Chemist 2

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Chemist 2 within the Environmental Assessment Program.

Location:

• Manchester Environmental Laboratory in Port Orchard, WA.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule: This position is required to work in the office five days per week and is not eligible for telework.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by March 10, 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 the date above may not be considered.

Duties

In this role, you will be part of the Inorganics Unit at the Manchester Environmental Laboratory (MEL), a highly active production lab. You will analyze complex chemical tests on water, wastewater, sediment, tissue, and hazardous waste using advanced analytical instrumentation to create legally binding data. You will follow Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) Methods, Standard Methods, and strict Quality Control (QC) protocol. You will be responsible in managing sample workloads, data acquisition and entry, proper use and maintenance of scientific instrumentation and provide support as backup analyst.  You must be detailed, organized, collaborative, communicative, and comfortable working independently and as part of a team.

What you will do:

• Perform complex nutrient analyses on environmental samples for total nitrogen (TPN), ammonia (NH3), and nitrate/nitrite (NO2/NO3) using flow injection analyzers (FIA), including sample preparation, calibration, analysis, troubleshooting, maintenance and documentation.
• Serve as a backup analyst for total phosphorus (TP, TPLL), orthophosphate (OP), total organic carbon and dissolved organic carbon in water (TOC/DOC), total carbon and nitrogen in soil (TOC/TN), general chemistry parameters, and microbiology as needed.
• Produce accurate, legally defensible data in compliance with all MEL Quality Assurance and Quality Control.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation, including FIA systems, TOC/DOC analyzers, CHN analyzers, titrators, and related equipment.
• Maintain laboratory readiness, including ordering and managing consumables, reagents, nutrient standards and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) per EPA, Ecology and manufacturer requirements.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively, keeping supervisors informed of issues or workload concerns, participating in unit meetings, and supporting a respectful, inclusive, team-oriented laboratory environment.

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website

Six (6) years of experience and/or education as described below:

Experience in Chemistry or performing chemical analysis in an analytical laboratory.

Experience must include:

• Analytical Laboratory Experience Demonstrated experience performing chemical analyses on environmental samples (water, wastewater, sludge, sediment, or hazardous waste) using standard laboratory methods. Ability to collect, review, document, enter, and report analytical data accurately and within required timelines, including peer review of inorganic data and adherence to sample hold times.
• Quality Assurance and Data Integrity Knowledge of laboratory QA/QC practices and ability to produce accurate, traceable, and legally defensible data in compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements.
• Computer and Software Proficiency Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams, Access) and laboratory information or data management systems.
• Communication, Teamwork, and Professional Conduct Strong verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive environment.
• Physical, Safety, and Work Environment Readiness Ability to safely work in a laboratory environment, including handling and transporting samples, performing repetitive laboratory tasks, wearing required PPE, complying with safety protocols, and meeting physical demands of the position.

Education involving a major study in chemistry or any degree with a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of college level chemistry.

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 higher.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Must pass an Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) background check

Desired Qualifications:

• Standard methods (SM):SM4500PF, SM4500-NH3H, SM4500-NO3I, SM4500-NB, SM4500-PG, SM4500-S- 2I
• Experience performing chemical analysis on environmental samples for nutrients on the FIA.
• Flow Injection Analysis (FIA) Proficiency
  Hands-on experience conducting nutrient analyses (e.g., total nitrogen, ammonia, nitrate/nitrite, phosphorus) using FIA, including sample preparation, reagent preparation, instrument calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with Analytical Instrumentation
  Experience operating and maintaining laboratory instruments such as TOC/DOC analyzers, CHN analyzers, automated titrators, pH meters, BOD probes/meters, incubators, balances, and ovens.
• Technical Writing and SOP Experience
   Ability to author, edit, review, and follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), technical documentation, and quality manuals.

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.

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 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 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 Heidi Chuhran at: Heidi.Chuhran@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

About the Environmental Assessment Program

The mission of the Environmental Assessment Program (EAP) is to measure, assess, and communicate environmental conditions in Washington State, providing credible science to guide Washington's environmental choices.

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, 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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