Apply on Employer Site

Washington State Department of Ecology · 22 hours ago

Padilla Bay Monitoring and Laboratory Specialist (Environmental Specialist 2 or 3)

Mount Vernon, WA

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$4,216/mo - $5,666/mo

5+ years exp

The Washington State Department of Ecology is hiring a Padilla Bay Monitoring and Laboratory Specialist to work within the Shorelands & Environmental Assistance Program. This role involves overseeing laboratory operations, managing environmental data, conducting field research, and supporting the scientific community to protect and enhance Washington's coastal ecosystems.

Environmental EngineeringNatural ResourcesWaste ManagementWater

Culture & Values

No H1B

Responsibilities

Lead Laboratory Operations: You will oversee the Padilla Bay laboratory, maintaining and repairing sophisticated scientific instruments—such as datasondes—while ensuring the facility remains accredited and safe for staff and visiting researchers

Manage Critical Data: You will perform rigorous quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) on environmental data, developing metadata and managing databases to ensure accurate information is submitted to the national data center

Conduct Field Research: You will collect, process, and analyze water samples, conduct habitat monitoring in intertidal and other nearshore environments, operate research vessels, and perform SCUBA diving tasks to support diverse monitoring and research activities

Analyze and Synthesize Findings: You will use statistical and geospatial (GIS) tools to analyze monitoring results, producing maps, reports, and publications that communicate findings to partners, scientists, and the public

Support the Scientific Community: You will act as a mentor and technical lead, training staff, student researchers, and volunteers on laboratory equipment use, field safety, and standardized sampling procedures

Coordinate Nationally: You will serve as a primary liaison to the NERRS Central Data Management Office, ensuring that Padilla Bay’s monitoring programs align with national standards and contribute to a broader understanding of coastal health

Qualification

Environmental monitoringLaboratory proceduresData managementField researchStatistical analysisGIS softwareSCUBA certificationBoat operationTechnical leadScientific presentations

Required

Five Years Of Experience And/or Education As Described Below: Experience professional level experience in hands-on environmental monitoring or research

Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field

6 years of experience and/or education as described below: Experience professional level experience in hands-on environmental monitoring or research

Education involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field

Experience on small boats or motorized watercraft

Experience conducting laboratory procedures using technical equipment

Experience conducting research or monitoring studies

Ability to search, read, and synthesize scientific literature and protocols

Ability to prepare scientific presentations and reports

Preferred

Knowledge or professional experience with methods and techniques of field sampling of water, data gathering with field instruments and multi-parameter instruments, and record keeping

Knowledge, professional experience, and/or certification in R and/or geographic information systems (GIS) software

Experience operating, maintaining, and working on motorized vessels

Completed Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC) or Certification Course (MOCC)

Open water SCUBA certification

Advanced open water SCUBA with drysuit certification

American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) scientific diving certification