Chief Information Officer; EMS Band 4

The salary listed above includes the scheduled 2% general salary increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Chief Information Officer (EMS Band
4) within the Executive Leadership Team
.

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• A minimum of three days per week is required in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

• Apply by July 16, 2026.
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

We are looking for a transformational technology leader who is ready to team with a large group of dedicated professionals to modernize the systems, platforms, data, and digital services that power Ecology’s scientific, regulatory, and operational work. You will guide the agency through major technology and organizational change while building a secure, resilient, cloud‑forward, data‑driven, and service‑oriented technology environment that advances Ecology’s mission.

In this role, you will serve as Ecology’s Chief Information Officer and the executive leader for enterprise technology, cybersecurity, data and analytics, digital services, and modernization strategy. You will ensure that technology becomes a strategic capability that accelerates scientific discovery, strengthens environmental protection, supports staff, and improves service delivery to the public. You will provide strategic decision‑making and deliver policies with broad, agency‑wide impacts that shape how Ecology delivers its mission.

• Planning, leading, organizing, and directing Ecology’s statewide enterprise technology strategy, modernization initiatives, cybersecurity program, cloud transformation, data and analytics platforms, and digital service delivery.
• Establishing and executing a long‑term enterprise technology vision that aligns with Ecology’s environmental mission, statewide policy direction, and emerging industry practices.
• Guiding agency‑wide modernization efforts, including cloud adoption, enterprise architecture, application modernization, automation, responsible AI, and sustainable technology practices.
• Managing the agency’s technology investment portfolio, enterprise operating and capital budgets, and modernization resources while ensuring transparent fiscal stewardship.
• Ensuring enterprise cybersecurity, digital risk management, operational resilience, and compliance with statewide and federal requirements.
• Hiring, mentoring, and developing technology leaders and teams while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, innovative, and high‑performing technology workforce.
• Representing Ecology on statewide technology issues with WaTech, OFM, OCIO, Tribes, local governments, federal partners, universities, and regulated entities.

• Problem‑solve, anticipate emerging technology trends, and adapt strategies to meet evolving mission and cybersecurity needs.
• Communicate effectively with diverse partners, including Tribal governments, scientific communities, the public, technology leaders, research institutions, industry partners, and elected officials.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of state technology governance, cybersecurity mandates, cloud practices, enterprise architecture, AI governance, accessibility requirements, and public‑sector operational constraints.
• Recognize and understand how technology affects environmental programs, public services, agency staff, and the communities we serve—and identify what is needed to achieve durable, mission‑aligned outcomes.

• Nine years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:
• Enterprise Technology Leadership – Successful track record providing strategic vision and direction, executive oversight, and operational accountability delivering tools and solutions to support evidence‑based decision making aligned with organizational mission and…