Position: Part-Time Research Assistant (field, office – based in Olympia)
Duration: March – October 2026 (possibility to extend depending on project needs)
Compensation: Starting at $20/hr, depending on experience.
Pacific Shellfish Institute (PSI) is a Section 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization formed in 1995 to develop and disseminate scientific and technical information of value to the public, shellfish farmers, and public officials in connection with shellfish-related environmental and human health issues. Our mission is “Fostering sustainable shellfish resources and a healthy marine environment through research and education.” PSI maintains an office and laboratory in Olympia, Washington and a website www.pacshell.org.
PSI is seeking a part time Research Assistant based in Olympia, WA (or surrounding area) to support on-going grant funded research activities. A strong work ethic, the ability to take initiative, and work independently and as part of a team is essential as well as the ability to follow directions, detailed protocols, communicate effectively and meet deadlines to complete job duties.
This hybrid position will require computer and field work with intermittent travel throughout Washington State from March – October 2026. We seek a candidate that has the flexibility to work 20 hrs/week up to 40 hrs/week (inclusive of travel time to study sites) that may include occasional weekends to complete field surveys. Computer based work can be completed remotely and/or at the PSI office in Olympia, WA. The Research Assistant must be able to work in inclement weather, walk in waders on tidal flats in uneven terrain, carry field equipment and be able to collect samples from small watercraft. Personal transportation is preferred, but not required for this position.
Research Assistant Duties:
- Participate in applied research in estuaries throughout Washington State, including methods to collect or observe organisms (beach seines, minnow traps, remote cameras, acoustic telemetry, environmental DNA) and the environment using field instruments and sensors on shellfish farms.
- Work independently and in collaboration with university, public agency, tribal, NGO and shellfish industry staff to conduct research and biological surveys.
- Conduct field operations, including assisting in scheduling around tides and in consideration of marine weather forecasts.
- Process field and lab samples, assuring sampling and analysis protocols are adhered to, and data are entered correctly.
- Assist in development and maintenance of accurate datasets for analysis.
- Use software programs: MS Excel, ArcGIS Pro, and Google Sheets to enter and organize data.
Preferred Qualifications and/or Relevant Experience:
- Ability to identify and/or willingness to learn North Pacific Coast marine fish species.
- Familiar with Washington State resident and migratory shorebirds and seabirds.
- Experience working from boats and/or boat handling skills.
- Completed introductory coursework in biology, ecology, fisheries and statistics.
- Some experience with the statistical program R and/or coding skills.
- Willingness to learn new technologies and troubleshoot as needed.
Compensation: Part time, hybrid position starting at $20/hour, depending on experience. Position includes reimbursement for work-related travel using a personal vehicle (per diem, federal mileage).
Application Instructions: Please send a resume detailing recent experience relevant to the current position and contact information for at least 2 professional references to the Project Manager below by March 1st, 2026.
Katie Houle
Senior Biologist