6) On-call Non-permanent Scientific Technician 2

Fish Program – Fish Management – Puget Sound Management

Natural Resource Building

1111 Washington St., SE

Olympia, WA.98501

The anticipated start date is June 1, 2021.

Are you a problem solver that enjoys a challenge? Do you want to make a difference by making a positive impact on the environment? If so, then join a great team that shares your interests!

We are looking for applicants who possess excellent people skills, the ability to juggle several high-priority scopes of work, and who want the opportunity to independently problem-solve.

These positions serve as fisheries observers in the Puget Sound Commercial Salmon Monitoring Program, with anticipated assistance in the Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor fisheries monitoring programs. The onboard observer sampling programs fulfill agency fishery management commitments made during the 2021 North of Falcon/Pacific Fisheries Management Council proceedings. For 2021, similar to previous years, these fisheries observers are anticipated to assist in the Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor fisheries monitoring programs, as well as other Puget Sound sampling needs. Data collected are essential in the estimation of by-catch and impacts to ESA listed Chinook, Steelhead, and marbled murrelets during the fisheries. Proper implementation of the commercial onboard sampling also provides Agency fishery managers and co-managers with valuable in-season management information.

These positions work closely with the boat pilots, biologists and fishery managers in the Fish Management unit. Fishery observers will also work closely with commercial fishing vessel crews, while on board commercial fishing vessels (i.e. purse seine, gillnet, or tangle net). In this position, the observer will be responsible for conducting a variety of onboard sampling, sample processing, and data recording/entry. These observers report directly to the Puget Sound Commercial Salmon Monitoring Biologist.

KEY DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
Onboard fish sampling and data collection. 
Tasks include:  

Board commercial fishing vessels while underway via vessel to vessel transfers. Board commercial fishing vessels at the dock prior to departure. Interact professionally with commercial fishing crews and captains. Use paper and/or electronic sampling to accurately record data on catch, by-catch, and vessel effort data. Observers must identify salmon and other marine fish by species, record marked status of all salmon, document soak time, mesh size, compliance with recovery box use, utilize standard detection protocols to detect coded wire tag (CWT) presence or absence, and document condition of salmon upon release from recovery box. Collect biological samples including but not limited to tissue for GSI/DNA analysis, scales, sex/lengths, otoliths, and possible bird carcasses.

Observe and record seabird and marine mammal interaction/encounters with fishing gear. Review and summarize data for mid-day and end of day reporting. Maintain organized and legible records of data collected and observations made each day as well as all biological samples while on-board.

Participate in the Apple Cove test fishery: Work with Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission and tribal staff members to collect biological and catch composition data during the test fishery.   This may include: CWT wanding and snout collection, proper fish handling techniques, species ID, scale sampling, and collecting tissue for GSI/DNA analysis.

Participate in other sampling duties as required.

These duties may include: Charter boat observing, dockside/creel sampling for other species, beach seine sampling, and marine laboratory work. Travel is required during sampling days. Observers must be willing to drive from their duty station to the launch location of the research boat using their personal vehicles. Overnight stays may be required.

Other duties as assigned 

Tasks include: 

Participate as Research Vessel deck crew: handling lines, assisting in vessel maintenance, loading gear, assisting in launch/retrieval, and following vessel operators’ instructions. Work with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access) to assist in data archiving of previous years sampling efforts. Data entry and Quality Assessment/Quality Control (QA/QC) of datasheets, assisting with office work.

Follow Department COVID-19 safety protocols regarding social distancing, wearing masks, and sanitizing when on research vessel for transfers as well as on the commercial vessel

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Work Setting:

Hazards include:

• Sampling on a working commercial fishing vessel
• Transferring observers safely from research boat fishing vessels while underway.
• Exposure to rough seas and inclement weather conditions with rain/wind. Long hours require the observers to remain alert and adaptable to changing schedules.
• Some of the research boats do not have heat; therefore, appropriate layers of warm clothing will be needed during colder months.
• Warmer months may require sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. Some of the research boats do not have bathroom facilities (heads), but a marine grade portable toilet will be available, or it is possible to dock and use shoreside facilities.

Schedule:   

• Intermittent, 7 days a week during the open commercial fisheries season.
• Hours over 40 per week accrues as comp time or overtime.

Travel Requirements: 

• Observers will be required to travel to and from their duty station to the location of the research boat using their personal vehicle.
• Often traveling occurs in the early morning and later night.
• Overnight stays are expected when sampling the fishing fleet in certain areas.
• Mileage from duty station to the vessels along with hotel stays are reimbursable. Per diem rates are given during the day.

Tools and Equipment: 

• iPads, thumb counters, CWT wands, forceps, isopropyl alcohol.
• Generic office equipment. PFDs, coded wire tag wand, genetic supplies, and other safety equipment.

Customer Interactions:

Licenses:

OR 

NOTE: 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 or environmental science classes.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience: 

• Salmon, marine fish, sturgeon, marine mammal (pinniped) identification experience.
• Fisheries sampling experience.
• Small boat experience, not prone to motion or sea sickness.
• Experience accurately recording information
• Experience with communicating with the public
• College courses in science or related field.
• Memory, accuracy, attention to detail, reading and numerical comprehension, legible handwriting, verbal communication skills, ability to recall instructions, function independently, accept supervisory authority, adaptability, and flexibility.
• Rapid but accurate data recording, attention to detail, ability to keep up with fast paced work environment.  Follow through to completion, maintain rapid pace while maintaining professional demeanor, have near/far vision, depth perception and color discrimination.
• A high level of comfort on boats and in rough seas.
• The ability to make swift but accurate decisions about safety.

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 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.

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.

 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

VETERAN PREFERENCE NOTICE: 

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• 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.

 If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.

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