Product Testing Project Manager (Natural Resource Scientist 2)
Protecting Washington State's environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We are a culture that is invested in making a difference. If you want to join a team that is highly effective, collaborative, has leadership that embraces the value of people, and believes in the fun factor, Ecology is a good fit.
The Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction (HWTR) Program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Product Testing Project Manager (Natural Resource Scientist 2). This position is located in our Headquarters Building in Lacey, WA.
We are looking for applicants with a strong sense of curiosity, who like challenges and are creative in their problem solving. The ideal candidate must have strong people skills and be able to work in close proximity with colleagues or independently.
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. Maybe you've seen some of our recent stories on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.
The Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction (HWTR) Program is made up of people dedicated to fostering sustainability, preventing pollution, and promoting safe waste management. We do many different things in a coordinated approach to protect the people and environment of Washington from pollution from hazardous products and waste.
What does the Product Testing Project Manager do?
This position researches, defines, drafts, and implements product testing studies for the agency. This includes:
- Defining product testing studies in order to evaluate the occurrence of toxic chemicals in consumer products in Washington State, and ensuring these studies are in line with the needs of the project client as well as program and agency's goals and objectives.
- Developing and implementing three to four product testing studies per biennium that provide high quality data for research or compliance efforts.
- Performing specialized research on toxic chemical use in consumer products such as children's toys in order to ensure compliance with state consumer product safety laws. Research may also include investigation of test methods and qualified analytical labs.
- Developing, researching, finalizing and implementing Quality Assurance Project Plans in support of the unit's identified compliance and research needs.
- Preparing products for testing through size reduction and/or extraction into a solution in support of the enforcement of toxics in consumer product laws.
- Maintaining and operating screening equipment such as the x-ray fluorescence (XRF) scanner. Operation will include set-up, calibration, and use of this screening equipment.
- Conducting equipment and safety training for junior staff and interns, so that staff can safely operate in the prep room.
- Managing project scope, schedule and budget, that also requires following agency procedures, tracking and recording data, working with the laboratory, reviewing the quality of analytical results, drafting and finalizing the report, and collaborating with the project client.
- This position requires strong attention to detail, the ability to use strong people skills and patience to complete a product testing studies with numerous colleagues, and can at times require completing repetitive laboratory tasks.
Why join the team?
- This work unit is a highly skilled team of scientists, policy experts, compliance officers, and database mangers, dedicated to protecting Washington's citizens and the environment from toxic chemicals contained in consumer products.
- This position uses cutting edge science to investigate the chemical makeup of consumer products. This position allows the ideal candidate the opportunity to use their curiosity and scientific ability to identify problem chemicals in order to protect the public and environment.
This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be July 2, 2019. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before July 1, 2019 .The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.
Required Qualifications:
A Bachelor of science degree with major study in natural science, chemistry, environmental science, or other closely allied field AND three years of experience in sampling and chemical analysis of consumer products or related environmental media such as soil, water, waste or air.
A Master's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or biochemistry will substitute for two of the required three years of experience provided the major area of study was in one of the fields listed above.
A PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, or biochemistry will substitute for the required experience, provided the major study was in one of the fields listed above.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience with consumer product sampling and testing.
- Experience or education with chemical properties and analytical methods.
- Experience with spreadsheets, databases, and statistical software.
- Experience writing reports.
- Experience with conflict resolution and team building skills.
Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment:
Must obtain and maintain a valid Driver's License