Columbia River Basin Field Lead; Natural Resource Scientist

Columbia River Basin Field Lead (Natural Resource Scientist
2)

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 project position is funded until September 30, 2029.

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

• Eligible for telework and flexible schedule options. You will do a lot of fieldwork; when office work is needed you may telework most of your work time with occasional in-person meetings.
• Schedules are subject to change based on position needs.

• Apply by November 9, 2025. The position will remain open until filled. Applications received after the date above may not be considered.

In this role, you will balance complex field operations with rigorous scientific analysis and reporting. You must operate safely in remote field environments, often under varying weather conditions, while maintaining data quality and consistency. The role demands strong coordination and communication skills to align fieldwork, laboratory processes, and data management across teams and agencies. You will also continually learn and adapt to evolving environmental regulations, analytical technologies, and program priorities.

• 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 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, ensuring 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 our Recruitment website.

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

• Experience:
  
  research and field work involving environmental toxicology and monitoring.
• Education:
  
  major study in Environmental Toxicology.

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.

• 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.

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.

For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.

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.

The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer.

Mid–Senior level

Full‑time

Other