Per Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14.2, Washington State employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination as part of the hiring process, prior to their start date. Requests for medical and religious exemptions will be considered. If you have questions, please contact Careers@ecy.wa.gov with “COVID-19 vaccination” in the subject line.  

The Environmental Assessment Program (EAP) within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Toxics Unit Staff Scientist (Natural Resource Scientist 2) position. This position is located in our Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.

As a staff scientist in the Toxics Studies Unit (TSU), you will be responsible for planning and conducting environmental studies and leading field work to address toxic contaminants statewide. Data collected is used to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of toxics control efforts, conduct source identification efforts, and assess waterbodies for toxic contaminants. In this role, you will have the opportunity to travel and work in beautiful locations across Washington State and be part of a team of passionate scientists dedicated to assessing and protecting the environment for future generations.      

This position is located within Ecology’s Environmental Assessment Program (EAP) under the Statewide Coordination Section (Toxics Studies Unit or TSU). EAP’s mission is to measure, assess, and communicate environmental conditions in Washington. We work to improve the environment for current and future generations through innovative and excellent science and thriving partnerships. The Toxics Studies Unit conducts long term monitoring/assessment and environmental forensics studies for toxics and toxins across the state. 

During Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery, employees are working a combination of in-office and/or telework based on position and business need. This position is eligible for telecommuting (when not in the field or prepping equipment at our operations center) with occasional mandatory in office meetings per project lead and supervisor request. Ecology is following current state guidance regarding mask requirements, health screening questions before entry, and social distancing. Looking ahead, Ecology has recently updated the agency policies on telework and flexible and compressed work schedules. Applicants with questions about position location options, telework, and flexible or compressed schedules are encouraged to reach out to the contact person listed below in “other information.”

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. Join a team that is highly effective and collaborative, with leadership that embraces the value of people.

• A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
• An Infants at Work Program that is based on the long-term health values of infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.
• Continuous growth and development opportunities. 
• A wellness program that offers education, fitness classes, and an agency-wide fondness for outdoor meetings.
• Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology’s work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.
 

 
We believe that DEIR is both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.