Quality Assurance Coordinator - MEL (Chemist 4)

Salary : $84,984.00 - $114,264.00 Annually
Location : Kitsap County - Manchester, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-EAP2297-03269
Department: Dept. of Ecology
Division: Environmental Assessment
Opening Date: 04/17/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Quality Assurance Coordinator - MEL (Chemist 4)within the Environmental Assessment Program.
Location:

• Manchester Environmental Laboratory 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.
• A minimum of three days per week is required in the office. During the first 90-day training period, this position will be in the office 5 days per week.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by May 10, 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
In this role as the Quality Assurance Coordinator at the Manchester Environmental Laboratory, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring that all laboratory data is accurate, reliable, and scientifically defensible while supporting Ecology's mission to protect Washington's environment. You will lead the development and continuous improvement of the lab's regulatory-compliant Quality Management System, manage internal and external audits, including corrective and preventive actions, and guides staff on quality standards and best practices. This role is particularly interesting for job seekers who enjoy complex, multidisciplinary scientific work, as it provides unique experience in accreditation, method validation, data integrity, and cross-agency collaboration. In this role you will have opportunities for professional growth as you will function as the lab's quality authority, build leadership skills through technical guidance and coordination, and contribute directly to high-impact environmental decision-making.
What you will do:

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the laboratory's regulatory-compliant Quality Management System. Ensure all processes meet regulatory requirements for accreditation.
• Manage document control for the Quality Assurance Manual, SOPs, controlled forms, and all quality system records. Ensure documents are current, accurate, and properly maintained.
• Coordinate internal audits and ensure that findings are documented, communicated, and resolved in a timely manner. Track corrective actions and verify their effectiveness.
• Prepare for and support external accreditation assessments conducted by the Laboratory Accreditation Unit and other accrediting bodies. Maintain all required accreditation documentation and renewal applications.
• Manage the corrective and preventive action (CAPA) program, including root-cause analysis and follow-up. Ensure implementation of appropriate corrective actions to maintain data integrity.
• Administer the proficiency testing (PT) program, including enrollment, evaluation of results, and documentation of required follow-up actions. Ensure PT results meet accreditation standards.
• Review QA/QC data, method validation documentation, and analytical reports to ensure accuracy, defensibility, and compliance with regulatory and method requirements. Provide guidance to staff on quality expectations and best practices.
• Collaborate with project officers and contract laboratories to ensure Scopes of Work and conduct data validation of external laboratory data align with data quality objectives. Provide technical assistance to ensure data meet program and regulatory standards.

Qualifications
For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our

Required Qualifications:
Ten (10) years of experience and/or education as described below:

Experience performing chemical analysis of environmental samples following EPA and/or Standard Method analytical techniques in an environmental laboratory.

Experience must include all of the following:

Leadership Experience: One year or more of experience leading or supervising professional chemists.

Quality System and Process Management: Ability to lead, maintain, and continuously improve quality systems, including method validation, performance monitoring, and equipment calibration, to ensure scientifically sound and consistent operations.

Regulatory and Accreditation Compliance: Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, standards, and accreditation requirements, coordinate internal and external audits, and ensure ongoing compliance and program approval.

Corrective Action, Problem-Solving, and Continuous Improvement: Ability to identify root causes, implement effective corrective actions, and verify results to prevent recurrence and strengthen processes.

Data Integrity and Technical Review: Ability to review technical documents, reports, and data for accuracy, completeness, and defensibility.

Program, Workload, and Resource Management: Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple responsibilities, deadlines, and resources while maintaining high-quality outcomes.

Communication, Collaboration, and Technical Guidance: Ability to communicate clearly, provide instruction, build productive working relationships, and support staff and partners in meeting quality standards.

Education must include a major in chemistry, environmental science, microbiology, or a related scientific field with a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of college level chemistry
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.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Required to obtain federal security clearance and maintain security clearance during their employment at the Department of Ecology's Manchester Environmental Laboratory (MEL).

Must successfully pass federal ePASS background check to have access to the federal facility that houses the Ecology laboratory.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience managing or implementing an ISO/IEC 17025 and WAC compliant Quality Management System.
• Experience conducting internal audits, managing corrective actions, or coordinating accreditation activities.
• Experience with data validation, method development, or technical review of analytical data.
• Experience in a multi-discipline environmental laboratory.

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 .

