Acidification Nearshore Monitoring Network Technician, Scientific Technician 1

Acidification Nearshore Monitoring Network Technician, Scientific Technician 1

Recruitment #2024-3-P440/8497

Full-time, Non-permanent, Represented position

Anticipated Non-permanent employment is 18 months with possibility of extending

Location flexibility may be available and considered: Olympia, WA  Work Station will be primarily in the North Puget Sound area (Whatcom, Skagit, and Snohomish counties).

Flexible Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered

Salary: $2,695.00 - $3,537.00 Monthly

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

Are you interested in conducting environmental research and engaging with community members in ecosystem-based monitoring? Are you curious about coastal ecosystem climate resilience and excited about getting out into the field?

The Aquatics Assessment and Monitoring Team (AAMT) seeks a Scientific Technician 1 with a strong commitment to helping conduct research that will improve the climate adaptive capacity for communities and their aquatic ecosystems. As the Acidification Nearshore Monitoring Network technician, you will assist with the operation and enhancement of an autonomous sensor network across Washington State.

Two positions are included in this recruitment:

• P440 will work primarily in north Puget Sound (north of Seattle), assisting in carrying out the goals of the Snohomish Watershed Resilience Action Plan and will work closely with the program's Natural Resource Scientist 2 to establish a new monitoring site within the Snohomish watershed. In addition, this position will assist with the operation and enhancement of an autonomous sensor network for monitoring sites in the North Sound - primarily Whatcom County and its surrounding areas.
• 8497 will work primarily in central and south Puget Sound as well as in Hood Canal and the coastal estuaries.

You will be responsible for conducting fieldwork in nearshore environments in teams of 2-4 people. You will have the opportunity to work with citizen science volunteers and will be responsible for helping to train volunteers in eelgrass density surveys, autonomous sensor cleaning, and more. You will also have the opportunity to assist with data entry and gear prep/maintenance when not in the field.Responsibilities:

• Works with a crew of staff and volunteers to collect spatially-explicit aquatic field data to characterize aquatic habitat including plant, organism, sediment, and water quality data.

• Collects data while wading, off motorized and hand-powered vessels, from over-water structures, floats, banks, or beaches.

• Saves, downloads, and transfers data from field equipment to long-term storage.

• Labels and stores samples appropriately for later processing in the laboratory.

• Processes samples according to scientific protocols in a laboratory setting.

• Under the direction of the Community Climate Resilience Scientist, implements long-term monitoring at ANeMoNe sites in Puget Sound and coastal estuaries.

• Mounts and deploys autonomous sensors, maintains deployed sensors, retrieves sensors at predetermined times, operates portable point scientific probes,

• Operates equipment such as trucks, trailers, motorboats, lab ovens, pumps, desiccators, and sieve shakers.

• Transports equipment to and from the field.

• Under the direction of the Climate Resilience Scientist, synthesizes historical data including continuously logged environmental data, biological survey data, and digitally transformed underwater video data to assess species density and distribution according to established protocol, and recommend changes/amendments to protocol as necessary.

• Creates geographically explicit maps and analyses.

• Implements protocol for analysis of long-term eelgrass ecological data collection to determine eelgrass density and distribution.

Required Qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age.

• Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

• Demonstrated commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.

• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations and public records retention and requests are followed.

• Willingness and physical capability for field data collection.

• Willingness to learn and implement laboratory protocols.

• DNR Core Competencies:

• Personal Accountability

• Value Others

• Compassionate Communication

• Inspire Others

• Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• The primary work setting is in the field (85% field 15% office). Work in inclement weather, on beaches, wading in rivers and lakes, over water on docks, and from watercraft. Also, work in workshops and in an office environment.
• 40-50% time per month during field season (April

• September) and 15-20% time per month during the off-field season (October- March) including day travel and some overnight travel to marine, stream, and lake field sites throughout the state, meetings, and conferences.

• A valid unrestricted driver's license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

Desired Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in an environmental or natural science, or related field.

• Boat operations experience.

• Experience in natural resource lab work.

• Experience with Geographic Position Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

• Proficiency with Microsoft, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Experience with trucks and trailers, working around tides, and using high-pressure spray equipment.

Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position

• If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your past experience relates to them, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don't hesitate to apply! Application Requirements:

• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).

Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements.

Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.

References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers- you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.

Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).

• Complete all supplemental questions.

• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

Questions?  Please contact Kyra Anderson at Kyra.anderson@dnr.wa.gov/360-790-4674 or Katie Allen at katie.allen@dnr.wa.gov/360-470-8811 or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington's lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Our Vision

- Our actions ensure a future where Washington's lands, waters, and communities thrive.

Our Mission

- Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington's lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Our Core Values:

• Safety and Well-Being

• Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.

• Public Service

• We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.

• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving

• We solve our state's most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.

• Leadership and Teamwork

• We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness

• Work/life balance

• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women's Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)

• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more

• Leadership that empowers and supports employees

• Professional development opportunities

• Educational and career development aid

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility

• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments

• A comprehensive benefits package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

Additional Information:

This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran's preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

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