[ES_JOBS_NET] Earth Scientist 2, Energy Resiliency and Engineering, PNNL, Richland, WA

Tue Feb 17 08:19:36 MST 2026

https://careers.pnnl.gov/jobs/11325/job

Job DescriptionOverview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that
we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of
scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and
dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and
Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy
and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences
Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed
on the PNNL campus.

The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology
solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our
more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on
key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to
maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery
infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective
utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve
the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American
energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and
environmental management.

The Earth Systems Science Division, part of the Energy and Environment
Directorate, provides leadership and solutions that advance Earth system
opportunities for energy systems and national security. We are a
multidisciplinary division connected by a shared commitment to innovate and
collaborate towards solving complex problems in the dynamic Earth system.

Responsibilities

Studies the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and/or
interactions of these systems with human activities. Uses scientific
principles, instrument measurements, computer models, data analysis, and
knowledge of policy and regulatory drivers to study the environment and/or
develop solutions to environmental problems. Leverages knowledge and tools
from fields such as ecology, biology, physics, chemistry, geochemistry,
soil science, geology, hydrology, atmospheric science, economics, and/or
integrated assessment.

   - Building a reputation through application of ecological principles and
   understanding of regulatory frameworks and setting technical direction to
   solve complex challenges for the hydropower community.
   - Conducting and designing field, laboratory, and analysis energy impact
   studies using molecular and geochemistry approaches.
   - Building effective project teams, networks and mentoring junior staff.
   Effectively teaming to share resources and optimize research.
   - Serving as task lead while integrating capabilities of work team
   members. Defining and leading project work, reporting results on time and
   on budget. Defining or supports scoping, scheduling, and budgeting at a
   project or major task level.
   - Generating new ideas for proposals and business development
   opportunities while leading development of technical section of small to
   medium proposals. Demonstrating desire to acquire funding for self with
   programmatic impact.
   - Presenting at national or international forums. Member of external
   professional community, establishing a leadership role therein.
   - Leading technical products with a growing influence.
   - Embracing expectations for quality, safety, and security.
   Communicating their importance within their work team.
   - Complying with PNNL's policies regarding environmental health and
   safety, waste management, and protection of intellectual property.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

   - BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR-
   - MS/MA -OR-
   - PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

   - PhD in natural resources, fisheries biology, Fish and Wildlife
   Conservation, or related field from an accredited college or university
   - 2 years postdoctoral experience
   - Strong publication record
   - Understanding of national and regional energy-related natural resource
   issues
   - Excellent organizational skills
   - Strong laboratory experience in otolith microchemistry and
   crystallography
   - Expertise in mass spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
   - Strong field, laboratory, and analysis skills in population genetics
   and environmental DNA techniques
   - Experience leading field crews
   - Managing large datasets and data analysis (MS Excel, R Programming,
   etc.)
   - Understanding of hydropower regulatory environmental assessments
   - Experience using HEC-RAS software to quantify fish habitat
   - Desirable characteristics include attention to detail, the ability to
   work both independently and as a member of a team, possession of a strong
   work ethic, and a willingness to work extra hours when warranted to achieve
   project goals

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not Applicable

Testing Designated Position

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research
institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to
the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage.
Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with
renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for
the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be
one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent
benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is
located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for
its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s
campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or
Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8
major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all
individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical
challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy
resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity
Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to
race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic
information (including family medical history), protected veteran status,
and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or
local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals
with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures
and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a
disability, contact us at careers at pnnl.gov.

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance
Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the
possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to
commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal
drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.  If you
test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana,
your offer of employment will be withdrawn.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland
Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE)
Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12
Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential,
new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal
background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal
adjudication.  The tier of federal background investigation will be
determined by job duties and national security or public trust
responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation
include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply,
possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the
applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include
marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal
under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are
not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a
favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to
maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement
thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain
employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain
the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become
eligible for the PIV credential.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees
and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of
a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit
approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and
currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these
countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse
yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle
prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental
insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental
health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible
spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee
assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance,
relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding
leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees
are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may
enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may
accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays
per year.

* Research Associates excluded.

**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.

Click Here For Rockstar Rewards <https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards>

Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting
pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in
the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related
skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all
positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective
bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have
specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for
or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire.
Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific
requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable
collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and
individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the
position.

Minimum Salary

USD $100,100.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary

USD $150,200.00/Yr.
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