Environmental Laboratory Auditor - Inorganic Chemistry (Chemist 3) (2 positions

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring two Environmental Laboratory Auditor - Inorganic Chemistry (Chemist
3)positions within the Environmental Assessment Program.

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

• The positions must work in-person at the Laboratory Accreditation Office on Mondays, our weekly Team Day, with additional on-site days required during onboarding and training.
• The positions conduct some fieldwork at laboratories throughout Washington state, mostly in the western region.
• After onboarding and training is complete, the positions are eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

• Apply by August 27, 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

As a Chemist 3, you will help protect Washington’s environment and public health by accrediting environmental laboratories. In this role, you will perform laboratory assessments for inorganic chemistry testing procedures, with a primary focus on wastewater laboratories at wastewater treatment plant facilities. This position offers meaningful scientific work with opportunities to broaden your technical expertise, support statewide environmental initiatives, and play an important role in maintaining the integrity of Washington’s laboratory accreditation program.

• Processes applications for laboratory accreditation.
• Review quality assurance manuals, standard operating procedures, analytical data, and performance testing results submitted in support of applications for accreditation.
• Make recommendations to the Laboratory Accreditation Unit supervisor on whether laboratories can produce accurate and defensible analytical data.
• Prepare correspondence informing laboratories of their accreditation status.
• Conduct mostly on-site and occasional virtual audits of laboratories, either independently or in collaboration with a microbiology auditor.
• Prepare reports of audit findings and recommend corrective actions to improve laboratory procedures.
• Track compliance with audit findings.
• Provide technical support to wastewater treatment plant laboratories at municipal and industrial facilities.

Eight (8) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which must include all the following:

• Scientific Method Application (Inorganic Chemistry)– Demonstrated ability to evaluate laboratory procedures, QA/QC, SOPs, and analytical data for inorganic chemistry, to ensure published methods are correctly and consistently used. Follows established protocols and applies discipline-specific knowledge to support laboratory accreditation standards.
• Collaborative Communication
  – Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with colleagues, partners, and customers while communicating clearly and respectfully in writing and verbally. Shares information openly, documents work effectively, and builds strong, trusting relationships to support shared goals and successful outcomes.
• Attention to Detail
  – Ability to review documents, data, and procedures carefully to ensure accuracy and traceability.
• Problem Solving
  – Ability to identify issues, analyze information, and recommend practical solutions to improve work processes and outcomes.
• Technical Assistance
  – Ability to explain processes, answer questions, and provide guidance to help environmental laboratories understand and meet accreditation standards.

Education
involving a major study in chemistry, environmental science, microbiology, or a related scientific field with a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of college-level chemistry.

Examples of how to qualify:

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