Science & Evaluation Director (EMS BAND 3)

About the Department

Who We Are
Here at the Puget Sound Partnership, we are driven by our mission to collectively protect and recover the Puget Sound ecosystem. We work with partners across Tribes, state and federal government, nonprofits, academia, businesses, and local communities to turn shared vision into meaningful action. Our work is grounded in collaboration and driven by science with a strong focus on equity and belonging. The Partnership is a non-regulatory state agency under Governor Ferguson's Office focused on accelerating ecosystem recovery to achieve more vibrant habitats, water quality, food webs, and healthy human populations in Puget Sound. We are proud to offer a suite of "Employer of Choice" initiatives and benefits in addition to state government’s full compensation and benefits. Our internal employee benefits include:

• An agency-paid ORCA card for public transit use in the Puget Sound region.
• A tax-free hiring incentive that includes a one-time $200 Amazon allowance for ordering at-home office equipment or preferred supplies to support the telework experience.
• An annual professional development allowance for gaining skills that advance the employee’s career in their current field of work

To learn more about all the benefits PSP has to offer, explore our website.

About this Opportunity
Are you a collaborative leader passionate about protecting and restoring Puget Sound, with a strong focus on science? If so, you may be the next Science and Evaluation Director of the Puget Sound Partnership. As our Science and Evaluation Director, you will set the strategic direction for a multidisciplinary program spanning ecosystem monitoring, research, evaluation, social science, salmon recovery, and adaptive management. The Director determines the research, monitoring, and evaluation activities required to measure progress towards ecosystem recovery goals. You will lead a committed team and help shape the future of science-informed policies, investments, and partnerships that drive real progress for Puget Sound recovery.

We’re looking for someone who understands this is a pivotal time for Puget Sound – we have established science-based indicators and a network of dedicated scientists and implementers actively managing toward a healthy Puget Sound for future generations. Protecting Puget Sound isn’t just about clean water and healthy habitat – it's about the people, cultures, and ways of life connected to this place. At the Partnership, we take an expansive view of science, encompassing Traditional Ecological Knowledge, social science, community science, and knowledge gained through lived experience. The Director will lead a program that brings together multiple knowledge systems and perspectives to inform the work and generate durable environmental solutions.

We value a diversity of perspectives and experiences. What matters most is that you bring integrity, humility, strategic thinking, and a heart for this work. If this sounds like you – or if you’re curious and want to learn more – we encourage you to apply. Let’s talk about how you might help shape the future of Puget Sound.

The default assigned work location of all Partnership positions – both on-site and telework – is within the State of Washington. Employees have a choice for their onsite work between our Olympia, Tacoma, or Seattle locations. However, you may be required to work at a specific location occasionally based on business needs. Employees must be able and prepared to report to any of the three locations as requested by agency Leadership. If you currently live outside of Washington state, newly hired employees must relocate to Washington state within 30 days of starting employment, and report to the Olympia office headquarters in person on the first day of employment. 

For more information about PSP, resources, and benefits, visit our website: www.psp.wa.gov. To learn more details of this role, email [email protected] and request the full job description.

Position Duties

Some of What You’ll Enjoy Doing Includes:

