Staff Scientist (Natural Resource Scientist 2)

State of Washington; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

Flexible schedule

Job summary

The Department of Ecology in Washington State is seeking a Staff Scientist (Natural Resource Scientist 2) in the Environmental Assessment Program, based in Lacey, WA. The role supports toxics data management, data quality, and technical guidance for the Water Quality Program, with occasional field sampling as needed.

The position offers telework and flexible scheduling, with a minimum of three days per week in the office during training. Training period details and timelines apply.

Qualifications

• Teamwork and collaboration to support shared goals.
• Clear communication for consistent processes and informed decisions.
• Problem solving to maintain data accuracy and improve systems.
• Data management to ensure complete, accurate datasets.

Responsibilities

• Support toxics data assessment and lead data submittals.
• Transform, sort, clean, and filter toxics data for upload into WATS.
• Train and mentor staff in EIM data management techniques.
• Develop training materials for new staff under EIM lead guidance.
• Lead on data submittal requirements and respond to requests from program staff.
• Perform testing on the WQAA application to implement enhancements and fixes.
• Assist senior toxics scientist in responding to comments on draft results.

Skills

Teamwork

Clear communication

Problem solving

Data management

Training & coaching

Documentation

Environmental data analysis

Database systems use

Data integration

Software proficiency

Education

Natural science/data management degree

Tools

WQAA

WATS

EIM data management

Job description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Staff Scientist(Natural Resource Scientist 2) within the Environmental Assessment Program.

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.

• A minimum of three day per week is required in the office during the training period. The telework schedule can be re-evaluated after the training period.

• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by November 19, 2026

• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

As a staff scientist in the Toxics Studies Unit (TSU), you will be responsible for: (1) assisting in the coordination EAP’s Environmental Information Management database by providing data entry, user support, training, and quality control of data entries and submittals, (2) working with TSU’s senior scientist to assist in providing technical expertise to the Water Quality Program on the toxics portion of the statewide water quality assessment, and (3) providing intermittent assistance in the field collecting samples to assess toxics in the environment.

What you will do:

• Support the lead senior scientist with the technical assessment for toxics in tissue and water using Ecology’s Water Quality Assessment Automation (WQAA) application.
• In coordination with the lead toxics senior scientist, transform, sort, clean, and filter toxics assessment data files for upload into Ecology’s Water Quality Assessment Tracking System database (WATS).
• Train and mentor existing and new EAP staff in EIM data management techniques.
• Assist in the development of training materials for new staff by direction of Ecology’s EIM lead.
• Act as the first point of contact and lead on assisting program staff with EIM data submittal requirements and process. Respond promptly to requests or questions about data submittals from program staff. Requires familiarity with all EIM systems and resources as well as applicable associated program resources.
• Performs testing, with oversight by the lead toxics senior scientist, on the WQAA application to implement enhancements and bug-fixes.
• Assist the senior toxics scientist in responding to comments and feedback on draft water quality assessment results.

For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

• Teamwork and Collaboration – Ability to work effectively with coworkers and partners to support shared scientific and data management goals.
• Clear Communication– Ability to explain information in a way others can understand to support consistent processes and informed decision-making.
• Problem Solving – Ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and recommend solutions to maintain data accuracy and improve systems.
• Data Management– Ability to organize, clean, and prepare environmental data to ensure it is complete, accurate, and ready for database upload.
• Training and Coaching – Ability to teach staff how to use systems and follow data processes so they can work more confidently and independently.
• Documentation and Guidance – Ability to create clear instructions and reference materials to help staff understand data standards and submission requirements.
• Environmental Data Analysis – Ability to review and interpret environmental data to support accurate assessments of toxics in water and tissue.
• Database System Use – Ability to use agency data systems to enter, track, and review environmental data according to program requirements.
• Data Integration – Ability to combine field, lab, and contract data into complete datasets to support uploads and program reporting.
• Software Proficiency – Ability to use standard office software and collaboration tools to prepare documents, manage data, and communicate with staff.

Education involvinga major study in natural science, data management, or related field.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 7 years of experience.

• 6 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.

• 5 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).

• 4 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.

• 3 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.

• 1 years of experience AND a Master’s degree.

• a Ph.D.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of scientific research methods.
• Working knowledge of chemical properties and analytical methods.
• Experience in managing large databases.
• Adaptability – Ability to adjust to changing tools, procedures, and priorities to keep work moving smoothly.
• Service Orientation – Ability to respond promptly and helpfully to staff questions to ensure timely and accurate data submissions.
• Program Representation – Ability to represent program needs and perspectives in workgroups to support system improvements and consistent practices.
• Workload Coordination – Ability to manage multiple data and system tasks to meet deadlines and produce reliable assessment results.
• Application Testing – Ability to test system changes and identify issues to help improve reliability and user experience.

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.

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.

Need an Accommodation?

• Please contact us at 360-407-6186 and select #2 for Recruitment or email [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 James Medlen at [e-mail]

• 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 [e-mail]

About the Environmental Assessment Program

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. This position is based out of Ecology headquarters in the Environmental Assessment Program's Statewide Coordination Section, Toxics Studies Unit. The Toxics Studies unit mission is as follows: Our team identifies and assesses toxic contaminants in Washington’s environment through scientific monitoring & research, to support informed decisions that protect human health, wildlife, and the natural resources of Washington.

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.

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.

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