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Watershed Health Monitoring Environmental Specialist 1

Washington State Department of Ecology
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Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen


 


 

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Watershed Health Monitoring Environmental Specialist 1 position within the Environmental Assessment Program for the Summer 2025 field season.


This is a temporary position that will start on June 2, 2025 and end no later than October 15, 2025.
The end date is flexible and depends on how the field season goes. Students needing to return to school in the fall are still encouraged to apply. 


 

Location:

  • The position is based out of Lacey, WA, with work primarily focused on the Snake River region with some sample sites statewide.
  • Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from Lacey, WA.

 

Schedule:

  • The schedule will consist of 10-hour shifts, with eight consecutive days working in the field followed by six days off.
  • Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.


 

Application Timeline: 

  • Apply by April 30, 2025
  • This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after 11:59 p.m. on April 30, 2025 may not be considered.

 


 

 

 

Duties

 

In this role, you will conduct environmental sampling and support the Watershed Health Monitoring field leads by assisting in the organization of day-to-day data collection activities in the field. You will also aid in training the environmental technicians involved in this project. Key work activities include hiking, field navigation, biological monitoring, water quality sampling, habitat surveys, and using different types of monitoring equipment. The information that you collect will help assess the condition of streams and watersheds. The data is used to describe the status and trends of watershed health, lakes, and other environmental conditions to better inform natural resource conservation and management plans.

The Department of Ecology’s Watershed Health Monitoring program assesses streams and rivers across the state to obtain a consistent, objective picture of habitat and biological conditions. We sample eight regions in the state on a rotating basis. Our scientists assess watershed health in streams and rivers by evaluating the monitoring data for each region. You will directly support these ongoing data collection efforts as we survey streams and rivers in the Snake River region this summer.

 

What you will do: 

  • Ensure the unit’s field operations related to watershed health assessments are carried out efficiently and effectively.
  • Maintain and organize field equipment, including multi-probe calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance of the records log.
  • Read and gain an in-depth understanding of quality assurance documents, standard operating procedures, and other required protocols in order to successfully implement field data collection events.
  • Support the field lead in identifying opportunities to improve implementation of standard operating procedures.
  • Oversee the completion of weekly field work preparation and wrap-up checklists.
  • Assist with preparing and implementing daily and weekly scouting plans.
  • Collect water quality samples.
  • Help with habitat surveys, including collecting benthic macroinvertebrates, periphyton samples, and fish sampling.
  • Aid in the end of day and end of week data review.
  • Work in rugged and sometimes remote field locations for consecutive days under adverse weather conditions, including overnight stays and/or weekend work.
  • Assist with boat operation duties.


 

 


 

 

Qualifications

 

For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.

 

Required Qualifications:

Four (4) years of experience and/or education as described below:

  • Experience: performing environmental-based work.

Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets: 

Experienced in gathering data on stream habitats, aquatic biology, and water quality. 

Using critical / analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to make decisions or determine a course of action. 

Reviewing / assessing information and data to draw conclusions and recommending decisions or actions. 

Conducting research and performing data analysis on both qualitative and quantitative data. 

  • Education: involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning; or closely related field.

 

Examples of how to qualify:

  • 4 years of experience
  • 3 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
  • 2 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
  • 1 year of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
  • No experience AND a Bachelor's degree or higher.

 

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 

  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

 

Desired Qualifications:

  • Coursework in Environmental Science, Fisheries Biology, Chemistry, Forestry, or related field.
  • Experience collecting water samples and measuring streamflow, stream habitat assessment.
  • Some experience with data analysis and data management.
  • Good communication and writing skills.
  • Freshwater community ecology and biological taxonomy and life history knowledge.
  • Certification for First Aid/CPR.
  • Ability to swim.
  • Experience operating boats and related equipment.
  • Navigation skills and experience using paper maps.
  • A degree with a major study in stream/aquatic ecology, limnology, biological sciences, chemistry, or a closely-related field.

 

If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.


 

Physical Requirements

  • Work in rugged and sometimes remote field locations for consecutive days under adverse weather conditions, including overnight stays and/or weekend work.
  • Traverse uneven and sometimes slippery terrain to access stream study sites.
  • Ability to maneuver sampling equipment in a small boat.
  • Safely navigate from parking area to office structures and outdoor sites.
  • Work with a computer in a cubicle for long periods of time within an office environment.
  • Read documents for accurate comprehension and action.
  • Travel long distances statewide, including driving, in a car, van, or pickup truck, requiring extended periods of sitting.
  • Navigate streambanks, streambeds, and flowing water to complete all measurements needed to sample a stream site.
  • Lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to safely handle and transport non-motorized boats (rafts).

Ability to operate a motor vehicle. 

 

Supplemental Information

 

Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

 

Application Process

Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.


 

How to Apply

Click “Apply” at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:

  • Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
  • Resume

Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as “see resume” may be considered incomplete.


For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.


 

Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.

 

Need an Accommodation?

If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:

  • Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or careers@ecy.wa.gov
  • If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.

 

Questions?

  • For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Scott Collyard at Scott.Collyard@ecy.wa.gov
  • If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at careers@ecy.wa.gov

 

About the Department of Ecology

As the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work balance. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.

 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology's work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.

 

We believe that DEIR is both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.


 

Ecology employees may be eligible for the following: Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver,  Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP),  Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *Click here for more information 

For this position, the Environmental Assessment Program will provide Personal Protective Equipment.

Travel and lodging will be reimbursed by the Department of Ecology.



 

To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or our blog.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Ecology 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.


 

Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.  

 

Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.