Natural Resource Scientist

Overview

The Department of Ecology is hiring for the Environmental Assessment Program (EAP). The position is a Natural Resource Scientist 2 within the Environmental Assessment Program (EAP).

• Eastern Region Office in Spokane, WA
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• You may telework most of your office work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities. This position also includes field work.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

• Apply by May 13, 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.

Under the administrative supervision of the Eastern Operations Section (EOS) Manager and the Modeling/TMDL/Groundwater Unit (MTGU) Supervisor, you will serve as a staff natural resource scientist performing specialized freshwater stream ecology research and hydrogeologic investigations using conventional techniques. Responsibilities include coordinating, gathering, and analyzing water quality and biological sampling information to assess the status and trends of the natural resources in Eastern Washington.

In this role, you will provide support in developing and implementing scientifically credible, well-coordinated monitoring programs designed to meet multiple agency objectives involving the management and regulation of Eastern Washington water resources, including rivers, streams, lakes, and groundwater. You will also plan, develop, and manage environmental sampling design and data collection to support unit projects, including the development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) in the Eastern Region.

You will work in rugged field conditions, traveling by truck or boat to complete work, and will work across agency teams to coordinate activities.

• Perform field investigations, including streamflow measurements, groundwater level measurements, geologic mapping, aerial photograph interpretation, and/or geographic information system analysis
• Plan and conduct hydrology and environmental surveys, analyze and record field conditions, including measuring surface water quality and stream flows in Eastern Washington
• Perform cross-section and program technical peer review of hydrologic and water quality modeling and pollutant loading reports
• Perform quality checks on field and laboratory data and upload data into the agency's environmental database (EIM)
• Perform analysis of hydrology and hydrogeologic data and information using a variety of analytical tools; implement established protocols, e.g., Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other investigation project standards
• Manage multiple monitoring projects simultaneously

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

Required Qualifications

Seven (7) years of experience and/or education as described below:

Experience in freshwater stream ecology research and hydrogeologic investigations.

Experience Must Include The Following

• Field Research & Sampling Experience
• Experience conducting freshwater aquatic and stream ecology fieldwork, including water quality sampling, biological sampling, habitat assessments, or groundwater investigations.
• Technical Writing & Reporting
• Demonstrated ability to write clear, defensible technical sections of monitoring reports, project summaries, or scientific documents, including formulating conclusions and recommendations based on data analysis.
• Scientific Study Design & Data Collection
• Ability to plan, develop, and implement environmental sampling designs, including defining project objectives, designing monitoring plans, and executing field data collection using accepted scientific methods.
• Water Quality Project Skills
• Experience conducting water quality project components such as continuous monitoring, instrument calibration, deployment of…