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Marine Monitoring Unit (MMU) Supervisor




Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Environmental Assessment Program (EAP) program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Marine Monitoring Unit (MMU)  Supervisor (WMS Band 1) position. This position is located in our Headquarters Building (HQ) in Lacey, WA. To learn more about Washington State's job classification system, please visit this link.
 
In this role you will lead a dedicated team of engineers, natural resource scientists, environmental specialists and interns and is responsible for developing and implementing scientifically credible, well-coordinated monitoring programs designed to meet multiple agency objectives involving the management and regulation of state marine resources. This position is one of three unit supervisors that report to the Western Operations Section Manager. This position contributes to the agency and program missions by managing and directing the Marine Monitoring Unit (MMU), which conducts long-term marine monitoring for the state.
The Environmental Assessment Program provides a range of scientific, monitoring, laboratory, and quality assurance services. Its mission is to measure, assess, and communicate environmental conditions in Washington State. 

Protecting Washington State's environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We are a culture that is invested in making a difference. Join a team that is highly effective and collaborative, with leadership who embrace the value of people.

Ecology cares deeply about employee wellness; we go beyond traditional benefits, proudly offering:

  • A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
  • An Infants at Work Program that is based on the long-term health values of infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.
  • Continuous growth and development opportunities. 
  • A wellness program that offers education, and fitness classes; an agency-wide fondness for outdoor meetings.
  • Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work.


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. 

During Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery, employees are working a combination of in-office and/or telework based on position and business need. Ecology is following current state guidance regarding building occupancy, mask requirements, health screening questions before entry, and social distancing. 

Application Timeline: This position will remain open until filled, with an initial screening date of August 9, 2021. In order to be considered for initial screening, please submit an application on or before August 8, 2021. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.
 
Duties

What makes this role unique and challenging?
In this role you will direct work activities in marine monitoring as well as participate in policy and program development of applied environmental monitoring design activities. This position is critical to the agency’s understanding of our marine resources and is responsible for ensuring that staff findings are scientifically defensible. You will represent Ecology’s marine water quality interests when meeting with local government, state and federal agencies, business, industry, conservation districts and tribes regarding status and trends of marine water, sediment and recreational beach water quality.
 
What you'll do:
  • Plan, lead, organize and direct the work of a 14-person team of marine research scientists, biologists, and engineers.
  • Develop unit goals and objectives, and communicate staff's recommendations to program leadership.
  • Manage the recruiting and hiring of staff, and support staff's learning and development.
  • Manage the unit budget and monitor expenditures.
  • Assure the timely completion of required or appropriate scientific reports, technical publications, Environmental Indicators, and other required products. 
  • Assure the long-term storage, archival, maintenance, and public access of quality assured marine monitoring data.
  • Serve as lead contact for policy and program development for the MMU (marine water, sediment and recreational swimming beach water quality) and serve as a program liaison on inter-program and inter-agency work groups; and coordinate with relevant governmental, professional, and industry officials.


Qualifications
Required Qualifications: 
Option 1: Nine (9) years of experience and/or education as described below:
  • Experience: Professional Level experience in environmental analysis.
  • Education: Involving a major study in: natural or environmental sciences, or related field. 
Option 2: A Bachelor's degree involving a major study in: natural or environmental sciences, or related field AND Five years of professional level work experience in environmental analysis.  
Option 3: A Master's degree involving a major study in: natural or environmental sciences, or related field AND Four years of professional level work experience in environmental analysis.  
Option 4: A PhD. involving a major study in: natural or environmental sciences, or related field AND Three years of professional level work experience in environmental analysis. 
For all levels listed above, this position also requires knowledge of the principles of management as applied in a scientific work environment, including familiarity with environmental monitoring and assessment methods. Essential knowledge, skills, and abilities include:
  • Knowledge of the collective bargaining agreement by and between “The State of Washington” and “Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE)”, state civil service system rules, and agency policies concerning personnel development and personnel actions including recruitment, hiring, training, professional development, performance evaluation, corrective action, affirmative action and diversity goals, and corrective or disciplinary actions.
  • Knowledge of budget management, including budget planning and tracking, time accounting and employee leave, purchasing and procurement procedures, and negotiating and administering contracts and inter-agency agreements.
  • Knowledge of the principles of oceanographic and marine ecological sampling techniques, specifically in scientific research methods for sample collection, data analysis, statistical testing, and information management.
  • Knowledge of the current State and Federal laws and regulations establishing marine water and sediment standards. 
  • Knowledge of standard methods governing sampling design, sampling methods and protocols, laboratory methods and procedures, and quality assurance procedures.
  • Skills to write, review, and edit technical reports and to present complex scientific material to management and the public.
  • Skills to design and implement environmental monitoring studies, including application of quality assurance procedures.
  • Skills to strategically plan, schedule, and track monitoring project workloads to assure timely delivery of quality products to clients.
  • Ability to administer a monitoring program designed to assess the status and trends of marine water and sediment quality. 
  • Ability to formulate environmental monitoring policy in consideration of state and federal environmental laws and regulations.
  • Ability to communicate, coordinate, and negotiate with employees, managers, clients, governmental agencies, tribes, stakeholders, and the public.
 
All experience and education combinations that meet the requirements for this position: 
Possible Combinations.
College credit hours or degree.
Years of professional level experience – as listed above.
 
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License.
 
Desired Qualifications:

 We highly encourage you to apply even if you do not have some (or all) of the desired experience below. 
 
  • Education or experience in management and supervision. 
  • Advanced degree in marine science, oceanography or closely allied field.
 Note: Having some (or all) of this desired experience may make your application more competitive in a highly competitive applicant pool.
Supplemental Information

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 candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.


Need an Accommodation in the application and/or screening process or this job announcement in an alternative format?

  • Please call: (360) 407-6186 or email: careers@ecy.wa.gov and we will be happy to assist.
  • If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can reach the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
  • If you need assistance applying for this job, please e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not send an email to this address to follow-up the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile's main page.
  • If you are reading this announcement in print format, please enter the following URL to your search engine to apply: https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/Jobs-at-Ecology 
Application Instructions:

It's in the applicant's best interest to submit all of the documents listed below. Applications without these documents may be declined.

  • A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position
  • A resume outlining your experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to the minimum qualifications of this position

Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable. 
 
For Your Privacy:
When attaching documents to your application (Resume, Cover Letter, Transcripts, DD-214, etc.):

  • Please be sure to remove private information such as your social security number, date of birth, etc. 
  • Do not attach documents that are password protected, as these documents may not be reviewed and may cause errors within your application when downloaded. 

Additional Application Instructions for Current Ecology Employees: 
 
Please make sure to answer the agency-wide questions regarding permanent status as a classified employee within the Washington General Service or Washington Management Service. Do not forget to select Department of Ecology as a response to question 2, and type your personnel ID number for question 3. If you are not sure of your status or do not know your personnel ID number, please contact Human Resources.

Application Attestation: 

The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of your application or dismissal if employed. 

Other Information:
If you have specific questions about the position, please email Stacy Polkowske at: Stacy.Polkowske@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Stacy to inquire about the status of your application.
 
To request the full position description: email careers@ecy.wa.gov

Why work for Ecology?

As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment for current and future generations. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism and accountability.

Joining Ecology means becoming a part of a team committed to protecting and restoring Washington State's environment. A career in public service 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.

Ecology employees may be eligible for the following:

Student debt: how working for Ecology can help
The Department of Ecology is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Forgiveness Program (PSLF). See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.
To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedInTwitterFacebookInstagram 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. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 407-6186. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency.