Duwamish Floating Wetlands Project

Community Science Coordinator

Position Description

The UW Green Futures Research and Design Lab is seeking a graduate or advanced undergraduate student to lead the coordination of a Community Science program for the Duwamish Floating Wetlands Project. The project is studying whether constructed floating wetlands can increase habitat for salmon smolts, and improve water quality and other ecosystem services in the Duwamish River. The role of the Community Science Coordinator is to engage local communities including the highly diverse populations within the Georgetown and South Park neighborhoods, tribes, urban indigenous and community groups. A robust Community Science will contribute to the protection of Puget Sound waterways in the long-term by increasing civic awareness, fostering community stewardship, and providing opportunities for underrepresented voices to meaningfully engage in science and restoration.

The position will be paid hourly, starting in winter quarter and going through the summer. Hours will vary based on phase of the project and the interest of the student to participate in field research. Tasks include attending team meetings, reaching out to community members via email, phone and in-person, making recruitment fliers, training and scheduling the community scientists, attending community events and writing a report (all with guidance offered by our technical advisory team of faculty and professionals). If interested, the Community Science Coordinator could also join the field crew of other UW students in the fish, water quality and plant monitoring of our constructed floating wetlands. Opportunities exist for presentations at conferences and community events and potential publication.

We are seeking applicants from all backgrounds, but with experience and/or interest in environmental science, salmon and wetland ecology, community engagement and facilitation and working with marginalized community groups. Cultural sensitivity and strong communication skills required.

Tentative Work Breakdown

January: team meetings, initial talks with stakeholders (2-6 hours a week)

February-March: Outreach and recruitment for the community science program, research protocol training, scheduling of community scientists (8-12 hours a week)

April 1 – July 30: Ongoing organizing of community scientists, joining the crew in the monitoring (6-10 hours a week)

August – September: Reflection, community events, and writing a report for funders (5-10 hours a week)

Pay

$20-$24 / hour (varies based on experience level, work study etc.)

Interested candidates should submit a CV and brief letter of interest to the Project Manager, Leann Andrews, andrewsl@uw.edu by December 11th.