Padilla Bay Monitoring and Laboratory Specialist; Environmental Specialist

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

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.

• This position will be located in our Padilla Bay Office in Mount Vernon, WA.

• This position is NOT eligible for telework. Job duties include regular field and laboratory work requiring on‑site presence.

• 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 the date mentioned above may not be considered.

Padilla Bay Reserve is one of 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves and the only Reserve in Washington State. The mission of the Reserve is to advance research, monitoring, stewardship, management, conservation, and education related to estuarine and coastal ecosystems and communities. The Padilla Bay Reserve has over 8,000 acres of eelgrass habitat, representing one of the largest meadows in North America.

The Reserve is owned and operated by the Washington State Dept of Ecology through a federal partnership with NOAA.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a beautiful natural setting with a close‑knit group of scientists, educators and support staff who are passionate about the marine environment.

• Lead Laboratory Operations: Oversee the Padilla Bay laboratory, maintain and repair scientific instruments—such as datasondes—while ensuring the facility remains accredited and safe for staff and visiting researchers.
• Manage Critical Data: Perform rigorous QA/QC on environmental data, develop metadata and manage databases to ensure accurate information is submitted to the national data center.
• Conduct Field Research: Collect, process, and analyze water samples; conduct habitat monitoring in intertidal and other nearshore environments; operate research vessels; perform SCUBA diving tasks to support diverse monitoring and research activities.
• Analyze and Synthesize Findings: 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: 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: Serve as a primary liaison to the NERRS Central Data Management Office, ensuring Padilla Bay’s monitoring programs align with national standards and contribute to a broader understanding of coastal health.

Salary: $4,216–$5,666 monthly

Five years of experience and/or education as described below:

• 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.

Salary: $4,882–$6,576 monthly

Six years of experience and/or education as described below:

• 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.

Required skill sets for both ES2 and ES3:

• Experience on small boats or motorized…