Padilla Bay Monitoring and Laboratory Specialist

Job Details

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Padilla Bay Monitoring and Laboratory Specialist (Environmental Specialist 2 or 3) within the Shorelands & Environmental Assistance Program .

Note: This is an In-Training position. The goal class for this position is Environmental Specialist (ES3). We will consider applicants who meet the requirements for the ES2 and ES3 levels.

This is a project position that is funded until December 31, 2026. Continuation of the position beyond this date is determined on an annual basis and contingent upon funding and satisfactory performance of job duties.

In this role, you will play a vital part in protecting Washington’s environment by serving as a dedicated Monitoring Specialist for the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (PBNERR). You will advance the mission of the Reserve by collecting, managing, and analyzing critical water quality and other environmental data that informs the wise management of our nation's estuaries. By ensuring the integrity of the PBNERR laboratory and adhering to strict national protocols, you will provide the scientific foundation necessary to understand estuarine processes and protect the unique natural resources of Padilla Bay for future generations.

What You Will Do:
 

• Lead Laboratory Operations: You will oversee the Padilla Bay laboratory, maintaining and repairing sophisticated scientific instruments—such as datasondes—while ensuring the facility remains accredited and safe for staff and visiting researchers.
• Manage Critical Data: You will perform rigorous quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) on environmental data, developing metadata and managing databases to ensure accurate information is submitted to the national data center.
• Conduct Field Research: You will collect , process, and analyze water samples, conduct habitat monitoring in intertidal and other nearshore environments, operate research vessels, and perform SCUBA diving tasks to support diverse monitoring and research activities.
• Analyze and Synthesize Findings: You will use statistical and geospatial (GIS) tools to analyze monitoring results, producing maps, reports, and publications that communicate findings to partners, scientists, and the public.
• Support the Scientific Community: You will act as a mentor and technical lead, training staff, student researchers, and volunteers on laboratory equipment use, field safety, and standardized sampling procedures.
• Coordinate Nationally: You will serve as a primary liaison to the NERRS Central Data Management Office, ensuring that Padilla Bay’s monitoring programs align with national standards and contribute to a broader understanding of coastal health.

Requirements

Five Years Of Experience And/or Education As Described Below:

Experience professional level experience in hands-on environmental monitoring or research

Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field.

Examples Of How To Qualify:
 

• 5 years of experience.
• 4 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 3 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 2 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 1 year of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• A Master’s degree or above.                                                                             At the Environmental Specialist 3 level (Goal Class) $4882-$6576 monthly

Six Years Of Experience And/or Education As Described Below:

Experience professional level experience in hands-on environmental monitoring or research

Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field.

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 above.

Whether at ES2 or ES3 level, experience mentioned above must also include demonstrated competencies in the following skill sets:

• Experience on small boats or motorized watercraft.
• Experience conducting laboratory procedures using technical equipment.
• Experience conducting research or monitoring studies.
• Ability to search, read, and synthesize scientific literature and protocols.
• Ability to prepare scientific presentations and reports.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge or professional experience with methods and techniques of field sampling of water, data gathering with field instruments and multi-parameter instruments, and record keeping
• Knowledge, professional experience, and/or certification in R and/or geographic information systems (GIS) software.
• Experience operating, maintaining, and working on motorized vessels
• Completed Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC) or Certification Course (MOCC)
• Open water SCUBA certification
• Advanced open water SCUBA with drysuit certification
• American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) scientific diving certification

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.

Contact Information

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Application Timeline:

• Apply by January 28, 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 date mentioned above may not be considered.