The Institute for Watershed Studies at Western Washington University is seeking a Lab Manager, under the job title Research Technologist Supervisor. The Institute exists to support research on freshwater lakes, streams and wetlands. Affiliated with Western’s College of the Environment, the Institute provides support to all Western faculty and students with an interest in watershed problems, as well as external partners. The Institute supports Western’s mission, which states that together with our students, staff, and faculty, we are committed to making a positive impact in the state and the world with a shared focus on academic excellence and inclusive achievement.
About the Position
Under general direction:
Develop, verify, and implement investigative procedures to accomplish research goals related to the Institute for Watershed Studies; analyze experimental results and prepare reports for publication; and supervise staff. Assist in the design of experiments and long-term studies; determine appropriate experimental controls. Conduct water quality monitoring on lakes and tributaries. Administer, supervise and conduct the activities of a research laboratory, including quality assurance/quality control, accreditation, and sample analysis.
We encourage applications from women, people of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and other candidates from underrepresented backgrounds and with diverse experiences interested in this opportunity.
Although this position is part-time (0.75 FTE), it is possible to reach full-time status (1.0 FTE) pending grant funding.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in a science-related field (e.g., environmental science, chemistry, biology, natural resources) AND three (3) years experience as a research technologist, or equivalent; OR an advanced degree in an appropriate scientific field AND one (1) year experience. Experience with water quality monitoring, including field and lab-based methods. Experience with data management Proven ability to efficiently organize and prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently despite frequent interruptions. Experience safely leading field and lab-based research. Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment and remain calm in stressful situations. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations. Demonstrated ability to contribute positively in a team-oriented environment. Valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Design and implementation of quality assurance and quality control protocols. Experience training and mentoring students and/or junior personnel. Recognized ability to follow established office policies and procedures. Experience operating automated chemistry analyzers. Experience with the programming language R. Experience operating small watercraft.
Salary: $3,771 – $5,080/month (@0.75) depending on qualifications and experience
Application Instructions: Application materials should address your experience related to the position responsibilities and the required and preferred qualifications. Please include a resume/curriculum vitae, cover letter, and contact information for three references. For more application and to apply, please visit https://hr.wwu.edu/careers-staff?job=502728
Please reach out to the Institute Director (Angela Strecker, strecka2@wwu.edu) with questions.
Closing Date Notes: Application review begins October 27, 2025; position is open until filled.
About the University
Western Washington University, with over 15,000 students in seven colleges and the graduate school, is nationally recognized for its educational programs, students and faculty. The campus is located in Bellingham, Washington, a coastal community of 90,000 overlooking Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands and the North Cascades Mountain range. The city lies 90 miles north of Seattle and 60 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia. Western has additional sites in Anacortes, Bremerton, Everett, Port Angeles, and Poulsbo. Western is recognized nationally for its successes, such as being named one of the top public master’s-granting institutions in the Pacific Northwest for 25 years in a row by U.S. News & World Report.
Western Washington University (WWU) is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with applicable laws, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, citizenship or immigration status, pregnancy, use of protective leave, genetic status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, creed, religion, veteran or military status, disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal (including a service animal in training) by a person with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. See WWU’s Policies on Prohibiting Discrimination Based on A Protected Class and Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Sex. Inquiries may be directed to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Western Washington University, Old Main 126 (MS 9021), 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360.650.3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); crtc@wwu.edu
WWU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources Disability Services, 360.650.3751 or 711 (Washington Relay).