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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 Senior Coastal Geomatics Scientist (Natural Resource Scientist 4) within the

Shorelands & Environmental Assistance

(SEA) program. Location Options: This position can be based at any of the following duty stations: Headquarters Office in

Lacey, WA . Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the selected duty station. Schedule: This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options. In-office presence in Lacey is expected to the extent necessary to conduct the assigned job duties (several times per week). Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change. Application Timeline: April 27, 2025 This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after April 27, 2025 may not be considered.

You will join Washington’s Applied Coastal Research and Engineering (ACRE) team, which delivers high-quality data, science-based information, technical expertise, and innovative solutions to support Washington’s coastal communities and Tribes. Through monitoring, research, and collaboration, ACRE bridges the gap between data, decision-makers, and the public to advance informed coastal management decisions that promote resilient shorelines and nearshore habitat functions. In this role, you will be the agency’s designated expert in geomatics and remote sensing equipment and methods. You will lead scientific research campaigns in support of ACRE’s mission and be responsible for operating, maintaining, and innovating ACRE’s suite of specialized topographic and hydrographic surveying equipment. What you will do: Advance coastal monitoring and data collection methods Drive innovation in survey technologies by researching, developing, and integrating new methods into Unit’s data collection framework. Manage grants and contracts including research project funding. Lead strategic planning for technology adoption and ensure alignment with ACRE’s scientific objectives. Engage with vendors and research institutions to assess emerging technologies, obtain product information, and negotiate purchasing agreements. Research survey planning and execution Lead planning and logistical coordination for field surveys, considering environmental conditions, research objectives, and operational constraints. Establish and maintain partnerships with external institutions (e.g., USGS, Oregon State University, University of Washington) for collaborative research and data sharing. Field data collection and processing Oversee high-precision coastal monitoring surveys, including topographic, hydrographic, UAV-based, and vessel-based data collection. Operate and maintain advanced surveying instruments, ensuring quality control in data acquisition and processing. Coordinate data processing workflows for topographic GNSS data, multibeam bathymetry, lidar point clouds, and sediment sample analysis. Coastal operations safety & emergency preparedness Serve as ACRE’s designated Safety Officer, developing, defining, and enforcing comprehensive safety protocols for all survey operations. Develop and maintain ACRE’s emergency response protocols, including first aid and remote medical response, tsunami and extreme weather preparedness, and emergency equipment & communications. Management of ACRE’s suite of specialized topographic and hydrographic survey equipment Oversee the operation, maintenance, and calibration of ACRE’s specialized survey systems, including GNSS receivers, unmanned aerial vehicles, lidar, and multibeam echosounders. Direct and document routine maintenance of survey vehicles and vessels, ensuring operability prior to field surveys. Diagnose and resolve complex technical issues related to sensors and software related to data acquisition. Facility and laboratory oversight Oversee organization and functionality of ACRE’s storage and workspace facilities. Develop, define, and implement safety protocols for laboratory and storage management in compliance with agency standards.

Ten years of combined education and professional research or consulting experience in coastal geomatics, remote sensing, coastal processes and geomorphology, coastal monitoring, surveying, engineering technology, or other work related to the essential functions and key activities of the position. Experience must include three or more of the following: Coordinating and/or leading high-precision coastal monitoring surveys. Experience with a range of remote sensing data collection techniques and data processing. Experience working with and troubleshooting geomatics survey equipment. Experience diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues related to sensors and software. Curating and publishing environmental datasets and scientific papers in geomatics-related topics. Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: Must possess a valid driver's license. Washington State Boater’s Safety Education Card. Oregon ATV Safety Education Card. Ability and willingness to spend extended time in travel status during fieldwork campaigns. Desired Qualifications: Master’s degree or PhD coursework and work experience in broad range of geomatics topics. Experience writing scientific reports and publications, presenting at scientific conferences. Familiarity with coastal monitoring or other types of environmental data collection. Experience operating small powerboats in shallow coastal conditions. Washington State Boating License (or equivalent). Licensed or interest in obtaining a license to operate commercial unmanned aerial systems. If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description,

we encourage you to apply. Ecology does not use the

E-Verify

system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). Our Commitment to DEIR Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR)

are core values central to Ecology's work. Application Process 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. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses may be considered incomplete.

Need an Accommodation? If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process: Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or

careers@ecy.wa.gov Questions? For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact

Michelle Gostic

at:

Michelle.Gostic@ecy.wa.gov The mission of the

Shorelands & Environmental Assistance

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. Equal Opportunity Employer:

The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. 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.

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