King County Water & Land Resources Division: Salmon Study Environmental Aide

Pay Range: Hourly Rate:  $23.88/hour 

How to Apply: Please submit your resume, along with a brief cover letter of interest describing how you meet the job requirements and why you would be a great candidate for this position by January 6, 2025 to Perry Falcone at perry.falcone@kingcounty.gov.

About the Position

If you like working outside and are interested in salmon ecology, this opportunity may be for you!

The King County Department of Natural Resources, Water and Land Resources Division seeks a seasonal Environmental Aide to assist with environmental monitoring and applied studies that support salmon recovery efforts. This position is in the Watershed and Ecological Assessment Team within the Science and Technical Support Section. The position will primarily support an experimental study of juvenile salmon growth and diet, along with a study of juvenile salmon use of tributary streams. This position may also assist with fish sampling and aquatic habitat monitoring of salmon habitat restoration projects in local rivers and streams. Other duties may include fish exclusion for project construction and kokanee salmon conservation. This work will will inform our salmon recovery actions in the future. Staff work independently and in teams with experienced fish ecologists. This role is primarily field-based but will also involve data entry and other office-based tasks. This position would be a good opportunity for a college student or recent graduate or someone interested in gaining experience in aquatic ecology.

The position duration is approximately 6 months, starting February 17 and ending in August. King County will provide all necessary personal field gear (waders, safety equipment, etc.), a computer, and a vehicle to travel to field sampling locations.

Work Schedule

The work schedule for the seasonal Environmental Aide (Short Term Temporary position) will typically be Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, 40 hours per week. You must be able to commit to working 40 hours a week during the entire period to be eligible for consideration though there will be flexibility for vacations. This is an overtime eligible position that is subject to the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Work outside of business hours may be required.

Work location

This position will predominantly work remotely and at various field monitoring sites but may also attend meetings at the King Street Center (201 S. Jackson St, Seattle WA 98104).

Hourly Rate:  $23.88/hour 

Primary Duties include:

• Independently monitor and maintain fish enclosures containing juvenile salmon, including solo transportation, site visits, and working near/in streams and rivers.
• Assist with collection of juvenile salmon and other fishes using dipnets, fyke nets, seines, and electrofishing approaches with guidance from senior staff.
• Assist with measurement of physical habitat and environmental attributes in streams and rivers; and assist with collection of invertebrate samples in streams and rivers.
• Record data in the field and enter data into databases and spreadsheets.
• Handle juvenile salmon and collect physical measurements.
• Tag juvenile salmon using elastomer tags or passive integrated transponder tags with guidance from senior staff.
• Help coordinate field trips and site visits.
• Interact with the public and answer questions about our studies.

Our Ideal Candidate Will Have the Following Competencies:

Manages complexity – Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.

Decision Quality – Makes sound and timely decisions, even in the absence of complete information.

Collaborates – Builds partnerships and collaborates with others to meet shared objectives.

Situational Adaptability – Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.

Action Oriented – Takes on new opportunities and tackles challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.

Required skills

• Ability to work in the field, during all-weather conditions, hiking over rough and slippery terrain and ability to swim.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional long days and night work.
• Ability to carry heavy monitoring equipment (up to 50lbs).
• Attention to detail and ability to follow directions precisely and dependably.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, take initiative and follow safety protocols.
• Experience collecting biological or physical data in streams or rivers and demonstrated interest in applied environmental science.
• Knowledge and interest in salmon ecology and salmon recovery.
• Experience using Microsoft applications such as Excel, Access, Word, and Teams.
• Must have a valid WA driver’s license.

desired skills

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in fish ecology, aquatic ecology, wildlife ecology, environmental science, environmental planning, or a closely related field.
• Training and/or experience identifying Pacific Northwest freshwater fishes.
• Training and/or experience with fish sampling and processing methods.
• Training and/or experience using GPS devices for field data collection.
• Experience operating large passenger vehicles, trailers, and watercrafts.
• Training in swiftwater safety, first aid, and CPR. (this training can also be provided by King County)

Application and Selection Process

Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness including cover letter and resume, and responsiveness to the list of qualifications and skills. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in a panel interview. Applications without the following required materials may not be considered for this position. 

• Resume
• Brief Cover Letter detailing your background and what you can bring to this position

Please submit your resume, along with a brief cover letter of interest describing how you meet the job requirements and why you would be a great candidate for this position by January 6, 2025 to Perry Falcone at perry.falcone@kingcounty.gov.

For any questions, please contact:

• the supervisor, Perry Falcone, at perry.falcone@kingcounty.gov