Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Greenhouse Gas Inventory Geospatial & Data Visualization Specialist (Environmental Specialist 5) within the Climate Pollution Reduction Program.

Location:

• 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 (Tuesday) is required in the office. 
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by April 22, 2025.
• This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after April 22nd may not be considered.

Duties

Located within the Greenhouse Gas Inventory Unit, the Greenhouse Gas Inventory Data Visualization and GIS Specialist supports Washington’s attainment of net zero emissions by 2050. 

In this role, you will focus on spatial analysis of greenhouse gas emissions and sinks using GIS, including raster and vector formats, to support emissions modeling and reporting of natural and human systems. You’ll work with others to integrate data from multiple sectors into geographically rich formats for research and public presentation. Additionally, you’ll support the team as the unit’s data visualization specialist, working with the environmental and communications staff to process state greenhouse gas data for public presentation, directing public and internal implementation of data dashboards and visualizations associated with greenhouse gas inventory. 

You will also lend your expertise towards emissions analyses and continuous improvement of the statewide greenhouse gas inventory with innovative methodologies and timely data acquisition, and develop robust inventory protocols, ensuring good interagency collaboration on emissions inventories and greenhouse gas emission reduction measures, and provide technical expertise to legislators, other state agencies, local governments, and interested parties.

What you will do:

• Regularly update and improve Greenhouse Gas Inventory data visualization processes and spatial analysis for the Greenhouse Gas Inventory.
• Identify critical and emerging deficiencies in areas of subject matter expertise and make recommendations for improvement to program management.
• Work with the Climate Pollution Reduction Program Information Technology experts to design, implement, and maintain applications related to work activities. Evaluate databases/inventories for policy or regulation development; identify new, changing or emerging requirements for databases/inventories; may work with other programs or agencies on database/inventory requirements. 
• Quantitatively model current greenhouse gas sources and/or sinks using quality assurance and quality control processes.
• Perform uncertainty analysis for data streams in the greenhouse gas inventories.
• Conduct evaluations of quantifiable greenhouse gas reductions and co-benefits.
• Organize and plan unit work for data publication and dynamic, interactive graphic presentation.
• Create tables, figures, and narrative description in the completion of legislative reports and technical memoranda related to greenhouse gas inventories.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

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

• Experience performing environmental-based work, OR work related to the duties of the position, that include one or more of the following:
  • Demonstrated experience with climate science, carbon accounting, or similar environmental field.
  • Experience developing digital charts, tables, and graphs from databases or spreadsheets.
• Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:
  • Demonstrated experience with geospatial analysis and/or GIS.
  • Using critical / analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to perform work tasks.
  • Reviewing and understanding information to apply it to the work.
  • Assisting in research or data analysis. 
• Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning, geography, social dynamics of energy behavior, computer science, data analytics or an academic discipline related to the duties of the position.

Examples of how to qualify:

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

Desired Qualifications:

Demonstrated experience in the following:

• Quantifying greenhouse gas emissions and/or sinks, for example reporting of greenhouse gas emissions, use of the Environmental Protection Agency State Inventory Tool or similar accounting method.
• Data management and data visualization platforms such as Power BI. 
• Creating interactive maps and dashboards.
• Applying Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change methodologies.

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.

Supplemental 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.

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 or careers@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 Anthony Abbott at Anthony.Abbott@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 Climate Pollution Reduction Program

The Climate Pollution Reduction Program’s (CPRP) mission is to implement policies and programs to reduce carbon emissions to meet the state’s greenhouse gas emission limits. The CPRP focuses long term to create innovative solutions and policies to guide Washington and set an example for other states seeking to reduce their climate impact. Located within the Greenhouse Gas Inventory Unit, the Greenhouse Gas Inventory Data Visualization and GIS Specialist supports Washington’s attainment of net zero emissions by 2050. 

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.

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.

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.