Coastal Research Technician (Environmental Technician)(Internal Only)
Lacey, WA, USA
Description
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Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
This recruitment is open only to current Department of Ecology employees, including those on temporary or project assignments, and Ecology's Washington Conservation Corps members.The Department of Ecology is hiring a Coastal Research Technician (Environmental Technician)(Internal Only) within the Shorelands & Environmental Assistance Program.
Location:
Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.
Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.
Schedule:
This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
You may telework most of your work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities.
Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Note: This is a project position that is funded until June 30, 2027. Continuation of the position beyond this date is determined on an annual basis and contingent upon funding and satisfactory performance of job duties.
Application Timeline:
- Apply by August 10, 2026
Duties
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This Coastal Research Technician position offers a hands-on opportunity to support Ecology’s Applied Coastal Research and Engineering (ACRE) Section in collecting, processing, and interpreting coastal environmental data that informs science-based management of Washington’s shorelines. In this role, you will contribute directly to field investigations, coastal monitoring efforts, data analysis workflows, research documentation, and scientific communication that advance the SEA Program’s mission to protect and restore coastal ecosystems. You will work closely with coastal scientists and project staff, ensuring high-quality data collection, accurate processing, and well-organized documentation that supports both daily operations and long-term coastal research initiatives.
You will also play an important role in preparing field equipment, supporting mobilization and demobilization for coastal surveys, assisting with GNSS, lidar and other specialized instrumentation, and compiling products—such as summary tables, graphics, posters, and presentations—that communicate coastal science to internal and external audiences. As part of the Coastal Mapping and Analysis (CMAP) Unit, you will help maintain smooth operations across ACRE’s fieldwork, data management, research projects, and information dissemination activities, while contributing to an inclusive, collaborative, work environment producing scientifically rigorous datasets supporting coastal zone management.
What you will do:
• Support ACRE’s coastal field data collection by assisting with fieldwork preparation, logistics, mobilization, and demobilization.
• Assist in conducting coastal surveys using GNSS receivers, sediment sampling tools, lidar, and other specialized field instruments.
• Collect, compile, and organize environmental data from field investigations and coastal monitoring efforts in accordance with established protocols.
• Process, synthesize, and organize diverse coastal datasets using custom software tools, MS Excel, scripting in python/matlab/R or similar, and/or other analytical programs.
• Develop summary tables, graphics, visualizations, and other data products that support scientific interpretation and communication.
• Contribute to the development of reports, posters, presentations, and other materials for internal briefings, public meetings, stakeholder discussions, and scientific outreach.
• Prepare documentation describing data collection methods, processing steps, workflow protocols, and quality assurance measures.
• Conduct targeted literature reviews to support ACRE’s coastal research priorities under the direction of the CMAP Supervisor, which involves helping gather and organize relevant scientific articles and references.
• Work collaboratively with ACRE staff, CMAP Unit colleagues, the SEA Program, and other partners to support high-quality coastal data and research outcomes.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with supervisors and team members regarding task progress, field conditions, data issues, and project needs.
Qualifications
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For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.
Required Qualifications:
Two (2) years of education and/or experience related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:
Environmental data collection: Experience assisting with field investigations, environmental sampling, or data gathering needed to support scientific projects.
Data processing: Ability to organize datasets, prepare summaries, follow established data procedures, maintain documentation of methods.
Software proficiency: Ability to use office software plus specialized tools to prepare, process, or analyze environmental information.
Field operations: Ability to perform field tasks safely, use technical field equipment, navigate outdoor environments, travel to work locations.
Team collaboration: Ability to work with project staff, communicate progress, coordinate tasks with supervisors, contribute to shared project goals.
Work organization: Ability to manage assignments, maintain accuracy, meet deadlines, keep records organized according to agency expectations.
Education: College-level course work in environmental, physical or natural sciences, or closely related field.
Examples of how to qualify:- 2 years of experience AND high school diploma or equivalent.
- 1 year of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
- No experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree) or higher.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience conducting shoreline and coastal feature mapping.
- Knowledge of coastal science principles and the purpose/uses of coastal morphology monitoring.
- Skill in performing geospatial analyses in ArcGIS, including Spatial Analyst, 3D Analyst, Raster Analysis, and related toolboxes.
- Experience working with GPS, lidar, and sediment sampling equipment.
- Experience in the operation and maintenance of specialized survey equipment and/or specialized survey motorcraft such as boats or ATVs.
- Experience troubleshooting and repairing basic mechanical and electrical systems.
Supplemental Information
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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.
Our Commitment to DEIR
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.
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 orcareers@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 Daniel Buscombe at Daniel Buscombe@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 atcareers@ecy.wa.gov
About the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program
The mission of the SEA Program is to create community conservation partnerships to protect and restore our shorelands, wetlands, and floodplains.
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.
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
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.
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