Salary : $90,096.00 - $121,176.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-ITSO5433-06144
Department: Dept. of Ecology
Division: Information Technology Services
Opening Date: 07/30/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
DescriptionKeeping Washington Clean and EvergreenThe Department of Ecology is hiring an
EIM Data Manager (IT Data Management - Journey)within the
Information Technology Services Office (ITSO).Location: - Headquarters Office in
- Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.
Schedule: - This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
- You may telework most of your work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities.
- Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline:- Apply by August 12, 2026
- Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.
DutiesIn this position, you will serve as Ecology's subject matter expert for the Environmental Information Management System (EIM), Ecology's authoritative repository for environmental monitoring data. You will have the unique opportunity to lead technical and strategic initiatives and projects, manage complex scientific reference tables and data schemas, and ensure data integrity and interoperability across agency, state, and national standards. As chair of the EIM Steering Committee, you will facilitate collaboration and high impact decision making among Ecology's environmental programs. You will collaborate with diverse teams, including scientists, developers, and external partners, and help shape the direction of environmental data management agencywide. The role is both intellectually and operationally challenging, requiring skills in environmental science, database design, and customer service, while providing experience in cross-agency collaboration, governance, and continuous learning. You will find opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and exposure to innovative projects that directly impact regulatory, scientific, and operational outcomes across the agency. You will also contribute to the reliability and accessibility of environmental data, gain expertise in technical documentation and user support, and play a key role in advancing Ecology's mission to protect and enhance the state's environment
What you will do: - Serve as the agency's technical expert and point person for environmental data management.
- Manage key system metadata in 60+ EIM reference tables per request or need, including parameters, field and analytical lab methods, taxa, and units.
- Lead technical documentation efforts spanning multiple system applications and types of environmental monitoring data.
- Lead customer service efforts, including managing system accounts and responding to a wide variety of technical and scientific questions.
- Lead coordination, research, and identification of valid values based on best available science for new collection methods and devices that collect environmental data stored in EIM.
- Define data requirements for system upgrades or new functions.
QualificationsFor detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our
Required Qualifications:- Five years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:
- Environmental Data Modeling and Schema Management -Demonstrated experience designing, assessing, and refining environmental data schemas to support standardized, scientifically credible, and structurally sound environmental data storage.
- Environmental Valid Value and Metadata Management - Demonstrated ability to evaluate scientific methods, parameters, units, and taxonomic values to maintain accurate and consistent metadata and reference tables that support data integrity.
- Analytical Reasoning and Problem Solving - Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex environmental datasets and reference resources to identify issues, interpret scientific implications, and ensure credible, accurate environmental data.
- Technical Coordination for System Integrations and Data Quality - Proven track record collaborating with partners to resolve technical issues and maintain alignment across integrated systems.
- Advanced Querying and Data Analysis - Demonstrated ability to perform complex database queries, diagnostics, and statistical evaluations to identify data issues, support system improvements, and resolve user inquiries.
- Strategic and Systems Thinking - Demonstrated ability to align environmental data management activities with agency, state, and national standards to guide long-term direction, improve systems, and support governance decisions.
- User Training and Documentation Development - Demonstrated ability to create and maintain technical documentation, training materials, and guidance to help users correctly use EIM systems and submit compliant data.
- Customer Service and Issue Resolution - Demonstrated ability to respond to inquiries, diagnose data-related issues, and prioritize customer service needs to ensure users and data submitters receive timely, accurate support.
- Education involving a major study in Computer Science, Information Technology (IT), Environmental Science, or another closely related field.
Examples of how to qualify:
- 5 years of experience.
- 4 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
- 3 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate's degree).
- 2 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
- 1 year of experience AND a Bachelor's degree.
Desired Qualifications:- Ability to understand environmental sampling approaches, laboratory analyses, and monitoring program structures to support accurate interpretation of reference values and data issues.
- Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial data.
