The King County Department of Natural Resources, Water and Land Resources Division anticipates hiring six temporary seasonal staff to assist with summer/early fall field sampling work. This position is in the Lakes, Streams, Sound, and Ground Unit, within the Science and Technical Support Section. Staff in this position will be responsible for providing short-term support to the Stream Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Program. The work involves collecting benthic macroinvertebrate samples (aquatic insects and other organisms) from over 200 streams throughout King County, as well as collection of detailed field site information to document in-stream and riparian habitat conditions. Staff work independently in teams of two. The work is physically strenuous and access to some sampling sites requires hiking up to a mile through dense vegetation with bulky and heavy (~ 40 lbs.) sampling equipment. A small portion of the position will include data entry and data management to ensure that field data are accurately entered into the appropriate databases. The position may also provide support to other natural resource focused projects as needed and as time allows.
The position duration is approximately 3 to 4 months, starting June 23rd and ending at the end of September to mid-October. At the end of the season, there may also be an opportunity to provide support to other natural resource projects as needed and as time allows either by telecommuting or at various work sites throughout King County. King County will provide all necessary personal field gear (waders, safety equipment, etc.), a computer, and a vehicle to travel from downtown to field sampling locations. View the original job posting here.
Position Details
Work Schedule
The work schedule for the Seasonal Environmental Aide (Short Term Temporary) will typically be Monday through Thursday, 7:00 am to 5:30 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. 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 report to King Street Center (201 S. Jackson St, Seattle WA 98104) daily and from there travel to sampling sites throughout King County. Staff may occasionally be required to telework from home when not collecting samples.
Hourly Rate: $23.88/hour
Primary Duties Include:
- Conduct field work in streams throughout King County, following established scientific protocols, to collect macroinvertebrate samples and habitat data.
- Work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Take thorough and accurate field notes.
- Help with logistical preparations and coordination for field sampling, including contacting private landowners to gain property access and maintaining field equipment.
- Enter data and perform other routine computer-based tasks.
- Provide support for a variety of other natural resources related projects as needed.
Skills and Qualifications
The 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 collaboratively in a team situation, sometimes under challenging outdoor conditions.
- Ability to work independently, take initiative and make sound judgment calls to protect personal and team safety (e.g., in dangerous weather or wildlife conditions).
- Proven track record of taking and following directions from supervisors or team leads.
- Knowledge and interest in aquatic/stream ecology and biological/environmental monitoring.
- Familiarity with commonly used computer software (Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word).
- Demonstrated interest and enthusiasm to work outdoors in a range of weather and field conditions.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to read a map and effectively navigate in both rural and urban areas to accurately locate field sampling locations without the aid of a cell phone.
- Ability to swim (First Aid and CPR training will be provided).
- Must have a valid WA driver’s license.
Desired Skills
- Experience with in-stream and habitat data collection.
- Experience using ArcGIS or ArcGIS Pro.
Application and Selection Process
Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to the list of qualifications, skills, and abilities. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews. Applications without the following required materials will not be considered for this position.
- Resume
- Cover Letter detailing your background and what you can bring to this position
Please submit your resume, along with a cover letter of interest describing how you meet the job requirements and why you would be a great candidate for this position by March 10, 2025 to Kate Macneale at kate.macneale@kingcounty.gov.
The sampling work is strenuous and accessing some sampling sites requires hiking up to a mile through dense vegetation with bulky and heavy sampling equipment. A basic physical examination is required before employment.
For any questions, please contact:
- the supervisor, Kate Macneale, at kate.macneale@kingcounty.gov, or
- WLRD Human Resources, at hr.wlrd@kingcounty.gov
For more information about the macroinvertebrate monitoring program, please check out these links:
- King County Freshwater Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Program
- The Seattle Times: King County’s urban streams are showing signs of improving health. Just ask the bugs.
- Watch the King County Video: Stream health improving in King County
- KUOW: Want some good news? King County streams are getting healthier
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvDMwGndKOo
- King County Water and Land Resources recruitment video