Toxic Studies Unit Supervisor (WMS Band 1)
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
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 Environmental Assessment Program (EAP) program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Toxics Studies Unit Supervisor (WMS Band 1) position. This position is located in our Headquarters Building (HQ) in Lacey, WA.
The Toxics Studies Unit Supervisor position manages the Toxics Studies Unit (TSU), which provides scientific technical services in support of the agency's management and regulation of toxic chemicals.
Strong applicants will possess experience in environmental monitoring because they will be supervising a group of scientists who conduct toxics monitoring studies. The preference is for applicants to have expertise in toxics monitoring and be capable of serving as a technical "backstop" for the work these scientists do. This position will manage multiple complex issues and serve as a role model as we nurture a performance-based culture. We are looking for applicants who can build and maintain cooperative relationships, possess excellent people skills, and have the ability to communicate and coordinate with a diverse audience and navigate through complex and sensitive issues with grace.
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.
To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.
Local efforts... Diverse people... Statewide impacts
Duties
The mission of the Environmental Assessment Program (EAP) is to measure, assess, and communicate environmental conditions in Washington State for the purpose of providing credible science to guide environmental decisions.
Some of the key work activities of the Toxics Studies Unit Supervisor are:
- Manages recruiting and hiring of staff in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement by and between the State of Washington and Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) and with civil service rules.
- This position manages 11 permanent FTEs and 4 project FTEs. The highest class managed is a Natural Resource Scientist 4.
- Plans, leads, organizes, and controls the work performed by the unit. Ensures appropriate and optimal use of the unit's resources and enhance the effectiveness of employees through timely appraisal and professional development opportunities. Supports effective communications throughout the agency. Maintains the highest standards of personal/professional and ethical conduct and support the state's goals for a diverse workforce.
- Plans and schedules unit workload, coordinates annual planning, establishes priorities, assigns tasks, facilitates intra- and inter-program project teams, monitors status of unit tasks and commitments, and ensures timeliness of employee assignments.
- Evaluates the unit's staffing needs, initiates personnel actions, prepares position descriptions and essential functions analyses, recommends staff hires, arranges training and professional development opportunities, evaluates staff performance, and initiates or recommends corrective actions.
- Manages the unit's budget and monitors expenditures; approves leave, timesheets, training requests, travel expense vouchers, and purchasing requests.
- This position directly controls a biennial operating budget of $3.4 million. This includes resources derived from other Ecology programs or government agencies. The incumbent is responsible for all aspects of managing these funds and reporting on the status of the budget to the section manager.
- Assures the timely completion of required or appropriate scientific reports, technical publications, Environmental Indicators, and other required products. Provides detailed review of QAPPs, memoranda, and technical reports to ensure the scientific validity of research methods, SOPs, findings, and recommendations. Ensures that staff findings and recommendations are consistent with state and federal laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines.
- Assures the long-term storage, archival, maintenance, and public access of quality assured data.
- Prepares the unit's goals and objectives; communicates section, program, and agency activities to unit staff; communicates staff recommendations to management; coordinates monitoring activities with other unit supervisors; and prepares the unit's monthly report.
- Serves as lead contact for policy and program development for toxic chemical assessment and serves as a program liaison on inter-program and inter-agency work groups; and coordinates with relevant governmental, professional, and industry officials.
- Serves as the Management Sponsor for the Toxics Technical Coordination Team.
This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be September 10, 2019. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before September 9, 2019. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.
Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
A Bachelor's of Science degree involving major study in environmental sciences or closely allied field
AND
Five (5) years of professional experience as a natural resource scientist or closely allied profession.
A master's degree may substitute for one (1) year of experience. A PhD may substitute for two (2) years of experience.
This position requires knowledge of: physical and natural sciences related to water quality; waste disposal practices; computer sciences; environmental quality standards/guidelines and related departmental regulations; techniques and procedures for water sampling and monitoring; principles and procedures of cost estimating, budgeting, and public finance; principles and practices of workload management, program administration, human relations, and personnel development programs.
The position also requires the ability to: plan, organize, conduct, and direct toxic chemical monitoring programs and special studies; draft and administer departmental contracts; prepare and publish technical reports and bulletins; provide peer review of toxics monitoring activities and reports; interpret and apply environmental quality standards/guidelines and related state and federal laws and regulations; evaluate and report on proposed toxics legislation; negotiate with supervisory personnel of the agency and represent the program in departmental matters as directed; issue clear, concise, and tactful written and oral communications.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
Education or experience in management and supervision.
Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment:
- Active First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
- Valid driver's license for vehicle operation in Washington State.
Why work for Ecology?
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 the health and financial security of you and your family a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to work/life 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
Student debt and how working for Ecology can help
Employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.
*See the Benefits tab in this announcement for more information
Supplemental Information
Application Instructions:
Applicants MUST include the following documents as an attachment to your application:
- A cover letter describing how your experience, skills and abilities meet the required qualifications of this position.
- A copy of your resume.
Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.
Please complete the applicant profile when applying for this position. Or, you may paste the text of your resume within the profile's resume text field.
Please read the supplemental questions carefully and answer completely. Incomplete responses, including "please see resume" may disqualify you from further consideration.
Department of Ecology employees, 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 at (360) 407-6186.
If you are reading this announcement in print format, please visit www.careers.wa.gov to access the online recruitment system. Click on "Look for Jobs" and select Dept. of Ecology under the "Department" search list. Click "Apply Search."
Other Information:
If you need assistance applying for this job, please call Human Resources at (360) 407-6186 or e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not call this number or send an email to this address to follow-up the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile's main page.
If you have specific questions about the position, please email Jessica Archer at:
Jessica.Archer@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Jessica to inquire about the status of your application.
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.
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 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.