These two positions serve as field technicians for the Chehalis River Ecology of Non-Native Fish Study and report directly to the Fish and Wildlife Biologist 4 project manager. This study is designed to better understand non-native fish distribution, habitat use, and feeding ecology in the Chehalis watershed during spring and summer months. The incumbents are responsible for conducting fish surveys, collecting high quality biological and habitat data, performing fish dissections, deploying, and downloading temperature loggers, entering data, and low-level database management.

KEY DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
Predatory fish sampling
Tasks include: 

• Follows established fish collection and dissection protocols.
• Collects predatory fish for biological and diet sampling, collects habitat metrics.
• Fish collection duties will mainly include boat electrofishing but seining and hook and line sampling may be used.
• Dissects fish for gut content analysis according to protocols.

Deploys and maintains temperature loggers
Tasks include: 

• Assists in all aspects of deploying temperature loggers in the Chehalis watershed.
• Assists in fabrication of temperature logger housing, deploying temperature loggers in the field, collecting data throughout the season, and maintaining temperature logger sites throughout the season.

Performs other duties as required
Tasks include: 

• Conducts special projects and research as requested by supervisor

 WORKING CONDITIONS: 
Work setting including hazards:

• The fish surveys are conducted in the Chehalis watershed at spring and summer flow conditions. To access locations, hiking down and up steep slopes while carrying field gear will be required.
• Floating rivers using rafts or pontoon boats will be required.
• Generators and outboard motors will be used for boat electrofishing.
• Job duties require long hours of exposure to likely warm temperatures (summer) and cool temperatures (spring) and long hours of work in dry suits or waders.
• Job duties require frequent bending, kneeling, climbing, and lifting.
• Tasks require dexterity and acute vision, especially when collecting biological samples.
• The job requires the safe use of various chemicals including Tricaine Methane sulfonate (MS-222).
• Incumbents must have an up to date First AID/CPR certification and be a registered snorkeler according to WDFW policies.  If the incumbent does not have these certifications prior to hire, the appropriate training will be provided.

Schedule: 

• With the possibility of adverse weather conditions (rain and river flows) the work schedule is variable however we will attempt to maintain a Monday-Thursday 10 hour/day schedule. Length of workdays may vary day-to-day.
• Possible 1-2 month extension based on funding

Travel Requirements: 

• Daily travel occurs from the office to sampling sites with WDFW vehicles.
• Some local and regional travel is necessary to pick up sampling gear and attend trainings.
• Overnight travel is extremely rare.

Tools and Equipment: 

• The job duties require lifting and moving heavy objects (50-100 lbs) including large buckets of water to transport fish, sampling gear, and other equipment.
• Safe use of hand tools and power tools is required.
• Proper use of generators, outboard motors, global positioning units, computer tablets, and other equipment will be required to successfully complete the job.

Customer Interactions:

• Interactions with landowners will occur throughout the season because the river flows through private terrestrial property.

License:

• A valid unrestricted driver’s license required.

• 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 high school science and two years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.

College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the course work includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.
 
Preferred/Desired Qualifications

• Experience electrofishing (boat preferred)
• Experience operating outboard motors and generators
• Experience floating rivers with rafts or pontoon boats
• Experience towing boats with trailers
• Experience with handheld GPS units and computers
• Ability to use hand and power tools
• Ability to manage and maintain computer files and use spreadsheet software (e.g. Microsoft Excel)
• Knowledge of salmonid life history strategies
• Ability to use database software (e.g. Microsoft Access)
• Ability to hike and swim long distances
• Ability to carry 50+ lbs of gear
• Initiative and willingness to work as part of a team in remote field conditions.

NOTE: Incumbents must be capable of accomplishing the above duties and tasks while maintaining a safe, healthy, and positive work environment and adhering to WDFW workplace safety policies.

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 cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (Generic cover letter will not be accepted).
• A current resume. 
• Three professional references. 

 
IMPORTANT NOTES: 

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

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. We have transitioned to a virtual recruitment process, to include web-based interviews.
 
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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

Note: Please blackout any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. For further information, please contact us at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.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.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status and 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.