Sediment Cleanup Specialist (Natural Resource Scientist 3)

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/Sediment Cleanup Specialist (Natural Resource Scientist 3) position. This position is located in our Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.

The Natural Resource Scientist/Sediment Cleanup Specialist position serves as a sediment and research specialist and Project Manager to ensure proper implementation of state and federal cleanup regulations at sediment cleanup sites. Based on sometimes limited data or where precedent may be limited, this position works to achieve cleanup goals during remedial investigations and through phases of cleanup while working cooperatively with liable parties. You'll also coordinate with resource agencies, local government, and tribes to coordinate cleanup and restoration. In this position, you'll have opportunities to help in developing studies that assess contaminated sediments or test advances in cleanup methodologies where precedent is limited. 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 with excellent people skills, who strive to learn new aspects of the evolving world of sediment contamination, and can rapidly assess complex data sets and regulations in order to make defensible decisions. You will need to be comfortable communicating with colleagues, the regulated community, the tribes, and the public whatever their level.

 

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/Sediment Cleanup Specialist are:

     

This position is where toxicology, science, and regulations translate into an understanding of real-world biological impacts and ways to address these impacts for the betterment of the aquatic environment. If you enjoy working with groups who may have divergent interests to identify common ground and build a workable solution, then you may be a great fit for this position.

 

 

Field work is sometimes 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

Bachelor's degree with major study in a natural science (e.g. Aquatic Biology, Ecology, Ecotoxicology, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, etc.) and four years-professional research work experience in a specific specialty field (e.g. aquatic ecology, benthic ecology, sediment and/or soil toxicology, etc.).

A Master's degree in a natural science (e.g. Aquatic Biology, Ecology, Ecotoxicology, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, etc.) and two years-professional research work experience in a specific specialty field (e.g. aquatic ecology, benthic ecology, sediment and/or soil toxicology, etc.).

A Ph.D. degree in a natural science (e.g. Aquatic Biology, Ecology, Ecotoxicology, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, etc.).

 

 

 

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 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."

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.machut@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.