Aquatics Stewardship Science Lead, NRSci4

Salary: $78,120.00 – $105,096.00 Annually
Location: Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2023-10-7020-13481
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 10/19/2023
Closing Date: 11/19/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Aquatics Stewardship Science Lead, NRSci4 description image
Aquatics Stewardship Science Lead, NRSci4 description image
 
Aquatics Stewardship Science Lead, NRSci4
Recruitment #2023-10-7020
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA

Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $6,510.00 – $8,758.00 Monthly 

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 11/2/23. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible. 

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Are you interested in leading a science team that investigates essential science questions to inform natural resource management of state-owned aquatic lands, including current and anticipated future stressors on aquatic habitats and resources?  The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for an Aquatic Stewardship Science Lead to oversee the Aquatic Assessment and Monitoring Team (AAMT).

This position will plan and oversee nearshore climate change research and monitoring, including the Aquatic Nearshore Monitoring Network (ANeMoNe), as well as research guiding adaptive management of Habitat Stewardship Measures used in state-owned aquatic lands leasing decisions. This position leads work closely with the Aquatics Science Advisor on strategic planning and communication to ensure strong connections with other relevant ongoing programs. This position also works closely with the Nearshore Habitat Program co-leads to investigate climate-resilient approaches to nearshore habitat conservation and restoration. The results of these targeted research efforts fulfill, in part, the DNR’s mandate to “ensure environmental protection” and also advances DNR’s goals in the Climate Resilience Plan, the Snohomish Watershed Resilience Action Plan, the Kelp Forest and Eelgrass Meadow Health and Conservation Plan, the Puget Sound Action Agenda and other relevant regional plans.

 

Duties

Responsibilities:

  • Develop, design, and oversee adaptive management research projects for leasing decisions and other policy development needs
  • Develop, design, and oversee targeted research and monitoring to support climate-resilient approaches to habitat conservation and restoration, and community engagement on relevant climate issues
  • Coordinate team roles, responsibilities, team development, and administrative processes
  • Facilitate coordination of team strategy, problem-solving, and planning
  • Manage the AAMT project portfolio and budget
  • Respond to requests for public comments on Environmental Impact Statements, Biological Assessments, expert testimony, and subject matter expertise
  • Conduct outreach activities, including presenting findings at scientific meetings and conferences, representing DNR at regional meetings, and ensuring the AAMT content on the DNR website is regularly updated.

 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • A Bachelor’s degree with a major study in a natural science.
    AND Six years of professional research work experience in marine ecology or other related field.
  • Demonstrated success of program management and technical guidance of staff through all phases of scientific inquiry, including developing and maintaining project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
  • Demonstrated ability to present scientific findings in written and oral formats to scientists and managers, and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
  • 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, and regulations, and public records retention and requests are followed.
  • Ability to provide technical guidance in a manner accessible to land managers, stewardship specialists, planners, and decision-makers.
  • Ability to successfully represent the program and agency on complex or controversial issues with other agencies, jurisdictions, or interest groups.
  • Familiarity with current literature describing methods and results of monitoring aquatic environments.
  • Ability to design and implement research projects to investigate stressor impacts on aquatic habitats and ecosystems.
  • Knowledge of statistics, principles of experimental design, and understanding of univariate and multivariate statistics.
  • Knowledge of spatially explicit field data collection, especially in remote environments.
  • Ability to use spatially-linked geomorphic, hydrologic, and benthic survey data.
  • Knowledge of the principles and practice of aquatic resource management.
  • Familiar with WA State environmental SEPA review and WA DNR state-owned aquatic land management mandate, rights of entry, easements, and leases.
  • Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships, build rapport, and partner with academic institutions, local, state, and federal governmental agencies, tribes, and the public.
  • Ability to work constructively to develop a program that incorporates input from team members and addresses program goals, technical challenges, and available
    resources.
  • 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 field work. Required working conditions include the ability to meet the position schedule and travel requirements, and the ability to conduct fieldwork by boat and on foot.
  • Up to 8 consecutive days in travel status is expected, approximately 6-10 times per year. The position entails field work and occasional travel for meetings and conferences, typically in western Washington.
  • 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 where they have held a license for the past three years. 
Desired Qualifications:
  • A PhD degree with specialty study in a natural science AND Six years of professional research work experience in aquatic ecology or other related field.
  • Experience with small boats and training in safe boating practices.
  • Proficient with the use of spatial data collection equipment – real-time kinetic or hand-held Global Positioning System.
  • Proficient in benthic resource data collection, data preserving, and processing.
  • Proficient with collecting discrete water quality samples (surface and at depth).
  • Experienced with autonomous sensors for collection of continuous environmental data.

 

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements:

  • To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). 
  • Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
  • Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
  • Provide three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
  • Attach a copy of your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy of your transcripts.
  • 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 Cynthia Catton at cynthia.catton@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

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 that 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 may also be 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 prior to 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 of 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. 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.

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 NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

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