Natural Resource Scientist 3/Habitat Restoration Specialist

 

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, and has leadership that embraces the value of people, Ecology may be a good fit.

The Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP) program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Natural Resource Scientist 3/Habitat Restoration Specialist position. This position is located in our Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.

The Natural Resource Scientist 3/Habitat Restoration Specialist position performs natural resources related work across a wide scope of topics centered on nearshore ecology to help our cleanup teams remediate contaminated sites while maximizing environmental restoration where possible. This position ensures the proper implementation of state regulations and policies at Puget Sound Initiative related sediment cleanup sites, where precedence may be limited, to improve natural resources at cleanup sites. You will also serve as a major project technical lead for Natural Resources Damage Assessment cases in the Puget Sound region; collaborating on research to assess natural resource damages and working with responsible parties to develop restoration plans to offset those damages. We will apply your technical expertise to achieve habitat restoration goals, review habitat assessments, determine mitigation requirements based on sometimes limited data, and monitor restoration success after project construction. The individual will work cooperatively with other state resource agencies, local government, and tribes to coordinate cleanup, natural resource damage assessments, restoration, and mitigation goals. You will be learning new things, incorporating it with what you already know, and putting it to good use! 

We're looking for detail-oriented applicants who have excellent people skills, and who strive to learn about and then share their understanding of the aquatic ecosystem and how to incorporate it into site cleanup decision making. They need to be comfortable communicating with colleagues, the regulated community, the tribes, and the public on whatever level of understanding those individuals may have.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Duties

Ecology's mission is to protect, preserve, and enhance Washington's environment, and promote the wise management of our air, land, and water. Ecology's goals are to prevent pollution, clean up pollution and support sustainable communities and natural resources.

Accidental spills of dangerous materials and past business practices have contaminated land and water throughout the state. The Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP) works to remedy these situations, which range from cleaning up contamination from leaking underground storage tanks, to large, complex projects requiring engineering solutions. Our mission is to get and keep contaminants out of the environment. You'll be working in the Aquatic Lands Cleanup Unit (ALCU) as part of a team whose goal is to clean up and restore areas within the Puget Sound to protect both human health and the marine life which makes this part of Washington so special.

Some of the key work activities of the Natural Resource Scientist 3/Habitat Restoration Specialist are:

 

Will provide critical support to site managers working to clean up contaminated sites throughout the Puget Sound by evaluating available habitat resources, finding constructive ways to avoid or mitigate impacts to existing resources, and identify the potential to restore or enhance existing habitat as part of cleanup activities. The position will also complete NRDA assessments, work to settle NRDA cases with liable parties, and review restoration plans to address damages.

 

The successful candidate will be able to work through differences of opinion in sampling designs and interpretations of results, will be comfortable debating technical differences of opinion, and will be able to explain how and why decisions are made with people of opposing viewpoints. The individual will have many challenging tasks and will be rewarded with coming up with solutions to complex issues which lead to a cleaner environment. The successful candidate will be able to identify opportunities for restoration in areas where industrial activities have occurred before and work within the realities of sustainable development.

This position is an interesting and challenging mix of incorporating habitat review and restoration at cleanup sites throughout the Puget Sound region in areas with varying levels of historic industrial activity. This position is where toxicology, habitat, and state regulations cross paths and translate into understanding real-world biological impacts and ways to address these impacts for the betterment of the aquatic environment. If you enjoy the challenges of mixing multiple disciplines then this position will be great for you. If you enjoy working with groups who may have divergent interests and can identify common ground to build a workable solution, then you may be a great fit for this position.

 

Field work is required under varying weather conditions. Applicants will have to travel several hours by car to meetings or site visits; some overnight stays may be required. There will be challenging meetings with liable parties and consultants who present complex scientific and regulatory issues to work through. And, cleanups are long-term investments in time and effort; but, the pay-offs are returning aquatic environments back to productive areas economically and environmentally. You may have to attend and present at public meetings.

 

The ALCU is a team-oriented and mutually supportive work environment that prides itself on open communication and diversity. If you have a question, there are staff to bounce ideas off of. And, people will be looking to you for advice. We work on cleanup sites that have a real positive environmental impact and where you and your co-workers are invested in making Washington a sustainable place to work and live.

 

 

 

Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree with a major study in a natural science (e.g. Biology, Ecology, Fisheries Sciences, Environmental Sciences) AND four (4) years of professional research work experience in a specific specialty field (e.g. aquatic ecology, benthic ecology, fisheries science, habitat assessment and restoration, environmental planning).

A Master's degree in a natural science AND two (2) years of professional work experience in a specialty field (e.g. aquatic ecology, benthic ecology, fisheries science, habitat assessment and restoration, environmental planning).

A Ph.D. in a natural science, provided the field of major study was in the specific specialty (e.g. aquatic ecology, benthic ecology, fisheries science, habitat assessment and restoration, environmental planning).

 

 

 

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

 

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.

 

Supplemental Information

Please complete the applicant profile when applying for this position.

In order to be considered, applicants MUST attach a resume, and a cover letter that describes their interest in this position.

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.

If you need assistance applying for this job, please e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not 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 Leonard Machut at: leonard.mahcut@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Leonard 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.