NHP Lead Kelp Scientist, Natural Resource Scientist 4 (NRSci4)

CLOSING DATE EXTENDED! Review of applications is ongoing.We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 11/20/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Responsibilities:
This position is a lead kelp scientist for nearshore habitat research planning and execution and oversees scientific work that is required to meet nearshore habitat monitoring and assessment objectives related to kelp forests. Specific responsibilities include:

• Co-leading the Nearshore Habitat Program including guiding strategic planning project design and implementation workload planning and technical review of results.
• Developing designing and overseeing scientific research projects including field operations data collection and data analysis.
• Supervising research scientists (entry- to senior-level staff) on projects including project design sampling design data collection data analysis and reporting.
• Working with interagency and academic personnel on a local state federal tribal and international basis to collaboratively identify research needs related to kelp forest ecosystems and intertidal biotic communities.
• Managing the program research budget and staff including administering contracts or agreements to implement projects.
• Providing site- and project-specific support to the Division and Regions on environmental protection mitigation restoration embayment planning reserves and other land use projects impacting nearshore aquatic lands.
• Supporting in the development of scientifically sound criteria and standards relating to nearshore habitat management.
• Reviewing reports and policy documents to provide scientific advice on the impacts of programs projects and proposals on aquatic species and habitats.
• Providing leadership and guidance to direct reports on work processes procedures and forward progression.
• Conducting outreach activities to disseminate information on nearshore habitat health through written reports and presentations at conferences and meetings.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelors degree with a major study in a natural science AND six years of professional research work experience in marine ecology or other related field;
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
  A Masters degree without a PhD degree in a specialty field will substitute for two years of the required experience provided the field of major study was in marine ecology or another related field.
  A Ph.D. degree will substitute for three years of the required experience provided the field of major study was in marine ecology or another related field.
• Experience presenting scientific findings in written and oral formats to scientists and managers and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience in field data collection especially in nearshore environments.
• Experience with designing and implementing nearshore habitat research projects to assess the status and trends of abiotic and biotic resources.
• Project management experience to include technical guidance of staff through all phases of scientific inquiry including developing and maintaining project timelines budgets and deliverables.
• Provide technical guidance in a manner accessible to land managers stewardship specialists planners and decision makers.
• Represent the program and agency on complex or controversial issues with other agencies jurisdictions or interest groups in a manner that is consistent with agency policies.
• Familiarity with current literature describing methods and results of monitoring nearshore environments.
• Knowledge of statistics principles of experimental design and understanding of univariate and multivariate statistics.
• Knowledge of spatially explicit field data collection techniques especially in remote environments.
• Knowledge of intertidal biotic community and floating kelp ecology and monitoring methods.
• Knowledge of the principles and practice of aquatic resource management.
• Accustomed to developing and maintaining collaborative working relationships to build rapport and partner with academic institutions local state and federal governmental agencies tribes and the public.
• Accustomed to working constructively to develop a program that incorporates input from team members and addresses program goals technical challenges and available resources.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity equity inclusion and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws regulations and public records retention and requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

• Position is located primarily in the office with regular field work. Required working conditions include the ability to meet the position schedule and travel requirements and the ability to conduct field work by boat and on foot in all types of weather conditions.
• Up to 8 consecutive days in travel status is expected approximately 6-10 times per year. Position entails field work and occasional travel for meetings and conferences typically in western Washington. Field work is conducted by boat vehicle or on foot.
• A valid drivers license and two years of driving experience. Additionally DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended revoked or restricted (for example Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices). This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

• A PhD degree with specialty study in a natural science AND six years of professional research work experience in marine ecology or other related field.
• Experience with small boats and training in safe boating practices.
• Working experience in local marine and estuarine waters especially areas within Puget Sound.
• Familiarity with shoreline management policies in Washington including DNRs aquatic resource management responsibilities.
• Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems such as ArcGIS.
• Ability to use spatially-linked geomorphic hydrologic and benthic survey data.
• Familiarity with nearshore taxa (invertebrates plants and algae) in the Pacific Northwest.
• Experience in remote sensing methods for assessing the status and trends of vegetated habitats especially aerial and underwater videography data collection and post-processing.
• Experienced with autonomous sensors for the collection of continuous environmental data.

Application Requirements:Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents please contact .

• Apply online:at (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest:describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required desired and special requirements.
• Resume:that details your experience and qualifications.
• References:Referencesare optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least 3 professional references with current telephone numbers including your current or most recent supervisor.
• Important:Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security number year of birth etc.).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

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• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity Equity and Inclusion Council Womens Employee Resource Group Veterans Employee Resource Group etc.)
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• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits package includes employer contributions toward health insurance paid holidays retirement plans sick leave and vacation days. Visit for more information.