- Ability to understand or work with API specifications, XML/JSON formats, or data exchange tools to support modern, scalable system interoperability.
- Knowledge of federal National Hydrography Data (NHD) or 3D Hydrography Data (3DHP).
- Ability to guide staff and partners through procedural, technical, or standards-related change to ensure smooth adoption of new data practices.
- Ability to lead collaborative technical conversations across agencies, laboratories, and external partners to support shared data standards and problem resolution.
If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.
Supplemental InformationEcology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit
Application ProcessEcology 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 ApplyClick "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
- Technical Writing Sample
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
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 or
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-.
Questions?- For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Christina Kellum at
- 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
About the Information Technology Services OfficeThe mission of the Information Technology Services Office (ITSO) is to empower the Department of Ecology through secure, reliable, and innovative technology, data, and spatial solutions that accelerate scientific discovery, enhance operational efficiency, and support environmental protection for all Washingtonians.
Our vision is to transform ITSO into a strategic enabler of Ecology's mission - where technology is seamlessly integrated across science and operations, data is accessible and actionable, and innovation is embedded in how we protect Washington's environment.
About the Enterprise Data SectionThe mission of the Enterprise Data Section is to support, promote, and continuously improve data management and usage best practices to protect sensitive information and foster sound and efficient data informed decisions that strengthens Ecology's mission.
Our vision is that data is fully utilized across the organization to meet Ecology's mission.
About the Department of EcologyAs 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: , , *, *, , , & , , , , , , , *
Click here for more informationTo learn more about Ecology, please visit our , explore , check out our , and connect with us on , , , , or our
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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More than Just a Paycheck!Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance BenefitsEmployees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred CompensationState Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social SecurityAll state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan ForgivenessIf you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for
exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military LeaveWashington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional LeaveLeave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
How did you hear about this job?
- Community Based Organization
- Community / Technical College
- Ecology Employee
- Ecology Recruiter
- Ecology Jobs Page
- Facebook
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- LinkedIn
- Newspaper
- Other State Agency
- Other Website
- Professional Association
- Twitter
- University Job Board
- WorkSource
- Other
02
If you selected Community Based Organization, Community / Technical College, Job Board, Job Fair, LinkedIn Group, Newspaper, Other State Agency, Other Website, Professional Association, University Job Board, WorkSource, or Other, please share which one.
03
Have you ever worked for the Department of Ecology in any capacity including: Permanent, Non-Permanent, Project, Intern, or Volunteer?
04
How many years of experience do you have related to the duties of this position? Please include any experience gained through employment, internships, and/or volunteer positions. Note that experience gained from academic coursework, class projects, or other degree requirements is assessed in later questions.
- One year
- Two years
- Three years
- Four years
- Five years
- Six years
- Seven years
- Eight years
- Nine or more years
- None of the above
05
What is your level of education?
- 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits
- 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate's degree)
- 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree
- Ph.D.
- None of the above
06
If you have college credits or a degree, please list your major(s) or field(s) of study and any degree(s) earned. If you don't have this education, put N/A.
07
Please provide an example of when you designed or refined a data model or schema to support consistent and reliable data storage. What methods did you use to assess structural soundness and ensure the model met scientific or technical requirements? If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.
08
Please describe your ability to evaluate scientific or technical parameters, units, or taxonomic or classification values to maintain accurate and consistent metadata or reference tables.
- None - I have no experience evaluating metadata or reference values.
- Foundational - I have limited experience reviewing data attributes with guidance.
- Intermediate - I routinely review metadata or reference tables for accuracy and consistency with some guidance.
- Advanced - I evaluate complex scientific or technical parameters to maintain data integrity.
- Expert - I am frequently relied upon to ensure highly specialized or scientifically rigorous metadata and valid value standards.
09
Please describe a time when you analyzed a complex dataset to identify issues or interpret technical or scientific implications. What steps did you take, and how did your analysis contribute to data accuracy or decision support? If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.
10
Please describe your ability to collaborate with partners to resolve technical data or system integration issues and maintain alignment across connected systems.
- None - I have no experience coordinating technical issue resolution.
- Foundational - I can assist with resolving straightforward issues with guidance.
- Intermediate - I routinely coordinate with others to resolve system or data problems.
- Advanced - I lead efforts to diagnose technical issues and align multiple systems.
- Expert - I consistently guide complex integration efforts involving multiple technologies or scientific data systems.
11
How would you rate your ability to perform complex database queries, diagnostics, or statistical analyses to identify data issues or support system improvements?
- None - I have no experience with database querying or data diagnostics.
- Foundational - I can run basic queries or simple data checks with guidance.
- Intermediate - I routinely write queries and perform diagnostic checks to support data review.
- Advanced - I independently perform complex queries, troubleshooting, and statistical evaluations.
- Expert - I design advanced diagnostics, optimize queries, and provide expert-level analytical support.
12
Please describe an example of how you have aligned data management or technical activities with broader organizational, state, or national standards. What approach did you take to ensure long-term consistency or system improvement? If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.
13
How would you rate your ability to create technical documentation or develop training materials that help users correctly enter or manage data within a system?
- None - I have no experience creating technical documentation or training materials.
- Foundational - I can assist in drafting basic instructions with guidance.
- Intermediate - I routinely prepare documentation or training materials for system users.
- Advanced - I develop clear, accessible materials that help users understand complex data or system processes.
- Expert - I design comprehensive training and documentation programs and am frequently relied upon to guide users through complex workflows.
14
Please describe a time when you responded to a complex data or technical inquiry, diagnosed the root issue, and provided timely support. What steps did you take to ensure accuracy and customer satisfaction? If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.
15
If you feel you have not already demonstrated your proficiency in the required competencies elsewhere in your application, you are encouraged to use this space to provide any additional details that help illustrate your experience and capabilities in the areas listed below. While this question is optional, providing clear evidence of your competence in these fields will strengthen your application.Please share any additional information that further demonstrates your proficiency in the following required competencies:1. Environmental Data Modeling and Schema Management - Demonstrated experience designing, assessing, and refining environmental data schemas to support standardized, scientifically credible, and structurally sound environmental data storage.2. Environmental Valid Value and Metadata Management - Demonstrated ability to evaluate scientific methods, parameters, units, and taxonomic values to maintain accurate and consistent metadata and reference tables that support data integrity.3. Analytical Reasoning and Problem Solving - Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex environmental datasets and reference resources to identify issues, interpret scientific implications, and ensure credible, accurate environmental data.4. Technical Coordination for System Integrations and Data Quality - Proven track record collaborating with partners to resolve technical issues and maintain alignment across integrated systems.5. Advanced Querying and Data Analysis - Demonstrated ability to perform complex database queries, diagnostics, and statistical evaluations to identify data issues, support system improvements, and resolve user inquiries.6. Strategic and Systems Thinking - Demonstrated ability to align environmental data management activities with agency, state, and national standards to guide long-term direction, improve systems, and support governance decisions.7. User Training and Documentation Development - Demonstrated ability to create and maintain technical documentation, training materials, and guidance to help users correctly use EIM systems and submit compliant data.8. Customer Service and Issue Resolution - Demonstrated ability to respond to inquiries, diagnose data-related issues, and prioritize customer service needs to ensure users and data submitters receive timely, accurate support.
16
The State of Washington and the Department of Ecology, play a vital role in fostering a Diverse, Equitable, Inclusive, and Respectful (DEIR) workplace and contributing to equitable outcomes for the communities we serve. We view DEIR 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. We believe it is everyone's job to contribute to a DEIR workplace. What experiences have you had working with people whose backgrounds are very different from your own? What impact did those experiences have on how you worked?
17
I understand that Ecology does not use the E-Verify system and is unable to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Required Question
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