European Green Crab Research Assistant

Job Details

The Department of Ecology is hiring an European Green Crab Research Assistant (Environmental Technician) within the Shorelands & Environmental Assistance Program.

This is a project position that is funded until  January 31, 2027. Continuation of the position beyond this date is determined on an annual basis and contingent upon funding and satisfactory performance of job duties. 

Padilla Bay Reserve is one of 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves and the only Reserve in Washington State. The mission of the Reserve is to advance research, monitoring, stewardship, management, conservation, and education related to estuarine and coastal ecosystems and communities. The Padilla Bay Reserve has over 8000 acres of eelgrass habitat, representing one of the largest meadows in North America. The Reserve is owned and operated by the Washington State Dept of Ecology through a federal partnership with NOAA.  

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a beautiful natural setting with a close-knit group of scientists, educators, and support staff who are passionate about the marine environment.  

As a key member of the Padilla Bay Reserve team, you will spend your days actively protecting the Puget Sound’s estuarine health. Your primary focus is the research and control of the invasive European Green Crab (EGC). Duties will include both field and laboratory activities, assisting senior staff with the collection of marine samples, processing zooplankton and water quality data, and executing the physical trapping and removal of invasive species. Whether you are operating power tools, launching a boat into inclement weather, or using a microscope to identify organisms, your work is essential to the stewardship of these natural resources.
In this position you will track and evaluate environmental data and help draft reports that synthesize field observations into clear communication products, This information will be shared with partners, decision makers, and public audiences, ultimately informing management decisions and advancing public awareness.

What you will do:

• Field Research & Sampling: You will assist professional staff in collecting marine field samples and perform laboratory analyses on water quality, zooplankton, and EGC specimens.
• Invasive Species Control: You will support marine ecological monitoring and take an active role in the trapping and removal of invasive European green crabs.
• Data Analysis & Evaluation: You will collect and track environmental data, interpreting your findings to help create reports and public educational materials.
• Reporting & Communication: You will synthesize data and prepare formal reports for project partners, clients, and the public audiences.

Requirements

For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

Experience: Two years of technical or research experience at an environmental agency, office, or similar organization.   

Education: Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.  

College-level course work in environmental, physical or natural sciences, or closely related field may be substituted, year for year, for the required experience.

Experience mentioned above must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets---

• Experience conducting laboratory procedures using technical equipment.
• Experience conducting research or monitoring studies.
• Ability to search, read, and synthesize scientific literature.
• Knowledge of safety and operation of small boats.  

Desired Qualifications:

• Professional or academic experience conducting field work and laboratory methods related to water quality, estuarine ecology, restoration ecology, oceanography, or other relevant biological or natural resource science field.
• Excellent organizational skills, including ability to successfully plan and organize complex field or laboratory work efforts.
• Ability to work with a variety of people and personalities.
• Ability to work successfully in outdoor field environments in challenging weather and terrain conditions.
• Experience working on motorized watercraft. 

Contact Information

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Closing Date: Continuous

Application Timeline:

• Apply by January 21, 2026
• 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 date mentioned above may not be considered.