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.

Some of the key work activities of the Marine Monitoring 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:

• Conducting 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.
• 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.
• Occasionally participates in outreach events and creates entries for “Eyes Over Puget Sound” monthly publication.

Laboratory tasks include:

• Assists in the maintenance of all the laboratory sensors, conducting calibrations, and tracking instrument performance.
• Keeps the lab in good working order, assigns the monthly lab cleaning schedule, and manages lab supply inventory and reagent preparation.
• Conducts in lab bench top 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).
• Experience with R statistical software.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Must possess a valid license to operate a vehicle in Washington.
Why work for Ecology?

Joining Ecology means becoming a part of a team committed to protecting and restoring Washington State’s environment.

A career in public service allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping the health and financial security of you and your family a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to work/life balance.

Ecology employees may be eligible for the following:

Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS),  Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver,  Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP),  Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth 

Student debt and how working for Ecology can help
Employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.

 

*See the Benefits tab in this announcement for more information

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.

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.