For more information, please follow this link: https://www.conservationjobboard.com/job-listing-research-project-coordinator-forks-washington/135332665?utm_source=ongage&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=regular

Salary- $19-$25 per hour, DOQ

BACKGROUND:

10,000 Years Institute (10KYI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that seeks to develop scientific and local knowledge in support of resilient ecosystems, sustainable forestry and land management practices through applied research, watershed ecological services, and environmental education, and to create employment and training opportunities in local communities to foster stewardship watersheds where crews live and work.

Current and future applied research projects include: 

  • Characterizing the effects of invasive reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) on water quality and quantity, habitat structure, and ecosystem function in small coastal streams of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula
  • Studying the impacts of non-native Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) populations on native vegetation ecology with researchers from University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC), Northern Arizona University (NAU) faculty, and the US Forest Service Pacific NW Research Station
  • Collaborative field studies to establish population distribution of endemic fish in forested wetlands, headwater streams, and off-channel aquatic habitats with researchers at the University of Washington (UW), Olympic National Forest (ONF), and others through environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling
  • Working with the Olympic Forest Collaborative, Wild Salmon Center, and others on Forest Thinning Response monitoring and restoration strategies to reconnect groundwater storage on hillslopes, and restore stepped habitat profiles in steep streams
  • Coordinating a study of glacial retreat sediment releases on river channel and floodplain forest condition in the Hoh watershed
  • Developing projects and strategies to create biochar through pyrolysis from forest slash and Scotch broom for carbon sequestration and soil health
  • Investigating the efficacy of cut-stump herbicide treatments on Scotch broom at different concentrations in upland and riparian habitats

Visit 10KYI’s website – http://www.10000yearsinstitute.org – for more background and information.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

10KYI is seeking a highly motivated, well-experienced, extremely independent, and organized applicant for a full-time (40hrs/week) Research Project Coordinator position. This position’s primary responsibility is to coordinate a multi-year and multi-watershed research and monitoring program investigating the impact of invasive reed canarygrass on water quality, flow regime, sediment transport, and vegetative characteristics of Olympic Peninsula streams. The results of this study will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed ecological science journals. This position supports current Scotch broom research and eDNA monitoring as needed. The position also offers multiple opportunities as a platform for a master’s degree thesis project.

The Research Project Coordinator reports to and works closely with 10KYI’s Executive Director, Watershed Project Coordinator, and GIS Specialist; and works in partnership with government agencies and programs, tribes, non-profit organizations and private landowners.

The Research Project Coordinator is responsible for designing and implementing fieldwork; managing a crew of two to four Research Assistants; communicating plans and results; identifying and working with landowners for access to study sites; data management and reporting; applying for grant funding and developing new projects; and creating educational materials and presenting updates (verbal, visual, and written) to the public and partners.

The ideal candidate is extremely self-reliant and inspired by nature, resonates with the rain-dominated coastal climate enjoys life in remote rural communities, and exploring the watersheds and beaches of the Olympic Peninsula. 10KYI’s office and operations are based in Forks, Washington, in close proximity to the wild Washington coast and Olympic National Park.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position requires excellent observational, communication, organizational, and critical thinking skills, and excellent physical condition for hiking, wading, and working outdoors in all weather conditions.

Duties and responsibilities include:

  • Coordinate, supervise, and implement research following 10KYI and other studies’ design, methods, best practices, and policies
  • Oversee and direct the activities of Research Assistants, including field data collection, data entry, and data analysis
  • Manage and maintain research equipment, including maintenance, purchasing, and QA/QC
  • Ensure data quality during field operations
  • Perform data entry and reporting using Microsoft Office Suite
  • Summarize data and complete reports on sites and activities for partners, landowners, land managers, and the public
  • Prioritize, supervise, and conduct field activities to find, map, measure, and record all variables of interest pertaining to the study in a variety of forested and open riverine and wetland habitats, pastures, gravel mines, and roads
  • Work with GIS staff to develop maps for planning, fieldwork, and reporting
  • Schedule and coordinate regular meetings with expert advisors and colleagues to update and ensure quality research is being conducted
  • Stay up-to-date with relevant research and make recommendations to 10KYI studies
  • Assist in the development of communication, outreach programs and presentations, and educational materials about the applied research projects and invasive plant species of concern
  • Work with the Executive Director and other staff to develop additional research projects

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in ecology, natural sciences, biology, hydrology, or a related field; and three years of experience in ecological fieldwork
  • Expertise in stream monitoring techniques like stream flow and discharge, temperature monitoring, pebble counts, and vegetation surveys
  • Experience calibrating and troubleshooting stream monitoring equipment like flow meter, turbidity sensors, and temperature loggers
  • Experience in study design and installation
  • Experience in data management and analysis
  • Strong written and verbal communications skills
  • Team player, committed to working collaboratively with 10KYI staff, crews, and the diverse community of project partners
  • Strong leadership and organizational skills
  • Native and invasive plant identification skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
  • Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather and carry 20 pounds over various terrain
  • Comfortable with flexible weekly schedules, which adjust to weather and project needs
  • Ability to safely operate a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads
  • Have a clean driving record and a valid driver’s license
  • Standard First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain within six months)
  • Proof of full vaccination status against COVID-19 upon commencing employment. Reasonable accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis for exemptions to this requirement in accordance with applicable law

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (not required):

  • Master’s degree from an accredited institution in stream ecology, natural sciences, biology, hydrology, geomorphology, or a related field and a minimum of two years of related field research
  • Familiarity with the biology, ecology, and ecosystem effects of reed canarygrass and Scotch broom
  • Working knowledge of native and invasive plants on the Olympic Peninsula
  • Working knowledge of eDNA sampling techniques and procedures
  • Knowledge of restoration techniques in invasive species management, native plant revegetation, and aquatic habitat structure with wood
  • WSDA Pesticide Applicator License with Aquatic and Rights-of-Way Weed endorsements (obtain within four months)
  • A working knowledge of ArcGIS
  • Experience writing grant proposals and supporting program development efforts

Please submit a cover letter, resume, three references, and a short writing sample from a relevant research project, with RESEARCH PROJECT COORDINATOR in the subject heading, to: randerson@10000yearsinstitute.org

Applications will be accepted until EOD March 1st (or until the position is filled).

*No phone calls, please.

We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, or disability status.