data schemas, and ensure data integrity and interoperability across agency, state, and national standards. As chair of the EIM Steering Committee, you will facilitate collaboration and high impact decision making among Ecology’s environmental programs. You will collaborate with diverse teams, including scientists, developers, and external partners, and help shape the direction of environmental data management agencywide. The role is both intellectually and operationally challenging, requiring skills in environmental science, database design, and customer service, while providing experience in cross-agency collaboration, governance, and continuous learning. You will find opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and exposure to innovative projects that directly impact regulatory, scientific, and operational outcomes across the agency. You will also contribute to the reliability and accessibility of environmental data, gain expertise in technical documentation and user support, and play a key role in advancing Ecology’s mission to protect and enhance the state’s environment.

What You Will Do

• Serve as the agency's technical expert and point person for environmental data management.
• Manage key system metadata in 60+ EIM reference tables per request or need, including parameters, field and analytical lab methods, taxa, and units.
• Lead technical documentation efforts spanning multiple system applications and types of environmental monitoring data.
• Lead customer service efforts, including managing system accounts and responding to a wide variety of technical and scientific questions.
• Lead coordination, research, and identification of valid values based on best available science for new collection methods and devices that collect environmental data stored in EIM.
• Define data requirements for system upgrades or new functions.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Five years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:
  • Environmental Data Modeling and Schema Management –Demonstrated experience designing, assessing, and refining environmental data schemas to support standardized, scientifically credible, and structurally sound environmental data storage.
  • Environmental Valid Value and Metadata Management – Demonstrated ability to evaluate scientific methods, parameters, units, and taxonomic values to maintain accurate and consistent metadata and reference tables that support data integrity.
  • Analytical Reasoning and Problem Solving – Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex environmental datasets and reference resources to identify issues, interpret scientific implications, and ensure credible, accurate environmental data.
  • Technical Coordination for System Integrations and Data Quality – Proven track record collaborating with partners to resolve technical issues and maintain alignment across integrated systems.
  • Advanced Querying and Data Analysis – Demonstrated ability to perform complex database queries, diagnostics, and statistical evaluations to identify data issues, support system improvements, and resolve user inquiries.
  • Strategic and Systems Thinking – Demonstrated ability to align environmental data management activities with agency, state, and national standards to guide long-term direction, improve systems, and support governance decisions.
  • User Training and Documentation Development – Demonstrated ability to create and maintain technical documentation, training materials, and guidance to help users correctly use EIM systems and submit compliant data.
  • Customer Service and Issue Resolution – Demonstrated ability to respond to inquiries, diagnose data-related issues, and prioritize customer service needs to ensure users and data submitters receive timely, accurate support.
• Education involving a major study in Computer Science, Information Technology (IT), Environmental Science, or another closely related field.

Examples Of How To Qualify

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

Desired Qualifications

• Ability to understand environmental sampling approaches, laboratory analyses, and monitoring program structures to support accurate interpretation of reference values and data issues.
• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial data.
• Ability to understand or work with API specifications, XML/JSON formats, or data exchange tools to support modern, scalable system interoperability.
• Knowledge of federal National Hydrography Data (NHD) or 3D Hydrography Data (3DHP).
• Ability to guide staff and partners through procedural, technical, or standards-related change to ensure smooth adoption of new data practices.
• Ability to lead collaborative technical conversations across agencies, laboratories, and external partners to support shared data standards and problem resolution.

If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.

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.

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.

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?

• Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or [e-mail]
• 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 Christina Kellum at [e-mail]
• If you need assistance applying for this job, are