Description

Nearshore Ecologist, Natural Resource Scientist 2 (NRSci2)
Recruitment #2024-1-P415
Full-time, Project, Represented position
Anticipated Project is February 2024-May 2026
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA
Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $4,497.00 – $6,046.00 Monthly 

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 1/11/24. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) seeks to hire a nearshore ecologist to work as part of a multi-organization team researching factors associated with bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) resilience and loss at a network of sites throughout Puget Sound.

This position is ideal for an ecologist who wants to work closely with a diverse set of organizations including government scientists, academic scientists, tribes, and volunteers to answer pressing scientific questions about bull kelp stressors.  This cutting-edge project will inform future kelp management and research in Washington State.
The position will:

• Lead discrete water quality monitoring, including sample collection/processing from a small boat (N, TSS, CTD, light attenuation), sample processing, and data management.
• Take part in sampling to assess bull kelp canopy condition (parameters include: extent, depth range, density, kelp morphometrics, reproductive state and condition, photosynthetic capacity, C:N ratio, and stable isotopes.)
• Collaborate with divers assessing bottom conditions with continuous sensors and targeted ecological surveys.
• Collaborate with academic and agency scientists to integrate and interpret data and communicate results. Products will include technical reports, publications, and recommendations for future monitoring protocols.

More information is available about the program at: Nearshore Habitat Program and kelp monitoring.

Duties

Responsibilities:
The position performs ecological research under the administrative supervision of a Natural Resource Scientist 4. Responsibilities include:

• Plan and conduct field-based data collection, sample processing, data processing, data management, and analysis.
• Manage scientific equipment and sample processing. Lead regular collection of water samples and point measurements, processing of water samples for analysis by external laboratories (parameters include total suspended solids and nutrients). Manage in situ continuous instruments that measure light, conductivity, pressure, and temperature.
• Lead planning and completion of fieldwork, including the development of field schedules and float plans, boat operation, and oversight of staff.
• Process and analyze data using specialized software for individual sensors, statistical analysis in R, spatial analysis in ArcGIS, and general tasks in MS Office Suite.
• In collaboration with other project scientists, plan and implement coordinated sampling of floating kelp bed extent, abundance, morphometrics, performance, and other indicators of condition. Tasks include field surveys with defined protocols, tissue collection, processing tissue samples in preparation for analysis by an external laboratory, and communicating and coordinating with contracted collaborators and laboratories.
• Participate in development and implementation of Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) for environmental data collection and floating kelp canopy sampling.
• Analyze environmental data to describe annual and seasonal conditions at sites and compare conditions among sites. Parameters include salinity, temperature, nutrients, and suspended solids.
• To provide a broader context for environmental data that is collected, locate and summarize existing datasets on key environmental parameters, including salinity, temperature, nutrients, suspended solids, and other factors that influence kelp performance.
• Collaborate with other project scientists to synthesize environmental data findings from this study with findings related to floating canopy conditions and benthic conditions.
• To provide a broader context for the synthesis of findings, collaborate with other project scientists to locate and summarize existing datasets that describe floating kelp conditions, including bed extent, abundance, morphometrics, performance, and other indicators of condition.
• Present and interpret data and analyses in reports and presentations.
• Distill relevant findings with compelling data visualization to convey relevant facts and findings for communication materials.
• Present findings at local and regional public meetings
• Make recommendations based on scientific findings to ensure environmental protection, encourage public access, and foster sustainable use of renewable resources.
• Provide technical expertise in developing guidelines on how local and broad-scale entities can use DNR statewide environmental data.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

• A Bachelor’s degree in marine/estuarine sciences or closely related field and three years of related professional research experience,
  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.
• Knowledge of scientific literature related to kelp ecology, trends, and stressors.
• Knowledge of identifying marine vegetation found in Puget Sound, especially kelp.
• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems, such as ArcGIS.
• Familiarity with environmental monitoring equipment, particularly water quality sensors.
• Knowledge of statistical software, in particular R.
• Ability to develop and implement research design and methods for field and laboratory-based projects.
• Ability to develop field plans and operate vehicles and small research vessels.
• Knowledge of field-based data collection and species identification in aquatic- environments.
• Proficiency with statistical analysis of data and communication of scientific findings in written and oral formats.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• The position is located primarily in the office, with regular boat or land-based fieldwork. Position requires the ability to conduct fieldwork on uneven terrain and a boat in all weather conditions on Puget Sound.
• Up to 7 consecutive days in travel status is expected, approximately 6-10 times per year. The position entails field work and occasional travel for meetings, typically in western Washington. Fieldwork is conducted by boat, van, or on foot.
• 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 Master’s Degree in marine/estuarine science or ecology or closely related field and two years of related professional research.
• Knowledge of marine and estuarine waters of the Pacific Northwest, especially areas within Puget Sound.
• Familiarity with state and federal regulatory framework for nearshore habitat, especially DNR’s aquatic resource management responsibilities.