{"id":60522,"date":"2026-08-06T11:51:04","date_gmt":"2026-08-06T18:51:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/?p=60522"},"modified":"2026-08-06T11:51:04","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T18:51:04","slug":"internship-coastal-survey-technician-dept-of-ecology-lacey-wa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/internship-coastal-survey-technician-dept-of-ecology-lacey-wa\/","title":{"rendered":"Internship: Coastal Survey Technician, Dept. of Ecology (Lacey, WA)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><strong>WCC Individual Placement: Dept. of Ecology Coastal Survey Technician<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Position description<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Washington State Department of Ecology\u2019s Applied Coastal Research &amp; Engineering Section (ACRE) seeks a motivated and qualified individual to assist in (a) surveying beach topography and nearshore bathymetry and (b) mapping shorelines to monitor changes along the Washington coast, throughout Puget Sound, and along other Washington shores. The ACRE team is comprised of three units \u2014 this position will join one of these units: the Coastal Monitoring and Analysis Program (CMAP). Depending on the candidate\u2019s experience and interest, they may also provide support to the Shoreline Mapping Unit (SMU).<\/p>\n<p>The purpose of this position is to help Ecology and other science organizations understand physical changes along Washington\u2019s beaches and nearshore zones and provide environmental service<br \/>experience and mentorship for the selected Individual Placement (IP). The collected data and resulting information contribute to the technical assistance role of Ecology in assisting local communities and others with implementation of coastal zone management activities, shoreline master programs, coastal resource management, nearshore ecosystem protection and restoration, and coastal projects such as beach nourishment and dune reconstruction.<\/p>\n<p>The position supports monitoring and mapping efforts that provide baseline and trend data for planning and decision-making. The data collection and analyses inform sediment management at the mouth of the Columbia River, evaluate erosion mitigation projects in southwest Washington, document nature-based shore protection structures, determine bluff erosion and sediment supply to Puget Sound beaches, and quantify shoreline armoring, morphology, and habitat features along Puget Sound.<\/p>\n<p>As part of a scientific team, the IP provides technical support to CMAP with collecting field data, maintaining field equipment and vehicles, managing databases, analyzing sediments in CMAP\u2019s dry<br \/>sediment laboratory, and assisting with a variety of office and project tasks as needed. In the office, the IP may also support the Shoreline Mapping Unit with GIS mapping of shoreline features. A description of data collection methods, example projects, and data products and reports can be found on our website.<\/p>\n<p>The position involves operation of survey-grade GPS equipment, all-terrain survey vehicle, pickup truck, trailers, computer, and sediment lab equipment and a variety of software packages such as MS Excel, ESRI ArcGIS, Jupyter Notebooks (programming languages including Python and R), MATLAB, Qimera, and CloudCompare. Some projects involve collaboration with the WA Sea Grant, U.S. Geological Survey, and Oregon State University.<\/p>\n<p>The IP will receive training and professional development opportunities, including instructor-based training on survey software and hardware, networking with other State and Federal resource<br \/>agencies, and opportunities for experience using GPS-based technologies in the field and the office. In addition, the IP will have access to Ecology\u2019s Core Training program which includes courses that provide basic skills, knowledge, and abilities in essential areas such as communication, safety, management, teamwork, etc. The IP will be required to take a boat safety training course, an online ATV safety course, defensive driving, and basic first aid\/CPR.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Position responsibilities<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Collect beach morphology data in the study of coastal erosion and accretion, and map features such as erosion scarps, sand bars and troughs, cross-shore beach profiles, and detailed three-dimensional surfaces. Take photos to document beach conditions. Data collection includes beach topographic mapping and nearshore bathymetric mapping using Real-Time Kinematic Differential Global Position Systems (RTK-GPS), as well as boat-based laser scanning and multibeam sonar systems.<\/li>\n<li>Assist in processing, analysis, and database management of beach and nearshore data using a variety of software packages such as MS Excel, ArcGIS Pro, MATLAB, Python, Qimera, CloudCompare, etc.<\/li>\n<li>Collect sediment samples, process samples in laboratory, perform analysis of sediment size distributions, and archive processed samples. Perform \u2018cobble cam\u2019 digital photo-based grain size analysis using MATLAB code.<\/li>\n<li>Maintain field equipment including GPS and radio equipment, tools, and sediment lab equipment.<\/li>\n<li>Provide project support such as report writing, photo documentation, developing outreach products, coordinating with local contacts to facilitate field operations, renewing permits, making hotel and moorage reservations, archiving scientific literature, shipping\/receiving packages, helping develop operational checklists and standard operating procedures, and maintaining inventory of equipment and supplies.<\/li>\n<li>Support Shoreline Mapping Unit with shoreline condition mapping of the Puget Sound including feature delineation and attribution, imagery interpretation, QA\/QC, and data management. May assist with pilot projects in change analysis, photogrammetry, imagery collection, and community outreach.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Eligibility and qualifications<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Must be 18-25 years old, with exceptions for those with military service or mental or sensory disabilities.<\/li>\n<li>Must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful U.S. Permanent Resident.<\/li>\n<li>Preference is given to Washington state residents.<\/li>\n<li>Must have a valid Washington state driver\u2019s license.<\/li>\n<li>Live a commutable distance from Ecology\u2019s Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA; successful candidate should expect to serve from the Lacey office several days per week. Necessary skills and experience<\/li>\n<li>Completion of a four-year science, engineering, or similar degree or four years of experience collecting, processing, and\/or analyzing environmental data.