For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.
Required Qualifications:
Ten years of research experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:
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Leadership & Team Development – Demonstrated competence in guiding, coaching, and developing staff to build a collaborative, high-performing team that consistently delivers high-quality analytical and programmatic outcomes.
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Communication & Collaboration – Skilled in conveying complex or technical information clearly and tailoring communication approaches to support shared understanding and coordinated work across programs and initiatives.
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Strategic Planning – Expertise in setting priorities, planning long-term work, and aligning people and resources to meet organizational goals, statutory timelines, and evolving program needs.
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Organizational & Political Savvy – Demonstrated competence in navigating organizational structures and understanding the broader policy environment to advance program goals, inform decision-making, and ensure successful implementation of key initiatives.
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Program & Project Management – Experienced in coordinating multiple projects, establishing clear expectations, and ensuring timely, accurate completion of program deliverables in fast-moving or deadline-driven environments.
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Policy Analysis & Development – Skilled in evaluating the implications of proposed policies, assessing potential outcomes, and formulating well-supported recommendations that help guide program direction and support agency priorities.
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Research & Scientific Interpretation – Demonstrated competence in reviewing technical literature, synthesizing scientific findings, and applying evidence-based insights to improve program methods, analytical approaches, and decision-making.
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Greenhouse Gas Inventory Methodologies – Expertise in applying national or international emissions accounting standards, evaluating methodological changes, and guiding development of accurate and defensible emissions estimates.
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Data Management, Modeling & Analytical Tools – Knowledge of using modeling platforms, analytical tools, and data management systems to integrate diverse datasets and generate reliable analyses that support program outcomes.
This position requires research experience in one of the following areas:
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Science – Research related to emissions quantification, emissions factors, life-cycle analysis, or national/international greenhouse gas accounting protocols (such as IPCC methodologies).
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Climate Modeling, Atmospheric Science, or Emissions Forecasting – Research involving climate systems, emissions projection modeling, scenario analysis, or climate data interpretation.
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Environmental Policy Analysis or Climate Policy Evaluation – Research on assessing environmental policies, evaluating emissions reduction strategies, or analyzing the effectiveness of climate mitigation programs.
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Environmental Data Science or Environmental Statistics – Research in large-scale environmental datasets, GIS, statistical modeling, or development of environmental data management systems.
Education involving a major study in a natural science, including physical, life, and/or earth sciences.
Examples of how to qualify:
10 years of research experience.
9 years of research experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
8 years of research experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
7 years of research experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
6 years of research experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
4 years of research experience AND a Master’s degree in the research fields listed above.
2 years of research experience AND a Ph.D. in the research fields listed above.
Desired Qualifications:
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Climate & Emissions Science – Advanced knowledge of global climate science, carbon accounting principles, and greenhouse gas inventory or modeling practices to support program methodology and analysis.
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Supervision of Technical Experts – Experience guiding scientific, analytical, or technical professionals to ensure high-quality work, consistent standards, and professional growth.
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Science-Informed Policy Development – Demonstrated competence in applying research or analytical findings to support program recommendations or contribute to policy development for agency or legislative decision-making.
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Quality Assurance & Methodological Review – Skilled in designing or implementing QA/QC processes for complex datasets or analytical products to ensure accuracy, defensibility, and consistency over time.
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Government Administrative Experience – Experience working within local, state, or federal government programs or administrative structures to support alignment with statutory requirements, budgeting or reporting expectations, and overall operational practices.
If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.
Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Our Commitment to DEIR
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology's work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.
Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.
Equity: We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.
Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology’s work.
Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.
We believe that DEIR is both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.
Application Process
Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Click “Apply” at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach the following required documents:
Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as “see resume” may be considered incomplete.
For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.
Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.
Need an Accommodation?
If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:
Questions?
For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact
Rebecca Sears at
[email protected].
If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at
[email protected].
About the Climate Pollution Reduction Program
The principal department strategic priorities and goals for the Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP) include: reduce and prepare for climate impacts; prevent and reduce toxic threats; and deliver efficient and effective services. The CPRP’s mission is to implement policies and programs to reduce carbon emissions in the state of Washington so that the state meets its statutory greenhouse gas emission limits. The CPRP focuses long-term, requiring creative and strategic decision-making for implementation to achieve broad statewide and interstate success reducing carbon emissions in the state of Washington so residents have a healthy environment and climate. The Greenhouse Gas Inventory Unit, located within the Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Transportation (GHGIT) Section provides accurate and timely statewide greenhouse gas emissions data and greenhouse gas reduction projections on which the state’s greenhouse gas reduction efforts are based.
About the Department of Ecology
As the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work balance. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.
Ecology employees may be eligible for the following: Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentive, Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *Click here for more information
To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or our blog.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency.
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