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Posted: March 30, 2026 (0 days ago)

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Coastal Hydrographic Scientist (Natural Resource Scientist 3)(Internal Only)

State of Washington

Dept. of Ecology

Fresh

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$6,107 - $8,210

per month

Closes

April 7, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job involves working as a scientist to collect, analyze, and map data about Washington's coastlines, including water depths and land elevations, to track changes, assess hazards, and support environmental planning.

You'll turn raw survey data into useful maps and reports that help protect coastal areas and ecosystems.

It's a great fit for someone with experience in environmental science, data analysis, and mapping who enjoys collaborative work in a state agency focused on conservation.

Key Requirements

  • Advanced knowledge in coastal science, hydrography, and geospatial analysis
  • Experience processing topographic and bathymetric survey data with quality assurance procedures
  • Proficiency in statistical analysis of environmental datasets
  • Skills in creating maps, graphics, and data visualizations for scientific communication
  • Ability to manage and disseminate datasets through public platforms
  • Experience developing standard data products like digital elevation models and shoreline metrics
  • Strong collaboration and technical writing skills for reports and presentations

Full Job Description



Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen



This recruitment is open only to current Department of Ecology employees, including those on temporary or project assignments, and Ecology's Washington Conservation Corps members.

The Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Coastal Hydrographic Scientist (Natural Resource Scientist 3)(Internal Only) position.


Location:

This position will be based in our Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.


Schedule:

  • This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
  • A minimum of one day per week is required in the office
  • Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Requirements

This Natural Resource Scientist position joins a collaborative and innovative applied coastal science team within ACRE, supporting the collection, processing, and interpretation of coastal hydrographic and topographic data that help document shoreline change, coastal hazards, and nearshore habitat conditions throughout Washington State.

In this role, you will apply geospatial expertise, coastal science knowledge, and strong analytic skills to transform raw coastal monitoring data into high-quality datasets, maps, and visualizations that support research, regulatory programs, restoration planning, hazard assessment, and public access to coastal information.

You will serve as a technical specialist responsible for processing and analyzing topographic, bathymetric, and related hydrographic datasets; conducting geospatial and statistical analyses; and developing standardized data products for public distribution.

You will help ensure data integrity through quality assurance procedures, support the integration of multiple coastal datasets, and contribute to reports, presentations, and scientific communication that advance understanding of Washington’s dynamic shorelines.

Through this work, you will directly support the state’s coastal monitoring program and contribute to informed decision-making for resilient coastal communities and healthy nearshore ecosystems.

What you will do:

• Conduct geospatial and statistical analyses of coastal monitoring and hydrographic datasets.
• Process topographic and bathymetric survey data in accordance with standard operating and quality assurance procedures.
• Perform QA/QC on third-party and derived datasets to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Create maps, graphics, and other data visualizations to communicate coastal science and monitoring results.
• Support management, organization, and dissemination of ACRE’s coastal monitoring datasets through publicly accessible platforms.
• Develop standard data products such as digital elevation models, shoreline-change metrics, and trend visualizations.
• Contribute to methodology development and refinement for coastal mapping and monitoring tasks.
• Participate in project planning, collaboration, and scientific communication through reports, presentations, and publications.

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

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

Experience: Professional level experience in coastal monitoring and/or mapping, sonar and lidar surveying and systems, vessel operation, GIS, GNSS surveying, or coastal science.

Experience and/or coursework must include work in at least three of the following subjects: geospatial analysis, geodetics/geomatics, GIS and database management, physical geography, geology, geomorphology, hydrography, coastal management.

Experience mentioned above must include demonstrated competencies in the following skill sets---

Technical Expertise in Coastal & Hydrographic Science:Ability to process and analyze topographic and bathymetric survey data, apply standard operating and quality assurance procedures, interpret geospatial datasets, and conduct feature mapping and shoreline-change analyses.

Demonstrated skill in integrating multiple coastal datasets and applying coastal geoscience concepts to support monitoring and research activities.

Geospatial Analysis & Data Management:Competence in performing geospatial and statistical analyses; creating maps, graphics, and derived data products; managing large coastal datasets; assessing positional accuracy; and maintaining publicly accessible data portals.

Ability to use GIS, data analysis software, and related tools to produce high-quality scientific outputs.

Quality Assurance & Methodology Development:
Ability to apply established QA/QC procedures, evaluate third-party datasets for accuracy, develop or refine standard operating procedures, and support consistency and reliability across coastal monitoring and hydrographic datasets.

Collaborative Scientific Partnership & Teamwork:
Ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary scientific teams, maintain cooperative relationships with internal partners, and collaborate with coastal geomatics, remote sensing, and shoreline mapping specialists to integrate data and support shared monitoring goals.

Scientific Communication & Data Visualization:
Skilled in communicating complex scientific information clearly through reports, presentations, graphics, and visualizations. Ability to translate technical data into formats suitable for scientists, managers, and public audiences.

Analytical Problem Solving & Research Support:Ability to evaluate datasets, interpret coastal monitoring results, identify data trends, and contribute to research development, project planning, and scientific publications.

Demonstrated skill in drawing logical conclusions from scientific data and supporting development of methodologies and research directions.


Education: involving a major study in natural science.

Examples of how to qualify (as described above):

  • 8 years of professional experience.
  • 7 years of professional experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
  • 6 years of professional experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
  • 5 years of professional experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
  • 4 years of professional experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
  • 2 years of professional experience AND a Master’s degree
  • A Ph.D. degree


Desired Qualifications:

  • Professional experience conducting shoreline and coastal feature mapping and change analysis.
  • Experience manipulating and interpreting photogrammetric data, topographic survey data, aerial imagery, and other remote sensing datasets.
  • Experience developing large scale environmental datasets for public dissemination.
  • Familiarity with Puget Sound geomorphology and nearshore ecology.
  • Proficient in in ESRI ArcGIS Pro.

If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification.

At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.



Additional Information

Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.


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.

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.


Application Process

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.


How to Apply

Click “Apply” at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:

  • Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
  • Resume

Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly.

A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application or vice versa.

Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as “see resume” may be considered incomplete.


For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.

Application Attestation: 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.


Need an Accommodation?

If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:

  • Please contact us at 360-407-6186 orcareers@ecy.wa.gov
  • If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.


Questions?

  • For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Daniel Buscombe at Daniel.Buscombe@ecy.wa.gov
  • 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


About the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program

The mission of the SEA Program is to create community conservation partnerships to protect and restore our shorelands, wetlands, and floodplains.


About the Department of Ecology

As the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s 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.


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 *Click here for more information

To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, 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.


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


Note: 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.

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Posted on NEOGOV: 3/30/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/31/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5261094