Title- Conservation Social Science Fellow
Classification- Administrative Intern 3
Job Status- Part-Time/Internship – Approximately 6 hours per week
Anticipated Appointment Length- Two (2) years – 6 hours/week
WDFW Program- WDFW Director’s Office – Conservation Division
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
Hybrid/Telework- Position will primarily be remote, with occasional expected travel to Olympia to meet with supervisor and travel to in-person fieldwork occurrences expected to take place across the Puget Sound region.
Salary- The total salary amount for this position over two years is $15,996

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

As a Conservation Social Science Fellow (intern), you’ll play a key role in a two-year collaborative research project focused on the human dimensions of kelp in Puget Sound. Under the guidance of the agency’s Conservation Social Scientist, you’ll contribute to research that informs how we restore, manage, and engage the public around kelp ecosystems. 

This unique opportunity allows you to build real-world experience in public service research while supporting efforts to understand kelp-related harvesting, education, permitting, and communication. You’ll assist with research, project management, community outreach, and the development of materials that connect kelp conservation to human wellbeing. If you’re passionate about social science, environmental stewardship, and making science accessible and impactful, we’d love to work with you!

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Conservation Social Science Fellow will assist the agency Social Scientist with:

• Collecting diverse forms of data from diverse sample populations, including through facilitated dialogues (workshops), participatory mapping exercises, and photovoice method.
• Organizing and analyze project data, including quantitative, qualitative, spatial, and/or visual data.
• Reviewing and synthesize project-relevant social scientific literature.
• Project communications and outreach materials, including those associated with project participant outreach.
• Collaborating with a diverse group of community partners, including speakers of multiple languages
• Writing project reports and articles.
• Creating project presentations.
• Creating data visualizations for various products.
• Disseminating research findings, including at relevant partner meetings and conference presentations.

Working Conditions: 

Work setting: The position’s duty station will be based in Thurston County – Olympia, WA, 1111 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501 (Natural Resources Building); however, the position will primarily be remote, with occasional expected travel to Olympia to meet with supervisor and travel to in-person fieldwork occurrences expected to take place across the Puget Sound region.
Most duties are performed using a computer and telephone. The ability to attend meetings or participate in events (virtual and in-person) outside of normal office hours (M-F; 8-5) is required. May require some bending and minimal lifting; up to 20 pounds occasionally.  
Schedule (i.e., hours and days): Specific hours will be set with the selected candidate, with the incumbent working approximately six (6) hours per week.     
Travel Requirements: Infrequent travel will be required (in and around the Puget Sound region of WA), particularly during the data collection phase of the project.   
Customer Interactions: Occasionally works with angry constituents; may deal with community groups with conflicting demands and interests; extensive interaction with project partners and community members.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Education/Background: Open to current students, recent graduates (undergraduate or graduate), or military personnel with education or experience in one or more of the following fields:

Environmental Studies, Human Geography, Sociology, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration, Community Development, Urban or Regional Planning, Human Dimensions, Natural Resource Management, Public Health, Coastal or Fisheries Management, Conservation Biology, or Social-Ecological Systems.

Social Science Skills: Experience or training in social science research, including research design, data collection and analysis, literature reviews, writing (e.g., reports, outreach materials, or academic publications), and/or presenting findings (e.g., at conferences).

Interpersonal and Professional Skills: Ability to understand and value diverse perspectives, recognize when others have valuable input, communicate assertively and respectfully, and demonstrate a strong commitment to public service, team collaboration, and organizational mission.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

• A bachelor’s degree in a social science field with a major emphasis in one of the above-indicated fields.
• Training and/or experience collaborating with diverse partners, including government agencies, nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, universities, and/or local communities (including multilingual and multiethnic communities).
• Training and/or experience in community-based participatory research, facilitated dialogues, participatory mapping, and/or photovoice.
• Strong written, verbal, and listening communication skills.
• Familiarity with quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, including analysis software programs (SPSS, STATA, SAS, R, NVivo, AtlasTi, Dedoose, and/or others).
• Familiarity with data visualization and geographic information system (GIS) software (ArcGIS).
• Knowledge of another project-relevant language, including Japanese, Chinese, and/or Korean.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

Supplemental information:

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov. 
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.  Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer.  We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity.  Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov

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