Eelgrass Monitoring Technician

POSITION PROFILE:
The primary task is to analyze (post-process) underwater videographic data collected by boat. These data are used to quantify eelgrass abundance as one of the main indicators of habitat health for the Nearshore Habitat Program’s Submerged Vegetation Monitoring Project (SVMP).

The incumbents will be required to maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail when classifying the videography data. Other duties include approximately 15-20 days of field work (up to five consecutive days), managing incoming data files from field sampling, updating and maintaining databases of the monitoring data, performing summary statistics and creating summary tables, performing quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures, writing procedures and reports on work performed.

Under the supervision of a senior level scientist, this position works with a team of scientists to assess the status and trends of marine and estuarine resources in Washington State. The Nearshore Habitat Program inventories and monitors intertidal and shallow subtidal marine and estuarine areas for a wide range of management and scientific purposes.
Information about the Nearshore Habitat Program can be found at: http://www.dnr.wa.gov/ResearchScience/Topics/AquaticHabitats/Pages/aqr_n....

The program fulfills DNR’s monitoring commitments that are defined in the Puget Sound Conservation and Recovery Plan. The DNR uses nearshore habitat information to manage state-owned aquatic lands. Local, state, federal and tribal groups use the information for salmon restoration, environmental protection and planning, marine reserve selection, and resource management. The Nearshore Habitat Program is part of the Puget Sound Assessment and Monitoring Program, a multi-agency research program that assesses the health of Puget Sound (http://www.psp.wa.gov/psamp.html).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Ability to perform data analysis and data processing on a large number of samples with a high level of accountability, consistency, and accuracy.
• Ability to develop and follow quality assurance and quality control procedures.
• Working knowledge of MS Office and the ability to create and manipulate data sets.
• Knowledge and interest in environmental monitoring and nearshore marine habitats.
• Understanding of simple summary statistics.
• Experience in field data collection.
• Ability to summarize procedures and scientific findings in written and oral format.
• Familiarity with video cameras.

The skills and competencies required for this job are generally achieved through:
• A Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, ecology or related natural science. OR
• An Associate’s degree in natural science or related program and one year of experience as a Agricultural Research Technician or related position responsible for processing and managing data, performing field work, writing reports, maintaining field and lab equipment as necessary.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
• Working experience in marine and estuarine waters in the Pacific Northwest, especially areas within Puget Sound.
• Familiarity with shoreline management policies in Washington State.
• Familiarity with Washington DNR’s aquatic resource management responsibilities.
• Experience in remote sensing methods for assessing status and trends of vegetated habitats.
• Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems, such as ArcGIS.
• Interest in long term environmental monitoring of the condition of Puget Sound.

SPECIAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
This position requires travel for fieldwork. Some evening and weekend work is required year-round. In addition, applicants:
- Must have the ability to work on uneven terrain and on a boat in all weather conditions.
- Must be able to work in the field for a 12 hour shift with overnight stays of up to 7 nights.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience.
- Must have binocular color vision.
- Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire.

WHO MAY APPLY
This recruitment is open to anyone who meets the required qualifications for this position.

APPLICATION PROCESS
To be considered for this position, please submit:
- A letter of interest (not more than two pages) describing your qualifications as they relate to the position. Please indicate in your letter of interest where you heard about this opportunity.
- A current resume with a description of employment history and supervisors’ names.
- The names and contact information for three (3) references.
- An online voluntary Applicant Profile Questionnaire. (This form is submitted online. Please do not print out and send in with application materials).
- Finalists will be asked to provide an employment/commercial driving record issued from the state in which you are currently licensed.

Submit all materials by the closing date to:
Electronic method preferred
OR other method
dnrrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov
Roberta Searles
Department of Natural Resources
PO BOX 47033
Olympia, WA 98504-7033

NOTE: Please indicate EELgrass Monitoring Technician – Recruitment #2010-06-7059-7060 the subject line of your e-mail.

By submitting the application materials you are indicating that all information is true and correct to the best of your knowledge. You understand that the state may verify information and that untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from applicant pool or dismissal if employed.