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 FIVE Watershed Health Monitoring Technician (Environmental Technician) positions. The positions will start June 1st and will receive training in our Headquarters office in Lacey, WA. The positions will be located in Lacey but work primarily in the Mid-Columbia River Region from July 1st – October 30th. Travel and lodging will be reimbursed by the Department of Ecology.

The positions give you the opportunity to use what you’ve learned in school and apply it to environmental sampling techniques. Some of the key work activities include: Biological monitoring, water quality sampling, chemical sampling, and using different types of monitoring equipment. The information that you collect helps to assess the health of the watershed. The data is used to help develop a plan to improve watershed health.

We are looking for applicants who are motivated, adaptable, team-oriented, dedicated and who have a desire to gain experience in environmental sampling.

As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington’s environment for current and future generations. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism and accountability. Maybe you’ve seen some of our recent stories on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.

To learn more about our agency, please visit our website at www.ecy.wa.gov.

Local efforts… Diverse people… Statewide impacts

The positions assist the Environmental Assessment Program staff with field data collection for the Watershed Health Monitoring (WHM) Program.

Under the direction of a field lead, typical duties include:

• Responsible for field equipment maintenance and organization, including calibration of Hach multi-probe.
• Reads QAPP/QAMP, SOPs, and other required protocols within the first two weeks in order to successfully assist in conducting all the field data collection events below.
• Assists with water quality collection,
• Helps with habitat surveys,
• Assists with benthic macroinvertebrate sampling,
• Helps identify fish assemblage, and
• Assists with boat operation duties.
• Helps with quality assurance review of environmental data
• Participates in unit, section, and program meetings as appropriate.
• Attends and stays current on required trainings, especially safety trainings.

In addition to the above the Environmental Technicians will provide support to the technical operations of the Watershed Health Monitoring Program by performing the following duties:

• Provide initial review of the raw data recorded in the field for completeness and overall quality.
• Suggest refining data collection methods.
• Assist with field work preparation every week before the scheduled sampling.

Please note the positions will start June 1, 2015. Training will occur in Lacey, WA. From July 1st –October 30th the positions will be located in Lacey but work primarily in the Mid-Columbia River Region. Travel and lodging will be reimbursed by the Department of Ecology.

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.

AND

Two years of technical or clerical (level 3) experience such as performing the duties as an Office Assistant 3 in an environmental agency or an office. Here is a link to view the description of the level of clerical work of an Office Assistant 3.

College-level course work in environmental, physical or natural sciences, or closely related field may be substituted, year for year, for the required experience.
Desired Qualifications

Experience operating boats and related equipment. Experience collecting water quality samples and operating aquatic sampling equipment.

The following is a list of office machines, equipment, tools, motor vehicles that are used on the job: Computer, telephone, copy machine, network printer, facsimile machine, continuous data monitors, field meters, boats, database software, spreadsheet software, word processing software, van/vehicle; Habitat equipment (leveling rod, measuring tape, canopy densiometer, clinometer, compass; hand level, flow meter); Analytical Chemistry equipment (Hydrolab minisonde); and GPS.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment

Must have a valid driver’s license.