Description

 Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Shoreline Mapping Scientist (Natural Resource Scientist 2) position. 

Location Options:

• Headquarters Office (HQ) in Lacey, WA.
• Northwest Region Office (NWRO) in Shoreline, WA.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Please Note: If the final location of this position is determined to be in our Northwest Region Office (NWRO) in Shoreline, WA, there will be an additional 5% pay increase due to its location in King County. In this instance the salary range will be $5808-$7815 monthly. 
 

Schedule:

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by April 23, 2026 
• 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 the date above may not be considered.

 
Duties
 

This Shoreline Mapping Scientist position supports the Shoreline Mapping Unit by producing high-quality marine shoreline datasets for Puget Sound. You will apply shoreline mapping protocols, imagery interpretation, and geospatial analysis to help maintain a consistent, science-based baseline of shoreline conditions used across regulatory, restoration, and planning programs.

In this role, you will contribute to a new statewide mapping effort established by recent legislation, helping refine methods, improve workflows, and integrate emerging technologies as the program expands. This role works closely with scientists, GIS specialists, coastal engineers, and partners across agencies, tribes, and local governments.

What you will do:

• Conduct routine mapping of shoreline conditions using aerial and oblique imagery
• Apply and improve shoreline mapping techniques and workflows
• Perform geospatial and statistical analyses of shoreline features and change
• Prepare spatial data, imagery, and metadata for public release
• Produce maps, graphics, and visual materials for reports and presentations
• Support data QA/QC, documentation, and records management
• Collaborate with partners to support permitting, planning, and restoration work
   

Qualifications

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

Required Qualifications:

Seven years of relevant experience and/or education as described below:

Relevant Experience:  Professional level research experience in coastal mapping, GIS, surveying, geomorphology, photogrammetry, imagery interpretation, or coastal science, and should include work in at least two of the following areas:

• Geomorphic feature mapping or extraction using GIS software
• Large database management
• Geospatial analysis in ArcGIS, or similar software
• Imagery interpretation and manipulation 

Education involving a major study in in natural science.

Examples of how to qualify:7 years of relevant experience.

• 6 years of relevant experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 5 years of relevant experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 4 years of relevant experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 3 years of relevant experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• 1 year of relevant experience AND a Master’s degree.
• A Ph.D. degree involving research that is aligned with the relevant experience criteria, as defined above

Desired Qualifications:

Have experience in the following areas:

• Shoreline and coastal feature mapping. 
• Feature editing, vector creation, and digitizing using ArcGIS Pro.
• Familiarity with coastal science and coastal management issues in the Puget Sound.
• Experience manipulating and interpreting aerial imagery,  topographic data, aerial photos, and other remote sensing datasets.
• Experience creating vector datasets, creating and managing domains, and maintaining metadata.
• Performing geospatial analyses in ArcGIS using Spatial Analyst, 3D Analyst, Raster Analysis, and other toolboxes. 
• Experience working with large datasets with strong data management skills.
• Experience following protocols and maintaining detailed notes.
• Experience automating workflows using ArcGIS Model Builder, MATLAB, Python, or similar.
• Producing static and web-based cartographic products.
• Experience contributing to technical documents and publications.

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.

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 Michelle Gostic at Michelle.Gostic@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.