Full-Time/Non-permanent
3 to 4-month 
Scientific Technician 2’s
Anticipated start date is March 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021

 This recruitment is essential to maintain operations and fulfill WFDW’s legal obligations.
 WDFW staff comprise a talented and passionate group of people dedicated to protecting Washington’s Natural Resources.

This is recruitment is for (8) 3 – months to 4-months non-permanent full-time Scientific Technician 2 positions in the Fish Program, Science.  The duty stations are Independence Creek Rd SW, Rochester WA 98579 (State housing provided on site), W3914 Fish Hatchery Road, Elma WA 98541, (State housing provided on site) 1111 Washington Street SE, Olympia, WA 98501.

The non-permanent positions operating and maintaining fish traps in multiple locations of the Chehalis River Basin to estimate freshwater production (smolt abundance). Technicians will check fish traps daily enumerating catch by species and sub-sampling catch for size. Technicians will be responsible for applying Coded-Wire tags (CWT’s) to wild coho smolts captured, prior to releasing them downstream. Technicians will be responsible for recapture efforts including releasing fish upstream of traps. CWT data are used to estimate coho smolt production in the Chehalis River Basin.

These positions works directly with supervisor and will coordinate trapping and staff schedule with supervisor and fellow technicians. Works under guidance of State and Federal regulations and Agency policies and procedures. This person works alongside fellow technicians and reports to their immediate supervisor, the project lead biologist in Olympia. Employee may also interact with administrative and other personnel from State, Federal, Tribal, and local agencies, private companies and general public. Work is assigned verbally.

Operate juvenile salmon and steelhead traps and manage data
Tasks include: 

• Assists with the installation/removal, operation and maintenance of juvenile fish traps.
• Check traps daily, enumerating and sub-sampling juvenile salmonid catch for size (fork length).
• Collect and record related biological and environmental data as assigned by supervisor.
• Use various marking techniques including coded wire tags (CWTs), passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags, visible implant elastomer (VIE), and bismark brown
• Perform recapture efforts by marking and releasing fish upstream of traps.
• Enter and error check catch and biological sampling field data into agency program computer database.
• Maintain trap integrity during high flow events and make repairs if damage occurs due to weather, flows, debris or vandalism.
• Organize and maintain all trap related gear, sampling equipment and data forms.

Other Duties as assigned
Tasks include: 
Technicians may be asked to assist on occasion with other fish monitoring projects.

Working Conditions 
Working sitting, including hazards: 
 

• Trapping operations are dependent on fish migration and environmental conditions.
• Furthermore, during peak migration or periods of high flow/heavy debris, the
• employees must be able to work long hours, as needed, until all the fish are
• processed, to ensure that they are released in good condition.
• Work sites are exposed, meaning work may be conducted in rain, wind and cold conditions, during all hours of the day and night.
• Maintaining traps require person to be in good physical condition, able to operate cleaning rakes/brushes for prolonged periods of time when debris loads are high.
• Processing fish requires prolonged exposure of hands to cold water.
• Technicians will regularly transport 5-gallon buckets of water in slippery conditions on uneven terrain.
• To ensure the fish are handled with minimal stress, they are anesthetized with MS-222. The process of marking fish involves using sharp objects, VIE, and bismark brown.

Schedule:  

• The traps are operated 7 days/week, 24hr/day throughout the season, requiring work on weekends and holidays.

 Tools and Equipment: 

• Water pumps
• Chain Saws
• Power tools
• Hand Tools

 License:

• A valid unrestricted driver’s license

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.”

• Must be able to identify juvenile salmonids.
• Familiar with the use of coded-wire tag injector and detection equipment is preferable, but not mandatory.
• Must be able to effectively coordinate and communicate with co-workers and other fisheries professionals.
• Must be able to maintain computer files and use spreadsheets (e.g. Microsoft Excel, Access) software.
• Must be familiar with salmon life history and proper fish-handling techniques.
• Familiarity with study area streams.
• Construction skills.
• Experience in the use of hand & power tools.
• Good organizational Skills.
• A valid Washington State or other state’s driver’s license.

 Preferred/Desired

• Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science

AND

• Two years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1

OR 

• Graduation from high school or GED including one year of school science

AND 

• Two years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.

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 detailed cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications for this position.  Please ensure your application reflects this experience.
• A chronological resume profile that includes education and employment history.
• Respond to all supplemental questions.
• Three professional references.

 NOTE:
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.

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.

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

“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.   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.