FULL-TIME/PERMANENT
SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN 4 (ST4)
FISH SCIENCE PROGRAM
HOOD CANAL INTENSIVELY MONITORED WATERSHED (IMW)
Big Beef Creek Fish Research Station
Kitsap County, Washington
This recruitment is essential to maintain operations and fulfill WDFW’s legal obligations: Functions directly related to survival of ESA listed species. Or functions that are legally required or treaty obligated for ESA species.
WDFW staff comprise a talented and passionate group of people dedicated to protecting Washington’s Natural Resources.
Do you want to become part of a dynamic team that is invested in making a difference in the conservation of Washington State’s salmon and freshwater species?
- Maintains integrity of all four downstream-migrant tributary traps and Big Beef Creek adult trap during high flow/heavy debris events, and coordinates efficiency calibration tests and sampling levels.
- Installs and maintains PIT-tag antenna for detecting tagged steelhead in Big Beef Creek.
- Safely handles, enumerates and releases captured fish (juvenile and adult).
- Accurately identifies fish by species, mark status (origin), sex (upstream-migrants) and age.
- PIT-tag steelhead, coded-wire tags out-migrating juvenile coho and detects/recovers coded-wire tags from returning upstream-migrant coho.
- Evaluates field protocols and recommends improvements to increase safety and improve fish health and data integrity.
- Compiles and edits collected biological and physical data into computer database to prepare annual reports.
- Plans, organizes, and conducts weekly coho and chum spawning ground surveys in each IMW stream during the summer/fall season.
- Trains, schedules, and leads field staff assisting in the above duties.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Work Setting, including hazards:
- This is a fieldwork position that includes working in rural locations and exposure to adverse/inclement weather conditions, insect bites/stings, thorny/spiny vegetation, pollen and possible wildlife encounters.
- Requires walking long distances often on/over slippery, unstable rocks, large logjams, rotting woody debris and through/around deep pools.
- Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling, climbing and heavy lifting (50 – 100 lbs.).
- Schedule:
- Variable schedule, typically 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday – 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- When traps are fishing, they will operate 7 days a week throughout the season, requiring work on the weekends and holidays.
- Work will be performed outside the typical schedule due to fish migration, environmental conditions and seasonal demands.
- Must be able to work a non-scheduled work week and occasional long irregular hours.
- This position is overtime eligible.
- Travel Requirements:
- Occasional travel outside the area and overnight stays.
- Tools and Equipment:
- Tag injectors, seine nets, electro fishing gear, outboard motors, chainsaws, power tools, manual and electric winches, screw traps, fence weirs, fan traps, computers, tag readers, tag detectors, large trucks, boats, boat trailers, flat bed trailers, shovels and post pounders.
- Customer Interactions:
- Other state agencies, NOAA, Burlington Northern Railroad, Weyerhaeuser, University of Washington, Skokomish Tribe and Port Gamble Tribe.
- Private landowners and the general public when out in the field.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Graduation from high school or GED (including one year of high school science).
AND
- Five years of experience as a Scientific Technician – three of the five years must be as a Scientific Technician 2 or higher.
OR
- Professional equivalent experience may substitute, year for year, for the experience requirement.
OR
- Five years of field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.
OR
- College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field will substitute for up to 2 years of experience.
Certifications/Licenses:
- Valid Driver’s License.
- Valid Boating License (must be obtained within 6 months of hire).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ability to identify all juvenile and adult salmonid species, freshwater fish and marine fish species.
- Knowledge of salmon life history and familiarity with hatchery practices.
- Previous experience applying coded wire tags and PIT-tags in juvenile salmonids.
- Experience using Microsoft Excel, Word and Access.
- Familiarity with study area streams and salmon populations of the Puget Sound area.
- Experience operating fish trapping gear.
- Experience conducting spawning ground surveys.
- Previous experience sampling commercial or sport fisheries.
- Experience operating chainsaws and other power tools and equipment.
- Experience running motorboats.
Supplemental Information
Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification.
In order to successfully apply for this position you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:
- A current resume.
- Three professional references.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s priority during the Covid-19 health crisis is to keep our staff, candidates, and the public safe. We are hiring and encourage you to apply to open positions. Many of our staff are currently working from home; we have transitioned to a virtual recruitment process, to include web-based interviews.
Pursuant to the Governor’s Directive, 20-08, this position will be subject to one furlough day per month through November 30, 2020.
JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:
Learn about our agency and the perks of working for WDFW!
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field. We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency’s mission. We value demonstrated skill in living WDFW values of professionalism, accountability, empathy, integrity, service, and respect.
WDFW employees may be eligible for the following:
Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth.
UNION – WAFWP:
This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.
VETERAN PREFERENCE NOTICE:
To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:
- Email a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter to RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
- Subject line should include recruitment number, position and Vet (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – Veteran)
- Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov
MILITARY SPOUSE PREFERENCE NOTICE:
To take advantage of military spouse preference, please do the following:
- Notify us of your military spouse status by email at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
- Subject line should include recruitment number, position and MS (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – MS)
- Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov
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. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.
Do you thrive on building collaboration and teamwork while getting your boots dirty working in the field?
If this sounds like the perfect opportunity for you then apply today and join the WDFW Team!
Picture yourself planning and coordinating the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of weir traps which monitor and evaluate Hood Canal tributary wild salmon populations.
We are seeking an experienced leader who will set targetable and achievable goals in a collaborative way while maintaining and building team moral.
The optimal candidate has demonstrated skill in living WDFW values of professionalism, accountability, empathy, integrity and respect.