Lead Kelp Scientist
Washington Department of Natural Resources Olympia, WA, USA
- Location: Olympia, WA, USA
- Categories: Agriculture or Farm or Ranch, Environmental Services, Forestry, Natural Resources, Sciences and Laboratory
- Job Type: Full Time
- Posted: Nov 14, 2025
Job Description:
Lead Kelp Scientist
Description
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.