Watershed/Bioassessment Crew Field Lead (Natural Resource Scientist 2)
The Environmental Assessment Program (EAP) program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Watershed/Bioassessment Crew Field Lead (Natural Resource Scientist 2) position. This position is located in our Headquarters Building (HQ) in Lacey, WA.
The Watershed/Bioassessment Crew Field Lead position, under administrative supervision, serves as a staff natural resource scientist performing specialized freshwater aquatic and stream ecology research gathering and analyzing probabilistic sampling information to develop recommendations and make decisions regarding landscape level assessment of 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.
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/Bioassessment Crew Field Lead position Under administrative supervision, uses scientific knowledge and professional judgment to serve as a staff natural resource scientist performing specialized freshwater aquatic and stream ecology research gathering and analyzing probabilistic sampling information to develop recommendations and make decisions regarding landscape level assessment of aquatic resources statewide. Some of the key work duties and activities include:
- 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.
- Conducts water quality monitoring projects using appropriate scientific knowledge, including project scoping, monitoring plan design (including setting project objectives), field work, quality assurance and on-going communication with the client and other stakeholders.
- Makes recommendations to senior staff regarding new or modified sampling and analytical testing methods, best management practices, and technical operating procedures.
- Understands and communicates complex environmental information with agency staff, other agencies, industry and the general public.
- Uses scientific knowledge to determine database/inventory requirements and may design and/or develop databases/inventories to be utilized in support of technical projects.
- 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 GIS projects and coverages for the data in Arcview; 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 unit point-person for WHM issues related to the Field Operations Center.
- 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.
- Participates in unit, section, program, and agency committees and groups to make recommendations on improving protocols and procedures. Provides mentoring and advice to less experienced staff. Obtains training for maintaining and improving skills.
- Procurement of sampling permits from all appropriate entities.
This recruitment will remain open until filled.
Required Qualifications:
A Bachelor of Science degree with major study in natural science, freshwater community ecology/biology, freshwater stream ecology or aquatic ecosystem and biological taxonomy.
AND
Three years of experience in natural science, freshwater biology, freshwater stream ecology.
A Master's degree will substitute for two years and a Ph.D. degree will substitute for all of the required experience, provided the field of major is in freshwater community ecology/biology, freshwater stream ecology or aquatic ecosystem and biological taxonomy.
Desired Qualifications:
- Coursework in Environmental Science, Natural Science, Stream Ecology, Fisheries Biology, Chemistry, Forestry or related field would be advantageous.
- Ability to conduct field work under a variety of conditions.
- Experience collecting water samples and measuring streamflow is desired.
- Ability to operate cars, vans and pickup trucks in various weather conditions and after dark.
- Some experience with data analysis and data management.
- Good communication and writing skills.
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.
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. All employees covered by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the WFSE will, as a condition of employment, either become members of the WFSE and pay membership dues or, as non-members, pay a representation fee as described in the CBA, no later than the 30th day following the effective date of this CBA or the beginning of their employment.
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.