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Watershed Health Scientist and Field Crew Lead (Natural Resource Scientist 2)

Washington State Department of Ecology
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Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
 
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 a permanent, full-time Watershed Health Scientist & Field Crew Lead (Natural Resource Scientist 2) position. This position is located in our Headquarters Building (HQ) in Lacey, WA.

The Watershed Health Scientist & Field Crew Lead position serves as a natural resource scientist performing specialized freshwater aquatic and stream ecology research using conventional techniques. Responsibilities include gathering and analyzing sampling information to assess the status and trends of the streams, rivers and aquatic resources throughout Washington State.

As an agency, we invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability. 

To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and check us out on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.
 
Local efforts... Diverse people... Statewide impacts


 
 
Duties
 
 
The Environmental Assessment Program provides a range of scientific, monitoring, laboratory, and quality assurance services. Its mission is to measure, assess, and communicate environmental conditions in Washington State. 
 
The Watershed Health Scientist & Field Crew Lead position under the administrative supervision of the WHEMU Supervisor, uses scientific knowledge and professional judgment as a natural resource scientist to perform specialized freshwater aquatic and stream ecology research, including:
  • Gathers and analyzes probabilistic sampling information to assess the status and trends of streams, rivers and aquatic resources statewide.
  • Plans, develops, researches, and conducts or oversees probabilistic sampling design technical data collection and analyzes, evaluates, and interprets data.
  • Independently performs Status & Trends Monitoring Program and other environmental monitoring/sampling and provides guidance for surveys, field studies or other special data gathering activities, such as collecting and analyzing water samples, stream and riparian habitat measurements, and biological samples.
  • Makes recommendations regarding new or modified sampling and analytical testing methods, best management practices, technical operating procedures and data collection tools (eforms).
  • Understands and communicates complex environmental information with agency staff, other agencies, industry and the general public related to the conditions of streams, rivers and aquatic resources around the state.
  • Uses scientific knowledge to determine the Watershed Health and Environmental Information Management (EIM) System database/inventory requirements and may design and/or develop databases/inventories to be utilized in support of the Watershed Health Monitoring Project. 
  • Develops and defines the record keeping and reporting procedures; trains and supervises other personnel in survey protocols, field evaluation and reporting work; gathers and evaluates sample data; formulates and justifies conclusions and recommendations
  • Develops Geographic Information System (GIS) projects and coverages for the Watershed Health Monitoring Project data in ArcMap; ensures project data is accurately entered into the agency data repository.
  • Uses specialized knowledge of freshwater community ecology, biological taxonomy and aquatic life history to ensure that the unit's field operations relating to biological habitat assessment are done in the most efficient and effective manner practicable
  • Serves as a unit point-person for WHM issues related to the Field Operations Center.
  • Produces WHM training videos using professional video editing software and equipment.
  • Leads and coordinates work on boat-able sample sites and provide boat safety training.
  • Recommends and test eform updates to gain efficiencies and reduce possible error during field collection.
  • Responds to technical questions and stakeholder inquiries regarding the WHM project's field sampling techniques used in probability monitoring of biological, chemical, and habitat conditions.
 
Participates in the following WHM data management and project support activities:
  • Data quality assurance reviews.
  • Conducts data analyses, including calculation of summary statistics using statistical software.
  • Data preparation and manipulation; graph, chart, and map preparation in ACCESS, EXCEL, GIS, and other software.
  • Formulates and justifies conclusions and recommendations, writes sections of monitoring reports.
  • Presents, in posters and oral presentations, findings of the WHM program work.
  • Provides field training, mentoring and advice to less experienced seasonal staff on Watershed Health Monitoring protocols, methods and survey techniques. 
  • Obtains training for maintaining and improving skills related to boat/raft operations, fish collection techniques, data review and analysis, and stream surveys.
  • Procurement of required permits from all appropriate entities for stream access, fish collection and sample collection activities as required.
  • Assists with Watershed Health Monitoring Program reporting to various audiences to communicate the status and trends of streams, rivers and aquatic resources throughout the state.
 
This position will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be February 4, 2020. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before February 3, 2020. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

Please to do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.
 

 
Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor's degree with a major study in a natural science field, including freshwater ecology or biology, or an environmental science

AND
 
Three (3) years of professional research or scientific work experience including collecting water or environmental samples, surveying field conditions and recording field measurements, conducting data management, review and analysis.
 
A Master's degree will substitute for two years and a Ph.D. will substitute for all of the required experience, provided the field of major is in a natural science field, including freshwater ecology or biology, or an environmental science.


Desired Qualifications:
  • Coursework in Environmental Science, Fisheries Biology, Chemistry, Forestry or related field.
  • Experience collecting water samples and measuring stream flow is desired.
  • Some experience with data analysis and data management.
  • Good communication and writing skills.
  • Taxonomic identification of freshwater fishes.
  • Experience fish sampling with electrofisher equipment. 
 
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
 
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.


Why work for Ecology?

Joining Ecology means becoming a part of a team committed to protecting and restoring Washington State's environment.

A career in public service allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping the health and financial security of you and your family a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to work/life balance.

Ecology employees may be eligible for the following:

Student debt and how working for Ecology can help
Employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.
 
*See the Benefits tab in this announcement for more information



 
Supplemental Information

Application Instructions:

Please include the following documents as an attachment to your application:
  • A cover letter describing how your experience, skills and abilities meet the required qualifications of this position.
  • A resume outlining your professional experience.

Please to do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.

Please complete the applicant profile when applying for this position. Or, you may paste the text of your resume within the profile's resume text field.

Please read the supplemental questions carefully and answer completely. Incomplete responses, including "please see resume" may disqualify you from further consideration.

Department of Ecology employees, please make sure to answer the agency-wide questions regarding permanent status as a classified employee within the Washington General Service or Washington Management Service. Do not forget to select Department of Ecology as a response to question 2, and type your personnel ID number for question 3. If you are not sure of your status or do not know your personnel ID number, please contact Human Resources at (360) 407-6186.

If you are reading this announcement in print format, please visit www.careers.wa.gov to access the online recruitment system. Click on "Look for Jobs" and select Dept. of Ecology under the "Department" search list. Click "Apply Search."


Other Information:

If you need assistance applying for this job, please call Human Resources at (360) 407-6186 or e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not call this number or send an email to this address to follow-up the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile's main page.

If you have specific questions about the position, please email Stacy Polkowske at:
Stacy.Polkowske@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Stacy to inquire about the status of your application.

The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.

This position is included in the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) union bargaining unit for the Department of Ecology. 

The Washington State Department of Ecology 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 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) 407-6186. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.