Eelgrass Monitoring Technician-Agricultural Research Technician 2, WA Department of Natural Resources – WA
Salary: $2,663.00 – $3,459.00 Monthly, $31,956.00 – $41,508.00 Annually
Job Type: Seasonal
Location: Thurston County – Olympia, Washington
Recruitment # 2014-10-7059-09919
CLOSES: Open until filled, first review: Friday, October 17th,
The primary task of this position is to classify underwater videographic data collected by boat for the Submerged Vegetation Monitoring Program (SVMP). These data are used to quantify Puget Sound eelgrass abundance as an indicator of habitat health in Puget Sound.
The incumbent will analyze video data following well-defined methods and techniques and maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail when classifying data. The position will operate video recording and playback equipment and use computers to compile, manage and process video data. Other duties include occasional field data collection, updating and managing databases, performing summary statistics, performing quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures on large datasets, writing procedures and internal reports on work performed and assisting in the production of external publications.
This position works among a team of scientists to assess the status and trends of marine and estuarine resources in Washington State. The Nearshore Habitat Program inventories and monitors intertidal and shallow subtidal areas for a wide range of management and scientific purposes.
Information about the Nearshore Habitat Program can be found at:
The program fulfills, in part, DNR’s mandate to manage state-owned aquatic resources in a manner that protects their long term sustainability and functions (RCW 79.10). The DNR uses nearshore habitat information to manage state-owned aquatic lands. Local, state, federal and tribal groups use the information for salmon restoration, environmental protection and planning, marine reserve selection, and resource management. It also fulfills DNR’s monitoring commitments that are defined in the Puget Sound Action Agenda to monitor eelgrass – a Vital Sign that is used to judge the success of protection and restoration efforts. The Nearshore Habitat Program is part of the Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program, a multi-agency research program that assesses the health of Puget Sound (https://sites.google.com/a/psemp.org/psemp/home).
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
– Ability to perform data analysis and data processing on a large number of samples with a high level of accountability, consistency, and accuracy.
– Ability to develop and follow QA/QC procedures.
– Ability to summarize procedures and scientific findings in written and oral format.
– Working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and the ability to create and manipulate complex datasets.
– Understanding of summary statistics.
– Experience in field data collection.
– Knowledge and interest in environmental monitoring and nearshore marine habitats.
The skills and competencies required for this job are generally achieved through:
A Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, ecology or related natural science, OR an Associate’s degree in natural science or related program AND one year of experience working as an Agricultural Research Technician or related position responsible for processing and managing data, performing field work, writing reports, maintaining field and lab equipment as necessary.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
– Experience identifying and distinguishing marine flora and fauna.
– Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems, such as ArcGIS.
– Experience in remote sensing methods for assessing status and trends of vegetated habitats.
– Working experience in marine and estuarine water in the Pacific Northwest, especially areas within
– Puget Sound.
– Familiarity with shoreline management policies in Washington State.
– Familiarity with Washington DNR’s aquatic resource management responsibilities.
– Interest in long term environmental monitoring of the condition of Puget Sound
This position will require some travel for fieldwork. Limited evening and weekend work is required year-round. The heaviest evening and weekend work hours occur during the summer field season.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov
Questions? Please contact Lisa Ferrier at (360)902-1116/lisa.ferrier@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov .