Remote Climate Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $91,104.00 - $122,448.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-CPR5115-05506
Department: Dept. of Ecology
Division: Climate Pollution Reduction Program
Opening Date: 07/08/2026
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 Greenhouse Gas Inventory Unit Supervisor (Natural Resource Scientist 4) within the Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP).
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.
• A minimum of one day per week is required in the office. This position is expected to be in the office for a full workday every Tuesday.
• 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.

Duties
As the Greenhouse Gas Inventory Unit Supervisor, you'll be a state expert in greenhouse gas emissions inventory development and trend analysis. You will supervise a team of scientists, modelers, and emissions analysts to define, plan, and lead complex analyses of GHG emissions inventories, as well as determine and implement further team goals and objectives. This includes developing advanced modeling and accounting procedures to analyze and report on statewide greenhouse gas emissions. The team measures Washington's annual greenhouse gas emissions. This work assesses the state's progress towards meeting Washington's emission reduction requirements for 2030, 2040, and 2050 and informs policymaker decisions. In addition to responding to agency and legislative requests for information, you will interface with myriad internal and external parties. These include other local, state and federal agencies, Tribes, non-governmental organizations, the Governor's policy and budget staff, the Attorney General's Office, and Legislative staff.
What you will do:

• Lead the overall design, planning, and implementation of the Greenhouse Gas Inventory Unit, and statewide greenhouse gas emissions estimates.
• Manage the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, State Agency Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, and Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program activities; including data collection, analysis, management, and reporting, and adhere to statutory deadlines.
• Participate in development and updating of national greenhouse gas accounting and verification protocols, tracks development of national greenhouse gas reporting rules.
• Coordinate the development of training materials and interactions with other state agencies & programs (e.g. State Efficiency and Environmental Performance (SEEP), Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program, etc.).
• Develop positions, recruit, hire and train staff to carry out the state's greenhouse gas emissions inventory assessments.
• Estimate and track greenhouse gas pollutant emissions; identify co-benefits of greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
• Write, review, and conduct analysis of technological developments, state and federal legislation, and regulations.
• Provide expert technical assistance and respond to technical issues and questions on the calculation of state / federal greenhouse gas emissions inventories and related topics from legislators, news media, and other external groups; including assigning, and reviewing, work to specific unit specialists.
• Serve as the agency representative and subject matter expert in internal and external processes involving statewide greenhouse gas emission inventories.
• Provide expertise on statewide greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies to identify, develop, and recommend policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to achieve state greenhouse gas emissions reduction requirements.

Qualifications
For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our
Required Qualifications:
Ten years of research experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:

• Leadership & Team Development - Demonstrated competence in guiding, coaching, and developing staff to build a collaborative, high-performing team that consistently delivers high-quality analytical and programmatic outcomes.
• Communication & Collaboration - Skilled in conveying complex or technical information clearly and tailoring communication approaches to support shared understanding and coordinated work across programs and initiatives.
• Strategic Planning - Expertise in setting priorities, planning long-term work, and aligning people and resources to meet organizational goals, statutory timelines, and evolving program needs.
• Organizational & Political Savvy - Demonstrated competence in navigating organizational structures and understanding the broader policy environment to advance program goals, inform decision-making, and ensure successful implementation of key initiatives.
• Program & Project Management - Experienced in coordinating multiple projects, establishing clear expectations, and ensuring timely, accurate completion of program deliverables in fast-moving or deadline-driven environments.
• Policy Analysis & Development - Skilled in evaluating the implications of proposed policies, assessing potential outcomes, and formulating well-supported recommendations that help guide program direction and support agency priorities.
• Research & Scientific Interpretation - Demonstrated competence in reviewing technical literature, synthesizing scientific findings, and applying evidence-based insights to improve program methods, analytical approaches, and decision-making.
• Greenhouse Gas Inventory Methodologies - Expertise in applying national or international emissions accounting standards, evaluating methodological changes, and guiding development of accurate and defensible emissions estimates.
• Data Management, Modeling & Analytical Tools - Knowledge of using modeling platforms, analytical tools, and data management systems to integrate diverse datasets and generate reliable analyses that support program outcomes.

This position requires research experience in one of the following areas:

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Science - Research related to emissions quantification, emissions factors, life-cycle analysis, or national/international greenhouse gas accounting protocols (such as IPCC methodologies).
• Climate Modeling, Atmospheric Science, or Emissions Forecasting - Research involving climate systems, emissions projection modeling, scenario analysis, or climate data interpretation.
• Environmental Policy Analysis or Climate Policy Evaluation - Research on assessing environmental policies, evaluating emissions reduction strategies, or analyzing the effectiveness of climate mitigation programs.
• Environmental Data Science or Environmental Statistics - Research in large-scale environmental datasets, GIS, statistical modeling, or development of environmental data management systems.

Education involving a major study in a natural science, including physical, life, and/or earth sciences.
Examples of how to qualify:

• 10 years of research experience.
• 9 years of research experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 8 years of research experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate's degree).
• 7 years of research experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 6 years of research experience AND a Bachelor's degree.
• 4 years of research experience AND a Master's degree in the research fields listed above.
• 2 years of research experience AND a Ph.D. in the research fields listed above.

Desired Qualifications:

• Climate & Emissions Science - Advanced knowledge of global climate science, carbon accounting principles, and greenhouse gas inventory or modeling practices to support program methodology and analysis.
• Supervision of Technical Experts - Experience guiding scientific, analytical, or technical professionals to ensure high-quality work, consistent standards, and professional growth.
• Science-Informed Policy Development - Demonstrated competence in applying research or analytical findings to support program recommendations or contribute to policy development for agency or legislative decision-making.
• Quality Assurance & Methodological Review - Skilled in designing or implementing QA/QC processes for complex datasets or analytical products to ensure accuracy, defensibility, and consistency over time.
• Government Administrative Experience - Experience working within local, state, or federal government programs or administrative structures to support alignment with statutory requirements, budgeting or reporting expectations, and overall operational practices.

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 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
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.
Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.
Equity: We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.
Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology's work.
Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.
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 the following required documents:

• 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 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 Rebecca Sears at Rebecca.Sears@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

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