The Environmental Assessment Program provides a range of scientific, monitoring, laboratory, and quality assurance services. Its mission is to measure and assess environmental conditions in Washington State.

Some of the key work activities of the Marine Field Technician position include:

Implements the marine waters monitoring program under technical supervision. Performs natural resource science research to meet the specific objective of determining the current status of marine water quality in Puget Sound and the coastal estuaries, using conventional techniques.

Tasks include:

• As an independent marine field technician, conducts monitoring surveys by boat and seaplane. Includes oceanographic sampling gear preparation and use, instrument calibration (CTD and other electronic sensors), and collection and processing of water samples.
• Uses professional judgment and experience, in consultation with information on weather and sea conditions, to make daily decisions on field operations.
• Schedules and trains staff for marine field surveys and laboratory procedures.
• Leads nutrient data quality review.  Includes responsibilities of tracking and reporting laboratory performance.
• Reviews CTD data for monthly data review.
• Writes standard operating procedures. Reviews and edits quality assurance project plans (QAPPs) and scientific reports.
• Uses software programs and databases for data management, analysis, mapping, and report preparation.
• Uses communication and outreach skills to participate in outreach events and create entries for “Eyes Over Puget Sound” monthly publication as requested.

Laboratory tasks include:

• Assists in the maintenance of all the laboratory sensors, conducting calibrations, and tracking instrument performance.
• Develops and defines procedures for dissolved oxygen sensor performance checks.
• Conducts fluorometer performance checks and performs annual fluorometer calibration.
• Processes and analyzes chlorophyll and dissolved oxygen samples.

Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s of science degree with a major study in marine ecology, marine science, oceanography, or other closely allied marine science field and two (2) years of professional work experience in marine ecology, marine science, or oceanography.

A Master’s or Ph.D. degree will substitute for all of the required experience, provided the field of major study was in the specific specialty.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience conducting field sampling from a boat and seaplane under a variety of conditions.
• Experience operating and calibrating a CTD and auxiliary sensors.
• Experience with spreadsheets, database software, and Geographic Information System (GIS).

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Must possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License.

Please complete the applicant profile when applying for this position. Or, you may paste the text of your resume within the profile’s resume text field.

Please read the supplemental questions carefully and answer completely. Incomplete responses, including “please see resume” may disqualify you from further consideration.

Department of Ecology employees, please make sure to answer the agency-wide questions regarding permanent status as a classified employee within the Washington General Service or Washington Management Service. Do not forget to select Department of Ecology as a response to question 2, and type your personnel ID number for question 3. If you are not sure of your status or do not know your personnel ID number, please contact Human Resources at (360) 407-6186.

If you are reading this announcement in print format, please visit www.careers.wa.gov to access the online recruitment system. Click on “Look for Jobs” and select Dept. of Ecology under the “Department” search list. Click “Apply Search.”

Other Information:

If you need assistance applying for this job, please call Human Resources at (360) 407-6186 or e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not call this number or send an email to this address to follow-up the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile’s main page.

If you have specific questions about the position, please email Carol Maloy at: carol.maloy@ecy.wa.gov.  Please do not contact Carol to inquire about the status of your application.

The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.

This position is included in the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) union bargaining unit for the Department of Ecology. All employees covered by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the WFSE will, as a condition of employment, either become members of the WFSE and pay membership dues or, as non-members, pay a representation fee as described in the CBA, no later than the 30th day following the effective date of this CBA or the beginning of their employment.

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 or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 407-6186. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.