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- Description<\/a><\/li>\n
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Description<\/h2>\n<\/dt>\n
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<\/strong><\/div>\n
\nKeeping Washington Clean and Evergreen<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThe Department of Ecology is hiring a\u00a0<\/strong>Padilla Bay Aquarist (Program Specialist 2)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>within the Shorelands & Environmental Assistance Program<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nLocation:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- This position will be located in our\u00a0Padilla Bay Office<\/a>\u00a0in Mount Vernon, WA.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nSchedule:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- This position is NOT eligible for telework.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nApplication Timeline:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- Apply by October 9th, 2026.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Duties<\/h2>\n<\/dt>\n
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\n\n\nThis Padilla Bay Aquarist position offers a unique opportunity to manage and enhance the aquarium and touch pool systems that support public education, scientific understanding, and stewardship of the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. In this role, you will oversee daily aquarium operations, ensure the health and well-being of marine organisms, and maintain reliable and high-performing life support systems that meet state, federal, and NOAA expectations. You will serve as the Reserve\u2019s primary technical expert for aquarium care and system maintenance, providing sound professional judgement, responsive problem solving, and long-term planning guidance that strengthens facility reliability and visitor experience.<\/p>\n
You will also play a central role in Padilla Bay\u2019s public education program by developing touch-pool and aquarium-based learning materials, supporting curriculum development, delivering engaging demonstrations for visitors, and collaborating with instructors across the Reserve\u2019s sectors. In addition, you will coordinate and train volunteers, interns, WCC members, and Reserve staff who assist with aquarium care, ensuring consistent operations, clear communication, and a safe environment for both organisms and visitors. Through this work, you contribute directly to Ecology\u2019s mission and the Reserve\u2019s commitment to research, education, and estuarine conservation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
What you will do:\u00a0
<\/strong>\u2022 Manage daily operation, maintenance, and performance of aquarium and touch-pool life support systems, ensuring stable environmental conditions and healthy living environments for resident organisms.
\u2022 Independently conduct routine and preventative maintenance, troubleshoot equipment issues, perform repairs, and coordinate facility needs with the Reserve\u2019s facility coordinator.
\u2022 Monitor water quality and organism health using technical equipment and data-tracking systems, analyze trends, diagnose system issues, and implement corrective actions to improve performance and animal welfare.
\u2022 Provide technical judgement and recommendations for long-term aquarium facility planning, exhibit improvements, system upgrades, and operational efficiencies.
\u2022 Respond to critical aquarium needs during power outages, closures, or emergencies, ensuring the safety and care of organisms during after-hours and holiday periods.
\u2022 Develop and deliver aquarium-based educational presentations, demonstrations, and public engagement events, including fish feedings, touch-pool interpretation, and hands-on estuary science programs.
\u2022 Collaborate with Education, Research, Stewardship, CTP, and Facilities sectors to design exhibit improvements, align messaging, and develop curriculum materials that utilize aquarium systems.
\u2022 Coordinate, train, and oversee volunteers, interns, WCC members, and Reserve staff who support aquarium and touch-pool care; maintain schedules, delegate tasks, and organize aquarium team meetings.
\u2022 Identify and support service-learning and internship opportunities related to aquarium operations, environmental interpretation, and estuarine science.
\u2022 Maintain required permits and ensure full compliance with policies and regulations associated with capture, holding, and release of organisms.
\u2022 Follow agency policies for records and information management, maintaining accurate electronic and paper records that align with retention and public records requirements.