<\/li>\n<li>Ability to perform physically demanding field projects.<\/li>\n<li>Solid computer skills (e.g., MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email, video conferencing, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>Solid problem-solving skills.<\/li>\n<li>Be able to serve long and odd hours at short notice (nights and weekends).<\/li>\n<li>Like to be at the beach in all weather conditions.<\/li>\n<li>Ability to serve both as a team and independently.<\/li>\n<li>Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail.<\/li>\n<li>Self-motivated with the ability to assess situational needs and take initiative without excessive oversight.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Desired skills and experience<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We encourage applicants to apply even if they do not meet every qualification listed below.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Bachelor of Science degree in a related field (e.g., physical oceanography, coastal geology, geomorphology, hydrography, coastal engineering).<\/li>\n<li>Experience with Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment.<\/li>\n<li>Experience with ArcGIS Pro or other GIS mapping software.<\/li>\n<li>Experience processing and analyzing environmental datasets using MATLAB, Python, or other programming language.<\/li>\n<li>Capacity to contribute scientifically, e.g., quantitative data analysis and interpretation, technical writing and presentations, ability to think critically and develop original ideas, review and evaluate scientific literature.<\/li>\n<li>Experience with electronics, boating, auto mechanics, power tools, and troubleshooting.<\/li>\n<li>Previous professional or research experience<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Physical requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Must be able to walk up to 10 miles\/day, carrying a 30-lb backpack.<\/li>\n<li>Must be able to swim in the surf zone.<\/li>\n<li>Must be able to deploy, operate, and demobilize all equipment and vehicles as required to perform duties.<\/li>\n<li>Perform careful movement within a laboratory with delicate scientific instruments.<\/li>\n<li>Travel to and from monitoring and project site locations by land and by boat.<\/li>\n<li>Safely lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 lbs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Performance requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Must be able to exercise good judgment to prioritize safety in the field and possess a basic understanding of the techniques of field sampling, testing, data gathering and analysis, basic research, and field investigations.<\/li>\n<li>Must be in good physical and mental condition and able to serve long days and odd hours for extended periods.<\/li>\n<li>Assess, interpret, draw logical conclusions and problem-solve effectively and accurately.<\/li>\n<li>Understand and interpret plans, maps, and equipment specifications.<\/li>\n<li>Read documents, forms, technical procedures, and manuals for accurate comprehension and action.<\/li>\n<li>Prepare clear and concise field notes and written reports.<\/li>\n<li>Communicate fluently and professionally, both orally and in writing.<\/li>\n<li>Organize and prioritize daily tasks along with broader objectives.<\/li>\n<li>Maintain a professional demeanor (calm, composed, and respectful) in stressful situations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Pay and benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Living allowance of $1,476, twice a month ($2,952 per month, before taxes).<\/li>\n<li>AmeriCorps benefits include:<\/li>\n<li>AmeriCorps Education Award (scholarship) of $7,395 upon successful completion of the term (1,700 service hours).<\/li>\n<li>Loan forbearance for qualified loans during service.<\/li>\n<li>Childcare assistance through the AmeriCorps Childcare Program.<\/li>\n<li>Health insurance starting on the first day of service. WCC pays the monthly insurance premium.<\/li>\n<li>Mental health services through the Member Assistance Program (MAP).<\/li>\n<li>Members may be eligible for food benefits through the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.<\/li>\n<li>Two weeks of professional training.<\/li>\n<li>Access to professional discounts on outdoor gear.<\/li>\n<li>Up to 120 hours of personal time off in addition to observed state holidays and a winter break at the end of December.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Schedule:<\/strong> Members generally serve 40 hours over four or five days each week.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Term length:<\/strong> Oct. 5, 2026, to Sept. 15, 2027<\/p>\n<p><strong>Application<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Submit an online application (select this IP position on the application) and email resume and cover letter to Michelle Gostic at michelle.gostic@ecy.wa.gov. Applications must be received by August 13, at 11:59 p.m. to be considered.<\/p>\n<p><strong>About WCC<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) creates future leaders through community involvement and mentorship. The program supports more than 300 members and experienced staff statewide who restore critical habitat, build trails, lead volunteers, educate youth, and respond to disasters.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":11259,"featured_media":34096,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_s2mail":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[14,18,208],"tags":[4,4415,901,32,33,7,13,8514,9],"class_list":["post-60522","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-full-time","category-internships","category-temporary","tag-alumni","tag-doe","tag-environmental-studies","tag-full-time","tag-jobs","tag-pnw","tag-recent-grads","tag-state-job","tag-students"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60522"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11259"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=60522"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60522\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":60523,"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60522\/revisions\/60523"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34096"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=60522"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=60522"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=60522"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}