Marine Monitoring Technician (Natural Resource Scientist 1)

About the role

As a Marine Monitoring Technician (Natural Resource Scientist 1) within the Environmental Assessment Program (EAP) at the Department of Ecology's Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA, you will gain experience in multiple scientific disciplines, from oceanographic to zoological, providing multiple pathways for professional growth and development. In addition to strengthening your scientific skills, you will support the marine monitoring program by becoming a certified boat operator. Your responsibilities include conducting field surveys, processing benthos and laboratory tasks, data entry, and quality assurance, and operating and trailering boats up to 32' in Puget Sound and the outer coast to support monitoring efforts. The data you collect will be used to determine the status and trends of marine water and sediment quality in Washington State.

The mission of the Environmental Assessment Program is to measure, assess, and communicate environmental conditions in Washington State. This position supports this mission by operating a research vessel in Puget Sound and the outer coast and performing water and sediment quality sampling and analysis in support of the Environmental Assessment Program's Marine Monitoring Unit (MMU).

Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station. You will be allotted a budget to purchase protective field gear and to cover the costs associated with getting an FAA drone license.

Responsibilities

• Under technical direction of senior MMU staff, participate in field work and related duties associated with Puget Sound marine water, sediment, and BEACH Program sampling. The BEACH Program is co-coordinated with the Department of Health and monitors marine beaches for Enterococcus, a fecal indicator bacteria.
• Perform laboratory analysis of marine water quality variables using standard techniques.
• Maintain FAA drone pilot license and collect observational data via a drone.
• Perform laboratory analysis of discrete chlorophyll samples using standard oceanographic techniques at the marine waters lab located at the Operations Center in Lacey, WA.
• Using knowledge of marine benthic invertebrates, perform benthic sorting.
• Support field operations and sample delivery by acting as a personnel and supply courier with state vehicles.
• Assist with maintaining the laboratory, laboratory equipment, and supplies in clean working order.
• Assist team leads with reviewing data for quality assurance and ensuring good data management processes are followed.
• Assist team leads with developing education and outreach materials and participating in local public outreach events.

Qualifications

Six years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:

• Communication & Collaboration – Ability to communicate clearly and work effectively with others to support safe, coordinated field, lab, and outreach activities.
• Adaptability & Sound Judgment – Ability to adjust plans and make practical decisions in changing field, weather, or operational conditions to keep work safe and effective.
• Organization & Accountability – Ability to manage tasks, follow procedures, and maintain accurate records to support reliable and timely program operations.
• Field Sampling & Field Support Operations – Ability to conduct environmental sampling and support field logistics to collect high-quality data for monitoring and research.
• Vessel & Marine Safety Operations – Ability to safely operate vessels and apply marine safety practices to support field missions and protect staff.
• Laboratory Sample Processing & Biological Identification – Ability to process samples and identify biological specimens using standard methods to produce accurate scientific results.
• Equipment Upkeep – Ability to ensure vessels, field tools, and laboratory equipment are safe, functional, and ready for use. Ability to escalate equipment repair to appropriate parties.
• Data Quality & Reporting – Ability to review, manage, and document data accurately to support reliable analysis and reporting.
• Operational Technology & Tools – Ability to use navigation systems, communication equipment, drones, mechanical tools, and sampling gear to support monitoring work.
• Research Experience – Natural science or marine science related research experience. Education involving a major study in a natural science, including marine ecology, marine benthic ecology, marine science, oceanography, or other closely allied marine science field.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 6 years of experience.
• 5 years of experience AND 30–59 semester or 45–89 quarter college credits.
• 4 years of experience AND 60–89 semester or 90–134 quarter college credits (Associate's degree).
• 3 years of experience AND 90–119 semester or 135–179 quarter college credits.
• 2 years of experience AND a Bachelor's degree.
• A Master's degree or higher.

Desired Qualifications

• Environmental Monitoring Techniques – Ability to apply established scientific methods to collect and analyze environmental data.
• Digital & Software Tools – Ability to use data systems and Microsoft Office programs to organize information, document results, and support communication.
• Experience as primary research vessel operator responsible for crew safety and sampling logistics.
• Knowledge of marine weather forecasts, navigation, and boating safety regulations and laws.
• Proficient in use of typical marine electronics (e.g. GPS, depth finder, radar, radio, plotter).
• Experience conducting field sampling from a boat under a variety of conditions.
• Experience with spreadsheets, database software, and Geographic Information System (GIS).

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment

• Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License to operate a motor vehicle.
• Must possess or obtain certification as an Environmental Assessment Program boat operator within the first 12 months. Must maintain certification.
• Must possess or obtain FAA drone pilot license within the first 12 months.

Schedule

This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options. This position requires extensive fieldwork. When you do work in the office, you may telework most of your work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities. Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision for employee and 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 and Life Insurance
• Deferred Compensation Programs
• Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
• Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Commute Trip Reduction Incentive
• Combined Fund Drive
• SmartHealth