Coastal Research Technician (Environmental Technician)(Internal Only)
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Apply to Coastal Research Technician (Environmental Technician)(Internal Only) at State of WashingtonJob details
- Location
- Lacey, Washington
- Work type
- Hybrid
- Compensation
- $38,340 - $50,412/yr
- Posted
- yesterday
- Apply on
- governmentjobs.com
About this role
About the Department
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
Position Duties
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.
Minimum Qualifications
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.
Other Qualifications
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 or[email protected]
- 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 [email protected]
- 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[email protected]
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.
#LI-DNI
Benefits
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
Supplemental Questions
- Community Based Organization
- Community / Technical College
- Ecology Employee
- Ecology Recruiter
- Ecology Jobs Page
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- Newspaper
- Other State Agency
- Other Website
- Professional Association
- University Job Board
- WorkSource
- Other
- Yes
- No
- One year
- Two years or more
- None of the above
- 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits
- 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (AA degree)
- 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits
- Bachelor's degree or above
- GED or equivalent
- None of the above
- Yes
- No
- Yes, I am a current Department of Ecology employee (including temporary or project)
- Yes, I am a current Washington Conservation Corps member
- No, I am not a current Department of Ecology employee or WCC member (not eligible for this recruitment)
- None – I have no experience with environmental data collection.
- Foundational – I have limited exposure through training or coursework and can participate in basic field tasks with direction.
- Intermediate – I have practical experience performing standard field sampling or data collection tasks with some guidance.
- Advanced – I independently carry out field investigations, apply established sampling methods, and consistently collect reliable environmental data.
- Expert – I am recognized for my proficiency in environmental data collection, independently leading field efforts and training others in sampling methods.
- None – I have no experience processing environmental datasets.
- Foundational – I can perform basic data entry or organization tasks with direction and follow simple procedural steps.
- Intermediate – I can organize datasets, prepare basic summaries, and follow standard data procedures and analyses with minimal guidance.
- Advanced – I independently manage datasets, prepare data for specific analyses, prepare detailed data summaries, and maintain documentation that meets professional or agency standards.
- Expert – I am recognized for my expertise in data processing, independently designing data workflows, ensuring high-quality documentation, and mentoring others.
- None – I have no experience using software for environmental information.
- Foundational – I can use standard office software and have limited exposure to specialized tools with direction.
- Intermediate – I use office and specialized software to prepare or analyze environmental information with some guidance.
- Advanced – I independently use a variety of office and specialized tools to reliably prepare, process, and analyze environmental information. I am able to independently write and execute a script for automation of a variety of basic data analysis tasks.
- Expert – I am considered highly proficient, independently developing specialized software and applying advanced features of multiple tools and supporting others in their software use.
- None – I have no experience performing environmental field operations.
- Foundational – I can assist with basic field tasks and safely navigate outdoor environments with guidance.
- Intermediate – I perform standard field tasks, operate common field equipment, and travel to field sites with some supervision.
- Advanced – I independently carry out field operations, safely use technical equipment, and reliably navigate varying outdoor conditions.
- Expert – I am highly experienced in field operations, able to lead field activities, troubleshoot equipment, and mentor others in safe and effective field practices.
- None – I have no experience collaborating on project teams.
- Foundational – I have limited team experience and can communicate basic progress with direction.
- Intermediate – I work cooperatively on project teams, communicate regularly, and coordinate tasks with some guidance.
- Advanced – I independently collaborate with project staff, proactively communicate progress, and contribute meaningfully to shared project goals.
- Expert – I consistently support team coordination, facilitate communication, and am recognized for strengthening collaborative project outcomes.
- None – I have no experience organizing work in a professional or academic setting.
- Foundational – I can complete basic tasks with direction and maintain simple records.
- Intermediate – I manage assignments, meet deadlines, and maintain organized records with some guidance.
- Advanced – I independently manage multiple tasks, consistently meet deadlines, and maintain organized, accurate records that meet agency standards.
- Expert – I am recognized for strong work organization skills, independently managing complex workloads, ensuring accuracy, and maintaining high-quality records.
- None – I have no experience conducting shoreline or coastal feature mapping.
- Foundational – I have limited exposure through coursework or training and can perform basic mapping tasks with significant direction.
- Intermediate – I have practical experience mapping shoreline or coastal features or coastal sediments using standard tools or datasets with some guidance.
- Advanced – I independently conduct shoreline and coastal feature and sediment mapping, interpret coastal landforms, and produce reliable map products.
- Expert – I am recognized for my expertise in shoreline and coastal feature and sediment mapping and independently lead or train others in these methods.
- None – I have no familiarity with coastal science or management topics.
- Foundational – I have basic awareness through coursework, reading, or limited exposure.
- Intermediate – I apply coastal science concepts or management considerations in academic or professional contexts with some guidance.
- Advanced – I independently apply coastal science principles and coastal management practices in project or decision-making settings.
- Expert – I am recognized for my depth of knowledge in coastal science and management and contribute expertise in professional or research contexts.
- None – I have no experience performing geospatial analyses using GIS toolboxes or writing scripts to perform mapping and/or geospatial analyses.
- Foundational – I have limited exposure and can complete basic analysis tasks with direction.
- Intermediate – I perform standard raster, terrain, or analytical workflows with some guidance.
- Advanced – I independently execute complex geospatial analyses using multiple GIS toolboxes or writing scripts to perform mapping and/or geospatial analyses in support of environmental or coastal projects.
- Expert – I am recognized as highly proficient with GIS analytical toolboxes or writing scripts to perform mapping and/or geospatial analyses and independently design advanced workflows and support others in their use.
- None – I have no experience working with large datasets or structured data management.
- Foundational – I can perform basic data organization tasks with direction and have limited exposure to larger datasets.
- Intermediate – I work with large or multi source datasets and follow established data management practices with some guidance.
- Advanced – I independently manage large datasets, maintain data integrity, and apply consistent data management standards.
- Expert – I am recognized for expertise in handling large datasets, designing data workflows, and mentoring others in data management best practices.
- None – I have no experience operating or maintaining boats, ATVs, or other specialized motorcraft.
- Foundational – I have basic exposure or training and can perform introductory operation or maintenance tasks with direction.
- Intermediate – I have practical experience operating or maintaining motorcraft in field or project settings with some guidance.
- Advanced – I independently operate motorcraft safely, perform routine maintenance, and support field activities requiring specialized equipment.
- Expert – I am recognized for my proficiency with motorcraft operation and maintenance and can train or lead others in safe and effective use.
- None – I have no experience troubleshooting or repairing mechanical or electrical systems.
- Foundational – I can perform simple troubleshooting tasks or basic repairs with direction.
- Intermediate – I diagnose and resolve standard mechanical or electrical issues with some guidance.
- Advanced – I independently troubleshoot and repair mechanical and electrical systems, ensuring reliable equipment performance.
- Expert – I am recognized for my ability to diagnose complex mechanical or electrical issues and support others with repairs or troubleshooting.
Required Question
Agency Information
EmployerState of WashingtonAddress View Job Posting for Agency InformationView Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov