Ocean Acidification Senior Scientist (Natural Resource Scientist 4)
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) within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill an Ocean Acidification Senior Scientist (Natural Resource Scientist 4) position. This position will be located at our Headquarters Building in Lacey, WA.
The Ocean Acidification Senior Scientist position serves as the designated technical expert in the agency on ocean acidification science.
We are seeking applicants who have excellent attention to technical details, possess the ability to work independently and take initiative, are flexible, team-oriented, and have the ability to communicate and work effectively with a diverse audience.
As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment for current and future generations. 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 The Department of 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 Environmental Assessment Program is the science branch of Ecology. We provide a range of scientific, monitoring, laboratory, and quality assurance services to support important natural resource management decisions in Washington.
The Ocean Acidification Senior Scientist position is designated by the director as the senior scientist in the agency on ocean acidification science. Some of the key work activities include:
- Coordinates implementation of ocean acidification science into environmental monitoring and modeling programs in the agency.
- Collaborates with the ocean acidification science community on the west coast to evaluate conditions in the Salish Sea and coastal areas of Washington.
- Communicates highly technical findings to a wide range of audiences including scientist, managers and the public for the purpose of informing policy decisions around ocean acidification.
Interesting Aspects of this position:
- This position is expected to lead ocean acidification science within Ecology. The position is responsible for guiding activities in our monitoring and modeling groups around ocean acidification and integrating the results of this work into other agency programs and external groups.
- Ocean acidification is a complex problem that is affected by many factors. This position will coordinate and promote cutting edge science to inform management decisions to around ocean acidification.
- This position is a unique opportunity to collaborate with top scientists and engineers in the agency, region and west coast on ocean acidification science for the purpose of informing management decisions around ocean acidification.
The Culture of the team:
Within Ecology this position will work in a highly respected and devoted team of engineers, oceanographers and environmental scientists to analyze environmental conditions and develop strategies to improve water quality in the Salish Sea. Our team is dedicated to supporting each other and working in a highly collaborative environment.
This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be September 30 2019. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before September 29, 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 of Science degree with a major study in marine science, oceanography or closely allied field
AND
Six (6) years of professional research work experience in marine science or chemical oceanography related to ocean acidification.
A Master's degree, will substitute for two (2) years of the required experience, provided the field of major study was in the specialty field.
A Ph.D. will substitute for three (3) years of the required experience, provided the field of major study was in the specialty field.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience conducting field sampling from a boat and seaplane under a variety of conditions.
- Experience operating and calibrating marine water quality instruments.
- Ability to work with large environmental datasets.
- Scripting skills preferably in Structured Query Language and R.
- Ability to use, interpret, analyze and produce geographic information datasets.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.
Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment:
Must possess a valid driver's license.
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:
Please 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 resume outlining your professional experience.
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 these positions. 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.
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 send an email to Dale Norton at: dale.norton@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Dale 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.
This position is included in the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) union bargaining unit for the Department of Ecology.
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.