The Department of Ecology’s priority during the Covid-19 health crisis is to keep our staff, candidates, and the public safe.  We are still hiring and encourage you to apply to open positions.  The majority of our staff are currently working from home; we have transitioned to a virtual recruitment process, to include web-based interviews.

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

Are you passionate about reducing harm to human health and the environment? Do you want to be part of the Safer Products for Washington team that is implementing what has been called the “nation’s strongest law regulating toxics in products?”

The Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Safer Products Toxicologist (Toxicologist 2) position. This position is located in our Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.

As a Toxicologist, you will work to identify the most problematic chemicals impacting Washington State. You will help create new policies and regulatory actions designed to eliminate or replace toxic chemicals with safer alternatives. Your role will be to work with a team to help prioritize these efforts and communicate the science policy related to these chemicals.

To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.

Local efforts… Diverse people… Statewide impacts

Agency Mission: Ecology’s mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington’s environment and to promote the wise management of our air, land and water for the benefit of current and future generations.

Program Mission: The mission of the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction (HWTR) Program is to foster sustainability, prevent pollution, and ensure safe waste management of the millions of pounds of hazardous substances used and disposed of each year by businesses and households in Washington State.  Over the longer term, we work with businesses and governments to achieve a system where waste is viewed as inefficient, and most wastes and unnecessary use of toxic substances have been eliminated.

What will you do?

  • Conduct objective, science-based research on toxic chemicals and metals of concern impacting human health and the environment using the best science available.
  • Research, interpret data and share toxicological information about potentially hazardous substances in the environment.
  • Review toxicological studies and interpret toxicology data to support applicable state laws, including PBTs, Safer Products for Washington, and other consumer product laws.
  • Identify and advise on prioritizing the program’s chemicals of concern and inform strategic actions to align and advance the program’s toxics reduction efforts statewide.
Join a team that’s making a difference
  • This is an opportunity to work with a dynamic team of subject matter experts, communications staff, and project managers, on one of the first rules of its kind on a national level. It is also an opportunity to create long lasting change in consumer products regulations.
  • The Safer Products for Washington Program takes a forward-thinking and preventative approach to managing chemicals in consumer products and the environment by focusing on pollution prevention and safer alternatives. This new program provides the opportunity to develop innovative approaches, face distinct challenges and problem solve.
  • The culture of the team is collaborative problem solving with a passion for innovative solutions to advance safer chemical alternatives. Our group includes chemists, environmental specialists, regulatory analysts, planners and managers that work across disciplines to produce amazing results. Ecology’s programs are recognized as global leaders in the field of green chemistry, alternatives assessment, product testing and innovative chemicals policies.

Who are we looking for?

  • Team members who like collaborative brainstorming, thinking outside the box and identifying new solutions to chemical management.
  • People who thrive appreciate giving and receiving feedback and want to work as part of a team.
Please Note: This is a project position that is funded through May 31, 2023

This position will remain open until filled, with an initial screening date of October 14, 2020.  In order to be considered for initial screening, please submit an application on or before October 13, 2020. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

A Ph.D. degree in toxicology or in a health or ecological related science with a major emphasis in toxicology AND one year of toxicology experience.

OR

A Master’s of Science degree in toxicology or in a health or ecological related science with a major emphasis in toxicology AND three years of experience as a toxicologist.
 

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience with toxicology tools, models, and chemical database systems (e.g. EPA ToxCast).
  • Experience in one or more of the following disciplines: human health toxicology, ecological toxicology, hazard assessments, alternatives assessments or green chemistry.

Why work for Ecology?

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 the health and financial security of you and your family a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to work/life balance.

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 (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth

Student debt and how working for Ecology can help
Employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.

*See the Benefits tab in this announcement for more information

Supplemental Information

Application Instructions:
Apply here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/2871431/safer-products-toxicologist-toxicologist-2?department[0]=Dept.%20of%20Ecology&sort=PostingDate%7CDescending&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

  • Complete the applicant profile when applying for this position. Or, you may paste the text of your resume within the profile’s resume text field.
  • Please include as attachments:
    • A cover letter describing how your experience, skills and abilities meet the required qualifications of this position.
    • A resume outlining your professional experience.
  • Please to do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.
  • Please read the supplemental questions carefully and answer completely. Incomplete responses, including “please see resume,” may disqualify you from further consideration.

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It is in the candidate’s best interest to submit all of the documents listed above. Applications without these documents may be declined.

Department of 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.

If you are reading this announcement in print format, please visit www.careers.wa.gov to access the online recruitment system. Click on “Look for Jobs” and select Dept. of Ecology under the “Department” search list. Click “Apply Search.”

Other Information:

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 have specific questions about the position, please email Lola Flores at: Lola.Flores@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Lola to inquire about the status of your application.

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.

This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.

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.