SAN JUAN COUNTY
Kirk S. serves as an Environmental Health Specialist at San Juan County since January 2022. Previously, Kirk held several postdoctoral positions, including roles at the Ocean Nexus Center at UW EarthLab and the University of Washington's Friday Harbor Labs from July 2019 to October 2021, as well as at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University from September 2017 to June 2019. Kirk completed a PhD in Oceanography at Scripps Institution of Oceanography between August 2011 and June 2017, following a Master of Science in Marine Biology and a Bachelor of Science in Evolution Ecology and Biodiversity from UC San Diego and UC Davis, respectively. Early research experience includes a Junior Research Specialist role at Bodega Marine Laboratory focused on ocean acidification and marine ecology from November 2008 to October 2010.
SAN JUAN COUNTY
MISSION STATEMENT Provide those public services necessary for the health, safety, and general well-being of the citizens of San Juan County. Strive to preserve the heritage of the islands, both environmentally and culturally. Serve taxpayers by managing public programs effectively and at the lowest cost. Recognize that county employees and citizen volunteers are the foundation upon which these services are provided. Deliberate and conduct the activities of government in a way that is ethical, fair, just, and impartial. GUIDING PRINCIPLES The Government of San Juan County Shall: •Conduct the public's business in a manner which is responsive, accessible and open to county citizens •Provide a level of service which is affordable to county taxpayers and which complies with legal mandates •Encourage a strong local economy consistent with our rural lifestyle •Protect our physical environment as our most precious natural resource •Recognize that proper stewardship of our islands for future generations is the responsibility of all our citizens •Recognize that the unique qualities and differences of each island are appreciated and encouraged •Recognize and protect private property rights •Recognize and foster private property responsibilities •Support volunteerism and "Neighbors helping neighbors" as basic tenets of island life •Recognize that independence, self reliance, privacy and personal freedom are values treasured by islanders •Recognize that young families need consideration on issues of affordable housing, jobs, services and recreational opportunities