Aquatic Reserves Scientist 3 (NRSci3)

Aquatic Reserves Scientist 3 (NRSci3)
Recruitment #2024-3-6200
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA
Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $5,479.00 – $7,368.00 Monthly 

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
This position is the lead scientist for the Aquatic Reserves Program. They will lead or guide monitoring and research projects in aquatic ecosystems including diverse kelp and seagrass communities, sandy, cobbled and rocky beaches, mudflats, estuarine, and other oceanic sites. Monitoring projects are carried out on a wide variety of species and communities including seagrass, forage fish, temperature and sediment, larval crabs and fish, invasive species, freshwater quality, and amphibians. This position leads the analysis and QAQC of scientific data for Aquatic Reserves.Duties

Responsibilities:

• Independently develops aquatic reserve monitoring and research programs. This includes research and monitoring design, quality control programs, data analysis, and interpretation. Reports and publications may be developed from these research projects.
• Provide spatial data expertise for the program, including spatial data management, analysis, mentor/train other staff in GIS, creation and maintenance of ArcGIS Online products and tools, and production of cartographic maps for inclusion in management plans and other documents.
• Lead data quality and integrity efforts for programs long-term monitoring projects through management of multiple databases, conducting annual data review meetings, and developing tools for ensuring high levels of data quality.
• Lead the implementation of the research, management actions, and monitoring described in aquatic reserve management plans. Provide scientific advice to Citizen Stewardship Committees and other partners to cooperatively implement management actions.
• Work closely with external scientists on collaborative projects.
• Supervise Natural Resources Scientist 2, managing work plan and training for this employee.
• Operate a DNR boat to support the team when conditions are suitable. Complete vessel operator training as needed.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in Ecology, Marine Biology, Wildlife Biology, Biological Science, Oceanography, or related field.
• Knowledge of marine and freshwater ecosystems and species.
• Knowledge of statistical theory and techniques, logic and grammar, basic methods of problem-solving, and research methods.
• Ability to develop research and field investigations, and analyze research data; multimedia presentations environmental principles and practices.
• Excellent writing ability, and fluency in current word processing and spreadsheet software used by DNR or similar software.
• Advanced GIS and data analysis software (ex: R, python) skills set.
• Ability to provide technical direction to professional staff for complex studies or projects; design and develop protocols for field studies; provide a final review for technical reports; work effectively with government officials, communities, and stakeholders on complex environmental decisions.
• Ability to effectively communicate and work collaboratively, gain consensus with stakeholder groups, and develop respectful relationships with team members, and other agency representatives.
• Ability to professionally conduct internal and external outreach and communication related to the aquatic reserves programs. This includes the ability to effectively communicate in both small and large group settings, and competently represent DNR’s scientific work.