Columbia River Basin Field Lead (Natural Resource Scientist 2)

The Columbia River Basin Field Lead (Natural Resource Scientist 2) at Washington State ESD is a project position focused on environmental assessment, requiring fieldwork and scientific analysis. The role involves planning and coordinating field operations, conducting surveys, data management, and ensuring regulatory compliance. While based in Lacey, WA, the position allows for telework and flexible schedules, with a requirement to live within commuting distance.
Overview Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen The Department of Ecology is hiring a Columbia River Basin Field Lead (Natural Resource Scientist 2) within the Environmental Assessment Program (EAP). This is a project position that is funded until September 30, 2029. Location: Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station. Schedule: This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options. In this role you will be doing a lot of fieldwork; when office work is needed you may telework most of your work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities. Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change. Application Timeline: Apply by November 9, 2025 This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after the date above may not be considered. In this role, you will be required to balance complex field operations with rigorous scientific analysis and reporting. You must operate safely and efficiently in remote field environments, often under varying weather conditions, while maintaining data quality and consistency. This role also demands strong coordination and communication skills to align fieldwork, laboratory processes, and data management across multiple teams and agencies. Additionally, you will be required to continually learn and adapt to evolving environmental regulations, analytical technologies, and program priorities. What you will do Consult with lead scientists, supervisors, and agency management to define research goals and implement specialized natural resource science studies. Develop, implement, and update Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure high-quality data and regulatory compliance. Plan, lead, and coordinate field operations across the Upper and Middle Columbia River Basin, including logistics, sampling design, and safety oversight. Conduct environmental field surveys, collect and prepare samples (water, sediment, tissue), and perform stream flow measurements, often utilizing specialized boats and equipment. Perform data analysis and quality assurance reviews of environmental data using software tools such as GIS, databases, and statistical programs. Prepare detailed scientific reports and presentations, interpret findings and formulate recommendations in collaboration with project leads. Manage and maintain environmental data systems, ensure accuracy and compliance with state and federal data reporting requirements (e.g., EIM, WQX). Promote safety and collaboration by participating in program meetings, maintaining required training, and reviewing technical documents, SOPs, and environmental standards. For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit the Recruitment website. Required Qualifications Seven (7) years of experience and/or education as described below: Experience: research and field work involving environmental toxicology and monitoring. Education: in environmental toxicology with a major study focus. Examples of how to qualify: 7 years of experience. 6 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits. 5 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree). 4 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits. 3 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree. 1 year of experience AND a Master’s degree. no experience AND a Ph.D. Desired Qualifications Knowledge of monitoring approaches to assess environmental toxics. Experience in conducting environmental monitoring using various media. Knowledge of scientific research methods. Working knowledge of chemical properties and analytical methods. Experience with spreadsheets and statistical software. If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles. Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov. Our Commitment to DEIR 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. Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions. Equity: We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive. Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology’s work. Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement. 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. Application Process Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. How to Apply Click “Apply” at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach: Cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position Resume Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as “see resume” may be considered incomplete. For detailed application information, please visit the Recruitment website. Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed. Need an Accommodation? If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format: Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or careers@ecy.wa.gov If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384. Questions? For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact James Medlen: James.Medlen@ecy.wa.gov If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at careers@ecy.wa.gov Program Mission: The mission of the Environmental Assessment Program (EAP) is to measure, assess, and communicate environmental conditions in Washington state. EAP is the lead for applied environmental science within Ecology. This position is specifically part of EAP’s Statewide Coordination Section and Toxics Studies Unit. About the Department of Ecology As the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency, Ecology is committed to protecting and sustaining Washington’s environment for current and future generations. A career in public service at Ecology helps solve challenging problems while supporting health and financial security. We offer competitive benefits and a focus on work-life balance, with opportunities for leadership, teamwork, and accountability. Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days. #LI-Hybrid #J-18808-Ljbffr