Genwest Systems Inc., an equal opportunity employer, is currently accepting applications for a Marine Debris Monitoring Coordinator. This position will primarily support our clients at the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of Response and Restoration (OR&R), Marine Debris Program (MDP) in Seattle, WA. This position has an initial term of two years, with the potential for extension based on performance, need, and client budget.

Position Description:

The successful applicant will support MDP staff in managing the Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project (MDMAP), a citizen science initiative that engages NOAA partners and volunteers to survey and record the amount and types of marine debris on shorelines. They will also support the MDP Science Team on additional projects and tasks as needed (e.g., grant reviews, literature reviews, strategic planning support, community outreach).

Primary Tasks:

  • Develop and manage a national marine debris shoreline monitoring survey to be implemented by external entities
  • Develop and implement a strategy for increasing recruitment, on-boarding, and retention of MDMAP partners and participants
  • Maintain the MDMAP online database by working with the database developers on regular maintenance and troubleshooting, approving new user requests, and assisting with QA/QC verification of survey data
  • Perform regular high-level analyses of the full MDMAP dataset for inclusion in an Annual MDMAP Status Report
  • Develop and maintain training modules, tools, and resources for new and existing MDMAP partners and participants
  • Create and promote outreach products related to MDMAP, including (but not limited to) newsletters, one-pagers, blogs, presentations
  • Participate in relevant conferences, regional workshops, and/or professional meetings
  • Lead the MDP’s monitoring and detection-related strategic planning efforts

Qualifications and Skills:

The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate the listed qualifications in his/her resume and interview:

  • Master’s or equivalent relevant work experience in environmental science, ideally in one or more of the following sub-disciplines: environmental health, aquatic toxicology, environmental chemistry, coastal ecology, environmental monitoring, quantitative analysis.
  • Experience with an environmental monitoring and/or citizen science program(s).
  • Demonstrated skills in managing environmental data and databases, including QA/QC and compilation of data in preparation for analysis.
  • Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) such as ESRI, ArcGIS, QGIS or other GIS applications.
  • Excellent oral communicator with demonstrated experience working with a variety of stakeholder groups, and strong writing skills.
  • Strong computer and statistical skills.
  • Self-motivated, energetic, strategic thinker.
  • Ability to work and travel independently.
  • Experience working on geographically distributed interdisciplinary teams.
  • History of success in team-based project execution, working as both lead and contributor.
  • Demonstrated flexible and pro-active approach to problem solving.
  • Demonstrated ability to plan and execute long-term projects, including setting timelines and milestones and balancing priorities.

Applicants must be willing to travel and have strong skills in understanding and communicating complex scientific concepts, problem solving, and working effectively and patiently as part of high performing, high expectation teams that include diverse views and opinions.

Benefits & Compensation

Compensation will be determined based on the experience and qualifications of the successful applicant in combination with contract budget.

The position is eligible for the Genwest full-time benefit package that includes:

  • Health insurance,
  • Paid personal and holiday leave
  • 401(k) program eligibility
  • Employee disability and life insurance

To Apply:

Please email a resume and 3 references to hr@genwest.com. Please include any cover letter, your resume and references in a single .pdf (Adobe Acrobat) attachment (no more than 4 pages in length) with your name included in the .pdf file name. Also, please include the words, “Marine Debris Monitoring Coordinator” in the subject line of your email.

Applicants selected for interviews will be contacted via email. The position will remain open until filled, with priority given to applications received by May 8, 2020.