Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Marine Monitoring Technician (Natural Resource Scientist 1) within the Environmental Assessment Program (EAP).

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.

• This position requires extensive fieldwork. when you do work in the office. 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.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by September 7, 2026

• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

As a marine monitoring technician, you will gain experience in multiple scientific disciplines, from oceanographic to zoological, providing multiple pathways for professional growth and development. In addition to strengthening your scientific skills, you will support the marine monitoring program by becoming a certified boat operator. Your responsibilities include conducting field surveys, processing benthos and laboratory tasks, data entry, and quality assurance and operating and trailering boats up to 32’ in Puget Sound and the outer coast to support monitoring efforts. The data you collect will be used to determine the status and trends of marine water and sediment quality in Washington State.

What you will do:

• Under technical direction of senior MMU staff, participate in field work and related duties associated with Puget Sound marine water, sediment, and BEACH Program Sampling. The BEACH Program is co-coordinated with the Department of Health and monitors marine beaches for Enterococcus, a fecal indicator bacteria. Perform laboratory analysis of marine water quality variables using standard techniques.
• Maintain FAA drone pilot license and collects observational data via a drone.
• Perform laboratory analysis of discrete chlorophyll samples using standard oceanographic techniques at the marine waters lab located at the Operations Center in Lacey, WA.
• Using knowledge of marine benthic invertebrates, perform benthic sorting.
• Support field operations and sample delivery by acting as a personnel and supply courier with state vehicles.
• Assist with maintaining the laboratory, laboratory equipment, and supplies in clean working order.
• Assist team leads with reviewing data for quality assurance and ensuring good data management processes are followed.
• Assist team leads with developing education and outreach materials and participating in local public outreach events.

Note: In this role you will be allotted a budget to purchase protective field gear and the costs associated with getting an FAA drone license.

For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

6 years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:

• Communication & Collaboration – Ability to communicate clearly and work effectively with others to support safe, coordinated field, lab, and outreach activities.
• Adaptability & Sound Judgment – Ability to adjust plans and make practical decisions in changing field, weather, or operational conditions to keep work safe and effective.
• Organization & Accountability – Ability to manage tasks, follow procedures, and maintain accurate records to support reliable and timely program operations.
• Field Sampling & Field Support Operations – Ability to conduct environmental sampling and support field logistics to collect high-quality data for monitoring and research.
• Vessel & Marine Safety Operations – Ability to safely operate vessels and apply marine safety practices to support field missions and protect staff.
• Laboratory Sample Processing & Biological Identification – Ability to process samples and identify biological specimens using standard methods to produce accurate scientific results.
• Equipment Upkeep – Ability to ensure vessels, field tools, and laboratory equipment are safe, functional, and ready for use. Ability to escalate equipment repair to appropriate parties.
• Data Quality & Reporting – Ability to review, manage, and document data accurately to support reliable analysis and reporting.
• Operational Technology & Tools – Ability to use navigation systems, communication equipment, drones, mechanical tools, and sampling gear to support monitoring work.
• Research Experience - Natural science or marine science related research experience

Education involving with a major study in a natural science, including marine ecology, marine benthic ecology, marine science, oceanography, or other closely allied marine science field.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 6 years of experience.

• 5 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.

• 4 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).

• 3 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.

• 2 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.

• a Master’s degree or higher.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License to operate a motor vehicle.
• Must possess or obtain certification as an Environmental Assessment Program boat operator within the first 12 months. Must maintain certification.
• Must possess or obtain FAA drone pilot license within the first 12 months.

• Environmental Monitoring Techniques Ability to apply established scientific methods to collect and analyze environmental data.
• Digital & Software Tools Ability to use data systems and Microsoft Office programs to organize information, document results, and support communication.
• Experience as primary research vessel operator responsible for crew safety and sampling logistics.
• Knowledge of marine weather forecasts, navigation and boating safety regulations and laws.
• Proficient in use of typical marine electronics (e.g. GPS, depth finder, radar, radio, plotter).
• Experience conducting field sampling from a boat under a variety of conditions.
• Experience with spreadsheets, database software, and Geographic Information System (GIS).

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 Natalie Coleman at Natalie.Coleman@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 Environmental Assessment Program

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 Incentive, 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.

#LI-Hybrid