[MB advising: see link at bottom of post to full job posting and application details (will expire when position is filled). The following are excerpts from the full position description, do not necessarily include full details, and are provided for the purposes of career exploration.]

Coastal Survey Technician

Position summary

The Washington State Department of Ecology Coastal Monitoring & Analysis Program (CMAP) seeks a motivated and qualified individual to assist in surveying beach topography and nearshore bathymetry to monitor coastal morphology change along the Washington coast, throughout Puget Sound, and along other Washington shores.

The purpose of this position is to help Ecology and other science organizations understand physical changes along Washington’s beaches and nearshore zones, and provide environmental service experience and mentorship for the selected Individual Placement (IP). The collected data and resulting information contribute to the technical assistance role of Ecology in assisting local communities and others with implementation of coastal zone management activities, shoreline master programs, coastal resource management, nearshore ecosystem protection and restoration, and coastal projects such as beach nourishment and dune reconstruction.

The position supports monitoring efforts that provide baseline and trend data for planning and decision-making. The data collection and analyses informs sediment management at the mouth of the Columbia River, evaluates erosion mitigation projects in southwest Washington, documents nature-based shore protection structures, the effects of the Elwha dam removal on the nearshore, determines bluff erosion and sediment supply to Puget Sound beaches, and quantifies shoreline armoring, morphology, and habitat features along Puget Sound. The monitoring is supported by Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems (NANOOS) and a variety of other project sponsors.

As part of a scientific team, the IP provides technical support to CMAP with collecting field data, maintaining field equipment and vehicles, managing databases, analyzing sediments in CMAP’s dry sediment laboratory, and assisting with a variety of office and project tasks as needed. A description of data collection methods, example projects, and data products and reports can be found on our website.

The position involves operation of survey-grade GPS equipment, all-terrain survey vehicle, pickup truck, trailers, computer, and sediment lab equipment and a variety of software packages such as: Trimble Business Center, MS Excel, ArcGIS, MATLAB, Qimera, and Autopano Giga. Some projects involve collaboration with the WA Sea Grant, U.S. Geological Survey, and Oregon State University.

The IP will receive on-the-job training and professional development opportunities, including instructor-based training on survey software and hardware, networking with other State and Federal resource agencies, and opportunities for on-the-job-experience using GPS-based technologies in the field and the office. In addition, the IP will have access to Ecology’s Core Training program which includes courses that provide basic skills, knowledge, and abilities in essential areas such as communication, safety, management, teamwork, computers, etc. The IP will be required to take a boat safety training course, an online ATV safety course, defensive driving, and basic first aid/CPR.

Position responsibilities

• Collect beach morphology data in the study of coastal erosion and accretion, and map features such as erosion scarps, sand bars and troughs, cross-shore beach profiles and detailed threedimensional surfaces. Take photos to document beach conditions. Data collection includes beach topographic mapping and nearshore bathymetric mapping using Real-Time Kinematic Differential Global Position Systems (RTK-GPS), as well as boat-based laser scanning and multibeam sonar systems.
• Assist in processing, analysis, and database management of beach and nearshore data using a variety of software packages such as: Trimble Business Center, MS Excel, ArcGIS, MATLAB, Qimera, Autopano Giga, etc.
• Collect sediment samples, process samples in laboratory, perform analysis of sediment size distributions, and archive processed samples. Perform ‘cobble cam’ digital photo-based grain size analysis using MATLAB code.
• Maintain field equipment including GPS and radio equipment, tools, and sediment lab equipment.
• Provide project support such as report writing, photo documentation, developing outreach products, coordinating with local contacts to facilitate field operations, renewing permits, making hotel and moorage reservations, archiving scientific literature, shipping/receiving packages, helping develop operational checklists and standard operating procedures, and maintaining inventory of equipment and supplies.

Qualifications

• Applicants must be between the age of 18-25 on their first day of service (age restrictions are based on legislative mandate, and do not apply to those who have served or are serving in the military or those with a mental or sensory disability).
• Per legislative mandate, priority will be given to Washington state residents.
• Applicants must be eligible for AmeriCorps, and able to submit documentation of one of the following citizenship statuses: U.S. Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien. Learn more about AmeriCorps eligibility on the WCC website.

Necessary Skills and Experience:

• Completion of a four-year science, engineering, or similar degree.
• Ability to perform physically demanding field projects.
• Solid computer skills (e.g. MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email, video conferencing, etc.)
• Solid problem solving skills.
• Be able to serve long and odd hours at short notice (nights and weekends).
• Like to be at the beach in all weather conditions.
• Ability to serve both as a team and independently.
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail.
• Self-motivated with the ability to assess situational needs and take initiative without excessive oversight.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor of Science degree in a related field (e.g., physical oceanography, coastal geology, geomorphology, hydrography).
• Experience with Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment.
• Advanced computer skills (e.g., GIS, MATLAB, Python, or other programming, data analysis, web mapping).
• Experience with electronics, boating, auto mechanics, power tools, and troubleshooting.
• Experience using LiDAR data.
• Capacity to contribute scientifically, e.g., quantitative data analysis and interpretation, technical writing and presentations, ability to think critically and develop original ideas, review and evaluate scientific literature.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to walk up to 10 miles/day, carrying 30-lb backpack.
• Must be able to swim in the surf zone.
• Must be able to deploy, operate, and demobilize all equipment and vehicles as required to perform duties.
• Perform careful movement within a laboratory with delicate scientific instruments.
• Travel to and from monitoring and project site locations by land (with valid driver’s license) and by boat.
• Safely lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 lbs.

Performance Requirements

• Must be able to exercise good judgment to prioritize safety in the field, and possess a basic understanding of the techniques of field sampling, testing, data gathering and analysis, basic research and field investigations.
• Must be in good physical and mental condition and able to serve long days and odd hours for extended periods.
• Assess, interpret, draw logical conclusions and problem solve effectively and accurately.
• Understand and interpret plans, maps, and equipment specifications.
• Read documents, forms, technical procedures and manuals for accurate comprehension and action.
• Prepare clear and concise field notes and written reports.
• Communicate fluently and professionally, both orally and in writing.
• Organize and prioritize daily tasks along with broader objectives.
• Maintain professional demeanor (calm, composed, and respectful) in stressful situations.

Schedule

This is an 11-month AmeriCorps position starting Oct. 3, 2022, and ending Sept. 8, 2023. Members are expected to serve 40 hours over four or five days each week.

WCC AmeriCorps member benefits

Members will receive a living stipend every two weeks based on current and projected

Washington state minimum wage, and are eligible for the AmeriCorps Education Award

($6,495) upon successful completion of term. Health insurance, AmeriCorps Member Assistance Program, and qualified loan forbearance is free and available to all members. In addition, all WCC members gather twice a year for professionally-taught, career-transferable trainings. Read more about training opportunities and a full list of benefits on the WCC website.

Application process

1. Submit online application accessible on WCC website (select this IP position on application).

Note: The WCC online application prompts candidates to add references. Returning WCC members are expected to include their prior WCC supervisor and coordinator as references.

2. Email résumé and cover letter to:

George Kaminsky, Supervisor    Heather Weiner, Field Crew Leader   Email: gkam461@ecy.wa.gov    Email: hbar461@ecy.wa.gov   About WCC and AmeriCorps

Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) is an AmeriCorps program that creates future leaders through community involvement and mentorship. The program supports more than 350 members and experienced staff statewide who restore critical habitat, build trails, lead volunteers, educate youth, and respond to local and national disasters. Learn more on the WCC website.

AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges, through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

full position description/application