\u2022 Perform additional duties as assigned to support Padilla Bay operations, public programs, facilities, and visitor services.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n
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Qualifications<\/h2>\n<\/dt>\n
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For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Required Qualifications:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n
Four (4)<\/strong>\u00a0years of experience and\/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:<\/p>\n
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- Aquarium Life Support Operations: Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot closed and open-system aquarium life support equipment, including pumps, filtration systems, monitoring devices, and water quality instrumentation.<\/li>\n
- Animal Husbandry: Experience observing, assessing, and supporting the health of marine organisms through appropriate feeding, preventative care, habitat management, and species compatibility evaluation.<\/li>\n
- Water Quality Data & Analysis: Ability to collect, track, and analyze water quality and organism-health data to identify trends, diagnose system performance issues, and implement corrective measures that ensure stable aquarium conditions.<\/li>\n
- Emergency Response & Problem Solving: Ability to assess and respond to aquarium system failures, environmental fluctuations, power outages, and other urgent conditions that require timely action and sound technical judgment.<\/li>\n
- Volunteer and Staff Coordination: Experience organizing task schedules, training volunteers or staff, and delegating daily operational activities to ensure consistent, safe care of aquarium systems and organisms.<\/li>\n
- Environmental Education Support: Ability to convey biological, ecological, or aquarium-system concepts clearly to public visitors, students, and community groups through demonstrations, presentations, or interactive learning experiences.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Education:\u00a0<\/strong>Involving a major study in environmental science, life science, environmental education, aquarium science, or related field<\/p>\n
Examples of how to qualify:<\/p>\n
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- 4 years of experience.<\/li>\n
- 3 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.<\/li>\n
- 2 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate\u2019s degree).<\/li>\n
- 1 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.<\/li>\n
- Bachelor\u2019s degree or above.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Special Requirements & Conditions of Employment:\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThis position requires technical competency with aquarium life support systems and water quality monitoring. Candidates must hold at least one<\/strong> of the following certifications\u2014or an equivalent credential\u2014and be able to obtain the second within one year of hire<\/strong>:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Level 1 AALSO Life Support Operator Certification (or equivalent)
\u2022 Level 1 AALSO Water Quality Technician Certification (or equivalent)<\/p>\nEquivalent certifications or training may include documented aquarium life-support coursework, professional training, or industry-recognized credentials demonstrating comparable knowledge and skill.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nDesired Qualifications:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n
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- Have level 2 AALSO Life Support Operator or Water Quality Technician Certification or equivalent.<\/li>\n
- Additional experience\u00a0leading environmental education programs and\/or working independently in caring for and managing aquariums are preferred.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
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Supplemental Information<\/h2>\n<\/dt>\n
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Ecology does not use the E-Verify<\/strong> system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit\u00a0www.uscis.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Our Commitment to DEIR<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR)<\/strong>\u00a0are 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.\u00a0We believe that DEIR\u00a0<\/strong>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.<\/p>\n
\nApplication Process<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\nHow to Apply<\/strong><\/p>\n
Click \u201cApply\u201d at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:<\/p>\n
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- Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position<\/li>\n
- Resume<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nBecause we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly.\u00a0A resume will not substitute for the \u201cwork experience\u201d section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as \u201csee resume\u201d may be considered incomplete.<\/p>\n
For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website<\/a>.
\nApplication Attestation:\u00a0<\/u>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.<\/p>\n
\nNeed an Accommodation?<\/strong><\/p>\n
If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and\/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:<\/p>\n
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- Please contact us at\u00a0360-407-6186 or careers@ecy.wa.gov<\/a><\/li>\n
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Questions?<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Jude Apple\u00a0<\/strong>at Jude.Apple@ecy.wa.gov<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- 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 careers@ecy.wa.gov<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
About the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n
The mission of the SEA Program is to create community conservation partnerships to protect and restore our shorelands, wetlands, and floodplains.<\/p>\n
About the Department of Ecology<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n
As the State of Washington\u2019s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Ecology employees may be eligible for the following<\/u>:\u00a0Medical\/Dental\/Vision for employee & dependent(s)<\/a>,\u00a0Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)<\/a>,\u00a0Vacation, Sick, and other Leave<\/a>*,\u00a011 Paid Holidays per year<\/a>*,\u00a0Public Service Loan Forgiveness<\/a>,\u00a0Tuition Waiver<\/a>, \u00a0Long Term Disability<\/a>\u00a0&\u00a0Life Insurance<\/a>,\u00a0Deferred Compensation Programs<\/a>,\u00a0Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)<\/a>, \u00a0Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA)<\/a>,\u00a0Employee Assistance Program<\/a>,\u00a0Commute Trip Reduction Incentives<\/a>\u00a0(Download PDF reader)<\/a>,\u00a0Combined Fund Drive<\/a>,\u00a0SmartHealth<\/a>\u00a0*Click here for more information\u00a0<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
To learn more about Ecology, please visit our\u00a0website<\/a>, explore Working at Ecology<\/a>, check out our\u00a0Strategic Plan<\/a>, and connect with us on\u00a0LinkedIn<\/a>,\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Instagram<\/a>,\u00a0YouTube<\/a>, or our\u00a0blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Equal Opportunity Employer:<\/u> 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.<\/p>\n
Collective Bargaining:\u00a0<\/u>This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Note:\u00a0<\/strong>This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.<\/p>\n
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- 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 careers@ecy.wa.gov<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Please contact us at\u00a0360-407-6186 or careers@ecy.wa.gov<\/a><\/li>\n
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- Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Apply by October 9th, 2026.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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- Benefits<\/a><\/li>\n