Watershed/Bioassessment Crew Field Lead (Natural Resource Scientist 2)

Watershed/Bioassessment Crew Field Lead (Natural Resource Scientist 2)

Salary
$45,540.00 – $59,724.00 Annually
Location
Thurston County – Lacey, WA
Job Type
Full Time – Permanent
Department
Dept. of Ecology
Job Number
2017-EAP4461-09281
Closing
Continuous
Description
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Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
Protecting Washington State’s environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We are a culture that is invested in making a difference. If you want to join a team that is highly effective, collaborative, has leadership that embraces the value of people, and believes in the fun factor, Ecology is a good fit.

The Environmental Assessment Program (EAP) program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Watershed/Bioassessment Crew Field Lead (Natural Resource Scientist 2) position. This position is located in our Headquarters Building (HQ) in Lacey, WA.

The Watershed/Bioassessment Crew Field Lead position, under administrative supervision, serves as a staff natural resource scientist performing specialized freshwater aquatic and stream ecology research gathering and analyzing probabilistic sampling information to develop recommendations and make decisions regarding landscape level assessment of aquatic resources throughout Washington State.

As an agency, we invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.

To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecy.wa.gov and check us out on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.

Local efforts… Diverse people… Statewide impacts

Duties
 

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

The Watershed/Bioassessment Crew Field Lead position Under administrative supervision, uses scientific knowledge and professional judgment to serve as a staff natural resource scientist performing specialized freshwater aquatic and stream ecology research gathering and analyzing probabilistic sampling information to develop recommendations and make decisions regarding landscape level assessment of aquatic resources statewide. Some of the key work duties and activities include:

  • Plans, develops, researches, and conducts or oversees probabilistic sampling design technical data collection and analyzes, evaluates, and interprets data.
  • Independently performs Status & Trends Monitoring Program and other environmental monitoring/sampling and provides guidance for surveys, field studies or other special data gathering activities.
  • Conducts water quality monitoring projects using appropriate scientific knowledge, including project scoping, monitoring plan design (including setting project objectives), field work, quality assurance and on-going communication with the client and other stakeholders.
  • Makes recommendations to senior staff regarding new or modified sampling and analytical testing methods, best management practices, and technical operating procedures.
  • Understands and communicates complex environmental information with agency staff, other agencies, industry and the general public.
  • Uses scientific knowledge to determine database/inventory requirements and may design and/or develop databases/inventories to be utilized in support of technical projects.
  • Develops and defines the record keeping and reporting procedures; trains and supervises other personnel in survey protocols, field evaluation and reporting work; gathers and evaluates sample data; formulates and justifies conclusions and recommendations.
  • Develops GIS projects and coverages for the data in Arcview; ensures project data is accurately entered into the agency data repository.
  • Uses specialized knowledge of freshwater community ecology, biological taxonomy and aquatic life history to ensure that the unit’s field operations relating to biological habitat assessment are done in the most efficient and effective manner practicable.
  • Serves as unit point-person for WHM issues related to the Field Operations Center.

Participates in the following WHM data management activities:

  • Data quality assurance reviews.
  • Conducts data analyses, including calculation of summary statistics using statistical software.
  • Data preparation and manipulation; graph, chart, and map preparation in ACCESS, EXCEL, GIS, and other software.
  • Formulates and justifies conclusions and recommendations, writes sections of monitoring reports.
  • Presents, in posters and oral presentations, findings of the WHM program work.
  • Participates in unit, section, program, and agency committees and groups to make recommendations on improving protocols and procedures.  Provides mentoring and advice to less experienced staff.  Obtains training for maintaining and improving skills.
  • Procurement of sampling permits from all appropriate entities.

This recruitment will remain open until filled. The next screening will be October 24, 2017.  In order to be considered for the next screening, please submit an application on or before October 23, 2017. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor of Science degree with major study in natural science, freshwater community ecology/biology, freshwater stream ecology or aquatic ecosystem and biological taxonomy.

AND

Three years of experience in natural science, freshwater biology, freshwater stream ecology.

A Master’s degree will substitute for two years and a Ph.D. degree will substitute for all of the required experience, provided the field of major is in freshwater community ecology/biology, freshwater stream ecology or aquatic ecosystem and biological taxonomy.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Coursework in Environmental Science, Natural Science, Stream Ecology, Fisheries Biology, Chemistry, Forestry or related field would be advantageous.
  • Ability to conduct field work under a variety of conditions.
  • Experience collecting water samples and measuring streamflow is desired.
  • Ability to operate cars, vans and pickup trucks in various weather conditions and after dark.
  • Some experience with data analysis and data management.
  • Good communication and writing skills.
Supplemental Information
Application Instructions:

Please include the following documents as an attachment to your application:

  • A cover letter describing how your experience, skills and abilities meet the required qualifications of this position.
  • A resume outlining your professional experience.

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 Jessica Archer at:
Jessica.Archer@ecy.wa.gov.  Please do not contact Jessica 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.

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 and that your priority is making sure 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. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and 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.
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.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.

Holidays

Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:

HOLIDAY
DATE
New Year’s Day
January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday
Third Monday in January
Presidents’ Day
Third Monday in February
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
Independence Day
July 4
Labor Day
First Monday in September
Veterans’ Day
November 11
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
Christmas Day
December 25
Personal Holiday
Employee’s selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

 
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.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.
01
How did you first learn about this job posting?

  • Community Based Organization
  • Community / Technical College
  • Ecology Employee
  • Ecology Recruiter
  • Ecology Jobs Page
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Job Board
  • Job Fair
  • Other State Agency
  • Other Website
  • Professional Association
  • Twitter
  • University Job Board
  • WorkSource
  • www.careers.wa.gov
02
If you selected Community Based Organization, Community / Technical College, Job Board, Job Fair, LinkedIn Group, Newspaper, Other State Agency, Other Website, Professional Association, Radio, University Job Board or WorkSource location then please share which one.
03
Please select the statement that best describes your level of education in a natural science, freshwater community ecology/biology, freshwater stream ecology or aquatic ecosystem and biological taxonomy.

  • I have a bachelor’s degree.
  • I have a master’s degree.
  • I have a Ph.D.
  • None of the above statements apply.
04
Please indicate your degree and major study.
05
Please select the statement that best describes your professional-level experience in natural science, freshwater biology, freshwater stream ecology.

  • I have at least one years of experience.
  • I have at least two years of experience.
  • I have at least three years of experience.
  • None of the above statements apply.
06
Please provide additional information to support your response to question 5 above. The following information is needed: position title(s), specific duties, and periods of employment. Make sure your responses specifically address the qualifications above. An incomplete answer, including “please see resume” may remove you from further consideration.
07
Please describe your education and/or experience networking with scientists, speaking and/or coordinating scientific meeting agendas and writing and communicating scientific materials for adoption of new practices. If you do not have this education or experience, please type NA.

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504.

Phone
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