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
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 [click to reveal phone number]360-407-6186 or
• 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 Robert Waldropat
• 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 [click to reveal email address]careers@ecy.wa.gov

About the Environmental Assessment Program

Program Mission Statement: The mission of the Environmental Assessment Program (EAP) is to measure, assess and communicate environmental conditions in Washington State. EAP's vision is improving the environment for current and future generations through innovative and excellent science and thriving partnerships. Commitments include: professional, respectful, responsive, timely, innovative, exceptional customer service, partnerships, cooperative relationships, and continuous improvement.

The Department of Ecology's Manchester Environmental Laboratory (MEL) is the state's primary environmental laboratory, providing high-quality, scientifically defensible data that support Washington's environmental protection, regulatory enforcement, and natural resource management efforts. Through rigorous analytical work and a comprehensive Quality Management System, MEL ensures that Ecology and partner agencies have reliable information to assess environmental conditions, guide policy decisions, and safeguard public and ecological health.

Located in Manchester, Washington, near Port Orchard on the Olympic Peninsula, the Department of Ecology's Manchester Environmental Laboratory (MEL) operates within a federal facility shared with the EPA Region 10 Environmental Laboratory. This co-location supports strong collaboration between state and federal scientists, enhances access to high-quality laboratory resources, and helps ensure that Washington receives scientifically robust data to guide environmental protection and regulatory decision-making. Employees must obtain federal security clearance and maintain their security clearance during their employment at the Department of Ecology's Manchester Environmental Laboratory (MEL).
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 DEIRis 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), , 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, Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *Click here for more information
To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore , 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.
#LI-Hybrid
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 Benefits
Employees 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 Compensation
State 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 Security
All 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 Forgiveness
If 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 Leave
Washington 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 Leave
Leave 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?

• Yes
• No

04

How many years of experience do you have in performing chemical analysis of environmental samples following EPA and/or Standard Method analytical techniques in an environmental laboratory?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 years
• Ten years or more
• None of the above

05

Please provide additional details to support your response above. The following information is needed: position title(s), specific duties, and periods of employment. Make sure your response specifically addresses the qualification above. An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.
06

What is your level of education that includes a major in chemistry, environmental science, microbiology, or a related scientific field with a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of college level chemistry?

• 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits
• 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (AA degree)
• 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Ph.D.
• None of the above

07

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.
08

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?
09

Do you have at least one year or more of experience leading or supervising professional chemists.

• Yes
• No

10

Please select the options below that represent your skills and abilities:

• Ability to lead, maintain, and continuously improve quality systems, including method validation, performance monitoring, and equipment calibration, to ensure scientifically sound and consistent operations.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, standards, and accreditation requirements, coordinate internal and external audits, and ensure ongoing compliance and program approval.
• Ability to identify root causes, implement effective corrective actions, and verify results to prevent recurrence and strengthen processes.
• Ability to review technical documents, reports, and data for accuracy, completeness, and defensibility.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple responsibilities, deadlines, and resources while maintaining high-quality outcomes.
• Ability to communicate clearly, provide instruction, build productive working relationships, and support staff and partners in meeting quality standards.
• None of the above apply

11

I understand that Ecology does not use the E-Verify system and is unable to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).

• Yes
• No

12

Describe your experience working with an ISO/IEC 17025 or comparable laboratory quality management system. Include your specific responsibilities and the types of quality system activities you have performed.
13

Provide an example of a time you identified a quality, compliance, or data integrity issue in a laboratory setting. What steps did you take to address the issue, and what was the outcome?
14

This position leads internal audits and supports accreditation assessments. Describe your experience conducting internal audits, preparing documentation for accreditation, or managing corrective and preventive actions.
15

Explain your experience reviewing analytical data, QA/QC results, or method validation documentation. How do you ensure the accuracy, defensibility, and compliance of the data you review?
16

This role requires frequent communication with laboratory staff, project officers, and external partners regarding quality requirements. Describe a situation where you communicated complex technical or regulatory information to individuals with varying levels of technical expertise.
17

Are you able to successfully pass a federal ePASS background check and maintain the clearance required to access the federal facility where the Manchester Environmental Laboratory is located?

• Yes
• No

18

Please describe your experience performing duties as a Quality Assurance Officer/Manager in an environmental laboratory. please include years of experience and job titles and dates if applicable.
Required Question