*(1) The department shall set the minimum qualifications for analysts participating in level 1 assessments conducted under WAC 222-22-050, for specialists participating in level 2 assessments conducted under WAC 222-22-060, for field managers participating in recommendation of prescriptions under WAC 222-22-070, and for analysts, specialists, and field managers participating in reanalysis under WAC 222-22-090. The minimum qualifications shall be specific for the disciplines needed to participate in level 1 and level 2 assessments and in the recommendations of prescriptions, and shall include, at a minimum, formal education in the relevant discipline and field experience. Minimum qualifications for analysts participating in level 2 assessments should typically include a graduate degree in the relevant discipline. A reanalysis of mass wasting prescriptions under WAC 222-22-090 requires a qualified expert as defined in WAC 222-10-030.

*(2) The department shall coordinate with relevant state and federal agencies, affected Indian tribes, forest landowners, local governmental entities, and the public to seek and utilize available qualified expertise to participate in watershed analysis or reanalysis.

*(3) Qualified analysts, specialists, field managers, and qualified experts shall, while and only for the purpose of conducting a watershed analysis or monitoring in a WAU, be duly authorized representatives of the department for the purposes of RCW 76.09.150.

*(4) An individual may qualify in more than one science or management skill. Qualification under subsection (1) of this section shall be effective for five years. When a qualification expires, a person requesting requalification shall meet the criteria in effect at the time of requalification.

*(5) The department shall provide and coordinate training for, maintain a register of, and monitor the performance of qualified analysts, specialists, field managers, and qualified experts by region. The department shall disqualify analysts, specialists, field managers, and qualified experts who fail to meet the levels of performance required by the qualification standards.