• Determine, prioritize, and oversee research, monitoring, and evaluation activities to track ecosystem recovery progress and address critical knowledge gaps that inform policy and decision-making.
• Develop and manage Science and Evaluation Program work plans, budgets, contracts, grants, and inter-agency agreements to ensure efficient resource allocation and program accountability.
• Direct the Strategic Science Plan and Science Work Plan, aligning research priorities and funding with the Action Agenda, Salmon Recovery Plan, and Puget Sound Implementation Plan.
• Respect, identify, and integrate Indigenous Knowledge and Traditional Ecological Knowledge into strategic science directions and recovery initiatives.
• Coordinate and assist the Puget Sound Partnership’s Science Panel in fulfilling its duties, including oversight of monitoring programs and strategic science planning.
• Collaborate with internal teams to maintain systems for assessing ecosystem health and evaluating management outcomes.
• Convene and build strong collaborative partnerships with scientists and managers across local, state, federal, and Tribal agencies, representing the Partnership at diverse regional, national, and international forums.
• Provide comprehensive supervision, mentoring, and clear performance expectations to direct reports while upholding human resources policies and fostering professional growth and staff accountability.
• Serve on the Leadership Team to align program operations with agency-wide strategic goals, promote a diverse and inclusive workplace culture, and make data-driven decisions based on Tribal and partner feedback.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Primary residency in Washington state upon the start of employment, and the ability to conduct in-person work in the Puget Sound area for a set of regular and frequent hours determined by the agency.
• Professional experience, lived experience, or education that demonstrates multi-year, sustained success with the following: 
  • Directed program management, budget development, and work planning to optimize fund utilization, generate cost savings, and establish structured, adaptive frameworks.
  • Led scientific investigations, analyses, and quality assurance/quality control protocols to maintain research integrity, publish findings, and facilitate evidence-based decision-making.
  • Managed adaptive ecosystem recovery efforts to deliver measurable ecological improvements and build resilient, long-term conservation outcomes.
  • Facilitated multi-party collaborations across federal, state, Tribal, business, and NGO partners to eliminate implementation barriers, build trust, and drive high-impact outcomes.
  • Supervised staff and translated complex science for diverse audiences to boost team performance, improve public engagement, and inform policy and industry decisions.

In addition to the above required qualifications, a candidate must possess the following skills, abilities, and competencies:

• Inclusive leadership approach grounded in self-awareness, active reflection on personal bias, and a commitment to honoring diverse perspectives and identities.
• Applied expertise in natural and social sciences, Indigenous Knowledge, and adaptive management frameworks to convert ecosystem recovery research into tangible conservation actions.
• Advanced skill in conducting scientific analyses, syntheses, and report writing, as well as evaluating ecosystem conditions and the effectiveness of management interventions.
• Proficient in strategic planning, program and project evaluation, contract management, and implementing best practices for soliciting and funding research across diverse partner organizations.
• Highly effective public speaker capable of translating complex scientific concepts for diverse audiences to foster transparency and engagement.

Preferred Qualifications
These additional qualifications are not required, but highly desirable:

• Competency in written and oral communication related to ecosystems, ecosystem recovery and protection, and the role of science in ecosystem management.
• Comparable lived experience, M.S, or Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Experience with State of Washington procurement and contracting practices.
• Working knowledge of Puget Sound ecosystems (marine/nearshore, freshwater, and terrestrial)communities.

If you think you don’t have every qualification listed, please apply anyway! Studies have shown that historically marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification - even if they might be a great fit for the role! If you’re excited about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every single qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider applying. If you have lived experience that is equivalent to the preferred experience mentioned above, please apply! Share your experience in your cover letter and how your overall experience qualifies you as a competitive candidate for this type of work. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

Other Qualifications

How to Apply
To be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that describe how your qualifications prepare you for this role.
• Three (3) individual references who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment. 

If you qualify for Veteran Preference (veteran, surviving spouse, registered domestic parter of an eligible veteran, or a spouse of an active duty service member with a service-connected disability), please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter. 
• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov. 

No other documents are necessary to apply for this position.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

We ask that you do not include the below in any of your application documents:

• Do not include your salary history. Salary offers are based on the quality of your skill set and not whether you have the right salary history.
• Please remove any private or personal information such as your social security number, date of birth, marital status, family status, and no photos of yourself, etc. 
• Do not attach documents that are password protected.

NOTE: By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify the information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not substitute for completing the “duties summary” section of the application.  Please do not say “refer to resume for detail” in your question responses, or your application may be disqualified.   

OTHER INFORMATION
This is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

The Puget Sound Partnership celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws. Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, or need this job announcement in any other format, contact [email protected].

Benefits

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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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
Parental Leave
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

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerState of WashingtonAddress View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov