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Aquatic Reserves Technician, Scientific Technician 2

State of Washington
Contract
Remote
United States
$41,724 - $55,584 USD yearly

Description



Aquatic Reserves Technician, Scientific Technician 2
Recruitment #2025-10-P495
Full-time, Project, Represented position (WPEA)
Anticipated Project timeline is October 2025 - June 2027
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA
Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $3,477.00 - $4,632.00 Monthly

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Are you passionate about aquatic ecosystems and eager to support our state Aquatic Reserves Program? This position with the Aquatic Reserves Program works closely with other program staff and our Puget SoundCorps (PSC) team of Washington Conservation Corps interns to complete monitoring, research, and education and outreach on all eight Washington State Aquatic Reserves.  Join our team and spend your days near the water on land or boat (or in the office), contributing to the protection of both marine and freshwater ecosystems.

Duties

Responsibilities:
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Aquatic Reserves Technician will primarily assist the Team Lead in supporting the Puget SoundCorps in conducting research and monitoring of Aquatic Reserves. In this role you will assist with fieldwork and restoration, help train and support annual PSC cohorts and provide general program support. 

Work closely with the Team Lead and PSC track pre- and post-fieldwork tasks to ensure completion, fieldwork preparedness, and general team organization.

  • Work with PSC to ensure completion, upload and/or correct filing of datasheets, photos and GPS points using GIS, Excel, Survey 123, and internal storage system.
  • Assist with annual PSC training, and the use of field monitoring tools (GPS, YSI, Loggers, etc.).
  • Assist with minor purchases, reservations, and travel coordination.
  • Regularly attend weekly staff and PSC team meetings.
  • Assist with maintaining gear storage spaces.
Participate in and support program research and monitoring. May take on a lead role in some projects, as needed.
  • Intertidal and subtidal seagrass monitoring using a variety of protocols and tools, including remote operating systems.
  • Kelp monitoring using a variety of methods, including kayak surveys and remote operating systems.
  • Larval crab light trap monitoring, in collaboration with partner organizations.
  • European green crab early detection monitoring and trapping support, by land and boat.
  • Intertidal sediment sampling and associated lab processing.
  • Kayak-based amphibian surveys at our freshwater reserve.
  • Phytoplankton and water quality monitoring at our freshwater reserve.
  • Restoration and stewardship activities, including weed pulling, beach cleanups, etc.
  • Laboratory and microscope use, as needed for sample processing.
  • Other fieldwork as new projects arise.
Other office and program support.
  • Assist with monthly vehicle reports and credit card logs.
  • Support in various outreach and program projects such as creating social media content, updating signage on reserves, attending outreach events, writing research and project summaries for internal and external audiences, etc. 
  • Support the PSC team in the use of GIS.
  • Other Duties as Assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

  • Associate’s degree in related natural resource studies such as marine or estuarine biology/ecology or aquatic science, or other related field of study;
    OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
  • Experience conducting environmental monitoring in the field.
  • Highly organized work habits and skills.
  • Excellent communication and relationship building skills.
  • 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.
  • DNR Core Competencies:
    • Personal Accountability
    • Value Others
    • Compassionate Communication
    • Inspire Others
    • Commitment to Excellence
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:
  • 40% field and 60% office including navigating soft estuary mud, cobbles, piles of drift logs, on and in-water work during varied and challenging weather conditions.
  • Will require travel, overnight stays more frequent in spring and summer.
  • A valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. Additionally, DNR requires state drivers possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example; Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices). 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:
  • Experience with service in the WCC or other conservation corps.
  • Experience with marine and freshwater monitoring and research.
  • Proficiency in R and GIS.
  • Experience with environmental outreach and education.
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, and 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!

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements: Failure to provide listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

  • Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
  • Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
  • Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
  • References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least 3 professional references with current telephone numbers, to include your current or most recent supervisor.
  • 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 Rachel Dalthorp at Rachel.dalthorp@dnr.wa.gov/360-999-0825or email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

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.

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 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 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 before 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 with 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.

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 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

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