JOB
The salary listed above includes the scheduled 2% general salary increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Chief Information Officer (EMS Band 4) within the Executive Leadership Team.
Location:
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Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.
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Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.
Schedule:
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This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
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A minimum of three days per week is required in the office.
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Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline:
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Apply by July 16, 2026
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Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
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.
Responsibilities include:
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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.
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Establishing and executing a long-term enterprise technology vision that aligns with Ecology’s environmental mission, statewide policy direction, and emerging industry practices.
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Guiding agency-wide modernization efforts, including cloud adoption, enterprise architecture, application modernization, automation, responsible AI, and sustainable technology practices.
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Managing the agency’s technology investment portfolio, enterprise operating and capital budgets, and modernization resources while ensuring transparent fiscal stewardship.
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Ensuring enterprise cybersecurity, digital risk management, operational resilience, and compliance with statewide and federal requirements.
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Hiring, mentoring, and developing technology leaders and teams while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, innovative, and high-performing technology workforce.
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Representing Ecology on statewide technology issues with WaTech, OFM, OCIO, Tribes, local governments, federal partners, universities, and regulated entities.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for an experienced technology executive who is ready to team with a diverse group of professionals across scientific, regulatory, administrative, and operational domains. You will need to be able to:
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Problem-solve, anticipate emerging technology trends, and adapt strategies to meet evolving mission and cybersecurity needs.
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Communicate effectively with diverse partners, including Tribal governments, scientific communities, the public, technology leaders, research institutions, industry partners, and elected officials.
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Demonstrate a clear understanding of state technology governance, cybersecurity mandates, cloud practices, enterprise architecture, AI governance, accessibility requirements, and public-sector operational constraints.
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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.
A Key Member of Ecology’s Executive Leadership Team
This position serves as a key member of Ecology’s Executive Leadership Team and plays a critical role in advancing the agency’s mission to protect, preserve, and enhance Washington’s environment for current and future generations.
It is essential that you consistently demonstrate the highest standards of personal, professional, and ethical conduct in support of transparent, accountable, and effective government.
This is a highly visible executive role responsible for guiding agency-wide technology strategy, cybersecurity, digital transformation, enterprise data and analytics, cloud operations, and modernization. You will represent Ecology’s technology interests with Tribes, environmental justice advocates, community organizations, academic partners, regulated businesses, state and federal agencies, and elected officials. The role requires applying advanced executive direction, technical strategy, and change-management principles to balance complex priorities while delivering secure, resilient, modern, and mission-driven technology services.
As a key member of the Department’s Executive Leadership Team, you will:
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Represent the Director and agency on statewide and national technology issues, working with federal, state, local, Tribal, academic, and private-sector partners.
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Serve as a trusted advisor on technology, cybersecurity, AI governance, data strategy, and modernization, providing plain-language guidance to support executive decision-making.
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Advise the Executive Leadership Team on strategic technology investments, policy development, enterprise risk, and operational readiness.
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Collaborate across programs to align technology and data priorities with Ecology’s environmental mission, scientific needs, and operational goals.
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Foster a diverse, equitable, inclusive, respectful, and innovative workplace that supports learning, accountability, transparency, and staff engagement.
This position is an Exempt Management Service (EMS) Band IV position. The minimum and maximum salary for EMS Band IV positions is $100,692 - $173,472.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
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:
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Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
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Resume
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:
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Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or [email protected]
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If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.
Questions?
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For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Jake Barkman 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 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 Incentives, 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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