[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.]

Padilla Bay NERR Research Assistant

Position summary

The Research and Monitoring Assistant will be located at the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) in Bayview, WA, which is part of a national network of Reserves throughout the country.  The Assistant will gain a broad range of experience in field projects and laboratory analyses related to estuarine ecology and marine science and also develop an independent research project. Projects will be conducted in a range of settings, including open water, eelgrass habitats, mudflats, open water, and rocky habitats.

Position responsibilities

The primary duty is to assist the Padilla Bay research and monitoring team with a variety of estuarine and watershed projects and also conduct an independent (mentored) research project. The Assistant will also have some duties in the operations, education, and stewardship departments. Specific responsibilities include:

• Assist with laboratory analyses and processing samples, such as calibration and maintenance of instruments, filtering water samples, identifying and counting phytoplankton & zooplankton, sorting eelgrass, and general lab tasks in support of research;
• Assist with water quality and environmental research & monitoring field work yearround (all seasons, boat-based and on-foot);
• Enter data, statistical analyses, graphing data, project documentation, and written and oral reporting;
• Communicate research findings to professional scientific audiences & broader audiences;
• Develop and conduct an independent (mentored) research project that contributes to one or more of the research priorities of the Reserve.
• Assist with the Padilla Bay Interpretive Center and stewardship of facility and ecosystems.

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.
• Hold a current Washington State Boater Education Card (can be acquired after member begins service)
• Special consideration will be given to applicants who demonstrate: relevant background knowledge, lab experience, field experience, data analysis and communication skills, or transferrable skills; demonstrated time management skills with multiple overlapping deadlines; attention to detail and ability to follow complex and precise protocols; resilience with physically-demanding field work and conditions; motivation, interest in the specific responsibilities of this position, and potential to grow in marine and estuarine science career fields.

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. Submit the following application materials by email to Dr. Sylvia Yang (Research

Coordinator, Padilla Bay Research Reserve, syang@padillabay.gov)

1. cover letter describing interest in the position & marine/estuarine research, relevance to career goals, how previous work experiences transfer to qualifications needed for this AmeriCorps position, and potential to grow in this position;
2. resume with contact information, educational background, work experience, contact information for three references.

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