Chief Information Officer (EMS Band 4)

Posting number: 2026-EXEC4376-04892

Department: Dept. of Ecology

Division: Executive

Job classification: EXEMPT BAND 4

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Environmental Services, IT and Computers, Public Health, Management, Executive Management, Natural Resources, Sciences, Green-Collar/Environmental, Program Management

Summary

The salary listed above includes the scheduled 2% general salary increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Chief Information Officer (EMS Band 4) within the Executive Leadership Team.

Location:

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.
• 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.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline: 

• Apply by July 16, 2026
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

Examples of duties

We are looking for a transformational technology leader who is ready to team with a large group of dedicated professionals to modernize the systems, platforms, data, and digital services that power Ecology’s scientific, regulatory, and operational work. You will guide the agency through major technology and organizational change while building a secure, resilient, cloud-forward, data-driven, and service-oriented technology environment that advances Ecology’s mission.

In this role, you will serve as Ecology’s Chief Information Officer and the executive leader for enterprise technology, cybersecurity, data and analytics, digital services, and modernization strategy. You will ensure that technology becomes a strategic capability that accelerates scientific discovery, strengthens environmental protection, supports staff, and improves service delivery to the public. You will provide strategic decision-making and deliver policies with broad, agency-wide impacts that shape how Ecology delivers its mission.

Responsibilities include:

• Planning, leading, organizing, and directing Ecology’s statewide enterprise technology strategy, modernization initiatives, cybersecurity program, cloud transformation, data and analytics platforms, and digital service delivery.
• Establishing and executing a long-term enterprise technology vision that aligns with Ecology’s environmental mission, statewide policy direction, and emerging industry practices.
• Guiding agency-wide modernization efforts, including cloud adoption, enterprise architecture, application modernization, automation, responsible AI, and sustainable technology practices.
• Managing the agency’s technology investment portfolio, enterprise operating and capital budgets, and modernization resources while ensuring transparent fiscal stewardship.
• Ensuring enterprise cybersecurity, digital risk management, operational resilience, and compliance with statewide and federal requirements.
• Hiring, mentoring, and developing technology leaders and teams while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, innovative, and high-performing technology workforce.
• Representing Ecology on statewide technology issues with WaTech, OFM, OCIO, Tribes, local governments, federal partners, universities, and regulated entities.

Who are we looking for?
 We are looking for an experienced technology executive who is ready to team with a diverse group of professionals across scientific, regulatory, administrative, and operational domains. You will need to be able to:

• Problem-solve, anticipate emerging technology trends, and adapt strategies to meet evolving mission and cybersecurity needs.
• Communica