Marine Monitoring Technician; Natural Resource Scientist

Marine Monitoring Technician

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

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…