Chemist jobs in Olympia, WA

To support this mission, you will analyze complex chemical tests on water, wastewater, sediment, tissue, and hazardous waste in a production environmental laboratory creating legally binding data. You will gain experience in a production laboratory atmosphere, implementing EPA Methods, Standard Methods and following quality assurance protocol. You will also have opportunities to build a network and collaborative relationships in this field of work.

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 Environmental Assessment Program provides a range of scientific, monitoring, laboratory, and quality assurance services. Our mission is to measure, assess and communicate environmental conditions in Washington State.

MEL is a production lab that in part is supported by the Inorganics Unit. The Inorganics Unit manages a high sample load successfully by technically skilled staff who communicate and collaborate well.

Application Timeline: This position will remain open until filled; with an initial screening date of October 20, 2023. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before of October 19, 2023. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

About the Department of Ecology

• A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
• Continuous growth and development opportunities. 
• Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work.

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.

What makes this role unique?

• Perform chemical analysis on water samples, nutrient analyses (ammonia, nitrate-nitrite, total nitrogen, total phosphorus) and total organic carbon (TOC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC).
• Provide backup support on analyses primary to other chemist and lab technicians, as needed, performing chemical analysis on samples for parameters including other solid parameters and nutrient samples.
• Engage Ecology’s core competencies in service focus, adaptability/flexibility, communication, accountability, trust/integrity, and relationships.
• Maintain a high degree of accuracy in all work output and communication.
• Maintain professional relationships that are inclusive, collaborative, and respectful.
• Work independently and as part of a team.

• 30 hours worked per week for 20 months: (30/40) x 20 months = 15 months full-time equivalent
• 20 hours worked per week for 12 months: (20/40) x 12 months = 6 months full-time equivalent

• Knowledge of standard methods (SM): SM4500PF, SM4500-NH3H, SM4500-NO3I, SM4500-NB, SM4500-PG, SM4500-S-2I.
• Experience performing chemical analysis on environmental samples for nutrients on the FIA.
• Experience in Total organic carbon (TOC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) analyzer, Ion Chromatographer (IC), and BOD analysis.

• 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 on 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.   

• 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.
• A list of three professional references.
• College transcripts (unofficial) showing required coursework.

• 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:

If you have specific questions about the position, please email Heidi Chuhran at Heidi.Chuhran@ecy.wa.gov Please do not contact Heidi 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.

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.

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.