Padilla Bay Monitoring and Laboratory Specialist (Environmental Specialist 2 or 3)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Padilla Bay Monitoring and Laboratory Specialist (Environmental Specialist 2 or 3)  within the Shorelands & Environmental Assistance Program.

Note: This is an In-Training position. The goal class for this position is Environmental Specialist (ES3). We will consider applicants who meet the requirements for the ES2 and ES3 levels.

This is a project position that is funded until  December 31, 2026. Continuation of the position beyond this date is determined on an annual basis and contingent upon funding and satisfactory performance of job duties.

Location:

• This position will be located in our Padilla Bay Office in Mount Vernon, WA. 

Schedule:

• This position is NOT eligible for telework. Job duties include regular field and laboratory work requiring on-site work.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by January 28, 2026
• 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 date mentioned above may not be considered.

Duties

Padilla Bay Reserve is one of 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves and the only Reserve in Washington State. The mission of the Reserve is to advance research, monitoring, stewardship, management, conservation, and education related to estuarine and coastal ecosystems and communities. The Padilla Bay Reserve has over 8000 acres of eelgrass habitat, representing one of the largest meadows in North America. The Reserve is owned and operated by the Washington State Dept of Ecology through a federal partnership with NOAA.  

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a beautiful natural setting with a close-knit group of scientists, educators and support staff who are passionate about the marine environment.  

In this role, you will play a vital part in protecting Washington’s environment by serving as a dedicated Monitoring Specialist for the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (PBNERR). You will advance the mission of the Reserve by collecting, managing, and analyzing critical water quality and  other environmental data that informs the wise management of our nation's estuaries. By ensuring the integrity of the PBNERR laboratory and adhering to strict national protocols, you will provide the scientific foundation necessary to understand estuarine processes and protect the unique natural resources of Padilla Bay for future generations.

What you will do:

• Lead Laboratory Operations: You will oversee the Padilla Bay laboratory, maintaining and repairing sophisticated scientific instruments—such as datasondes—while ensuring the facility remains accredited and safe for staff and visiting researchers.
• Manage Critical Data: You will perform rigorous quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) on environmental data, developing metadata and managing databases to ensure accurate information is submitted to the national data center.
• Conduct Field Research: You will collect, process, and analyze water samples, conduct habitat monitoring in intertidal and other nearshore environments, operate research vessels, and perform SCUBA diving tasks to support diverse monitoring and research activities.
• Analyze and Synthesize Findings: You will use statistical and geospatial (GIS) tools to analyze monitoring results, producing maps, reports, and publications that communicate findings to partners, scientists, and the public.
• Support the Scientific Community: You will act as a mentor and technical lead, training staff, student researchers, and volunteers on laboratory equipment use, field safety, and standardized sampling procedures.
• Coordinate Nationally: You will serve as a primary liaison to the NERRS Central Data Management Office, ensuring that Padilla Bay’s monitoring programs align with national standards and contribute to a broader understanding of coastal health.

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.

This is an In-Training position. The goal class for this position is Environmental Specialist 3 (ES3). We will consider applicants who meet the requirements for the ES2 and ES3 levels. If the finalist meets the requirements for the ES2 level, they will be hired in at that level and placed into a training program to become an ES3 within a specified period of time.  

Required Qualifications:

At the Environmental Specialist 2 level (In-Training)     $4216-$5666 monthly

Five years of experience and/or education as described below:

Experience professional level experience in hands-on environmental monitoring or research
Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field.
Examples of how to qualify:

• 5 years of experience.
• 4 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 3 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 2 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 1 year of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• A Master’s degree or above.

At the Environmental Specialist 3 level (Goal Class)   $4882-$6576 monthly

Six years of experience and/or education as described below:

Experience professional level experience in hands-on environmental monitoring or research
Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 6 years of experience.
• 5 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 4 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 3 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 2 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• A Master’s degree or above.

Whether at ES2 or ES3 level, experience mentioned above must also include demonstrated competencies in the following skill sets:

• Experience on small boats or motorized watercraft.
• Experience conducting laboratory procedures using technical equipment.
• Experience conducting research or monitoring studies.
• Ability to search, read, and synthesize scientific literature and protocols.
• Ability to prepare scientific presentations and reports.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge or professional experience with methods and techniques of field sampling of water, data gathering with field instruments and multi-parameter instruments, and record keeping
• Knowledge, professional experience, and/or certification in R and/or geographic information systems (GIS) software.
• Experience operating, maintaining, and working on motorized vessels
• Completed Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC) or Certification Course (MOCC)
• Open water SCUBA certification
• Advanced open water SCUBA with drysuit certification
• American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) scientific diving certification

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.

Supplemental Information

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. 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 our 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 orcareers@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 Sylvia Yang at Sylvia.Yang@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 atcareers@ecy.wa.gov

About the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program 

The mission of the SEA Program is to create community conservation partnerships to protect and restore our shorelands, wetlands, and floodplains.

About the Department of Ecology

As the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work balance. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.

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 *Click here for more information 

To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or our blog.

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 cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Collective Bargaining:This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.  

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.

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