Our Science Technician 3, 

Leads and performs monitoring and collection of catch information and samples recreational landings of mixed species of salmon, marine fish, and shellfish catch.

Tasks Include: 

• Interviewing a large number of recreational anglers at assigned boat launch facilities, marinas, and shore-based fishing locations. 
• Observing, counting, identifying, and recording all salmon and marine fish species that is used for angler effort estimates and species composition in Puget Sound recreational fisheries. 
• Sampling catch to obtain stock composition, age structure (scales), length information (legal and sublegal proportions), and hatchery/natural-origin proportions (mark status). Also sampling some marine fish species for length/weight, as well as collects lingcod for spines, DNA, and any other biological tissues as requested for marine fish. 
• Monitoring recreational landings of multi-species salmon catch to recover coded-wire tags (CWT) for an assigned region. 
• Sampling all Coho and Chinook salmon with electronic CWT detection devices (blue wand or T-wand). 
• Classifying, sorting, and enumerating marked tagged, marked untagged, unmarked tagged, and unmarked untagged salmon. 
• Troubleshooting, beta testing and using current electronic data collection platforms and reporting glitches to the device manager or database manager. 
• Making visual observations for external tags on all species of salmon and marine fish. 
• Sampling of high effort halibut and mark-selective salmon recreational fisheries require people at the sampling sites and on the water. 
• Interviewing all anglers exiting a fishery at pre-selected sites. 
• Participating in special studies as needed to assess age, sex, stock structure and other components of salmon, marine fish, or shellfish. 
• Coordinating in-field collection of data and instructs employees in the process.

Leads other staff and monitors commercial landings of salmon catches for the North Sound region.

Tasks Include:

• Sampling commercial salmon for CWT’s (wand and tunnel detectors).
• Determining mark-status (adipose-fin clipped/un-clipped).
• Collecting DNA, taking scales, and determining sex and fork length. 
• Training and coordinating WDFW samplers and tribal samplers upon request.
• Conducting an initial review of collected sampling data sheets for accuracy. 
• Storing collected snouts in WDFW storage freezer. 
• Interacting and communicating with fish buyers and tribal biologists on a regular basis.

Lead sampler, Data Review, Public Relations and Maintenance Duties.

Tasks Include:

• Training and directing temporary and other sampling staff. 
• Assigning and scheduling available staff to recreational and commercial fisheries sampling as needed. 
• Coordinating in-field collection of data, including coordination with other units of the department, and instructing temporary and other employees in the process. 
• Recommending changes in sampling strategies and techniques. 
• Assisting in the hiring process for new employees, including reviewing applications, conducting interviews, and checking references. 
• Providing recreational and commercial fishing regulatory information to the public. 
• Providing written reports on violations and may give testimony informally or in court.
• Exercising discretion in selecting or modifying sampling methods, including reassigning staff to different sampling locations when needed. 
• Electronically entering and editing sampling data as needed. 
• Maintaining inventory of sampling supplies for regional fishery sampling operations. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Work Setting, including hazards: 
  1. Work is primarily conducted in the field and may include adverse weather and sea conditions, noise, odors, repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, long periods of sitting, squatting, walking, boating for angler interviews, climbing in and out of boats, sampling salmon in a boat, carrying, kneeling, heavy lifting (up to 40 lbs. unassisted) containers of fish, working and standing in confined space, fish blood and slime, slippery surfaces, rain gear, equipment holsters, personal flotation device (PFD), agency identifying clothing, biting and stinging insects, use of knives, and transporting equipment in agency vehicles.
• Schedule:
  1. 24/7 (non-scheduled) – 40 hours per week. 
  2. Evening and weekend work required. 
  3. 8-10 hours per day between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.
• Travel Requirements: 
  1. Puget Sound area, seldom overnight.
• Tools and Equipment: 
  1. The following items are provided for sampling duties: iPad, cell phone, electronic sampling equipment (CWT detector), weighing scale, calculator, knives, forceps, head lamp, measuring board, tally counter, tide book, canopy for shade, portable table, totes/bins, paper forms, labels, scale cards, pencils, pens, clipboard, and scissors. 
  2. This position is provided a PFD and first aid kit. 
  3. The following clothing is supplied: WDFW apparel, rubber boots, gloves, and rain gear. 
• Customer Interactions: 
  1. Regular interactions with co-workers from WDFW and Tribes, commercial anglers, salmon buyers, fish processors, recreational anglers and shellfishers.
  2. Interactions with the public during data collection, and providing basic information regarding fisheries resources, as well as agency programs and activities. 
  3. Providing sport fishing regulatory information to the public which includes possible contact with disgruntled individuals. 

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED including one year of high school science.

AND

• Four (4) years of experience as a Scientific Technician.

OR

• Four years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a health or safety professional, biologist, chemist, or zoologist. 

Please 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.

Certifications/Licenses: 

• A valid driver’s license is required.
• First Aid/CPR Certification within 12 months of hire.

 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 12 months or more experience creel sampling fisheries in Puget Sound or a similar area. Lead experience preferred.

Knowledge of:

1. Salmon life history, sport fishing regulations, and commercial fishing regulations. 
2. Commercial and sport fishing methods and gear.

Ability To:

1. Identify all salmon species and common Puget Sound marine fish and shellfish species. 
2. Use effective techniques for communicating and ask angler interview questions in a manner that facilitates clarity, information flow, and reliability of the information.
3. Consistently and accurately record and review data obtained from sampling fisheries in Puget Sound, including catch and effort data, coded-wire tag recoveries, and biological information.
4. Effectively identify, collect, organize, and document data and information in ways that make the information most useful for subsequent assessment, analysis, and investigation.
5. Effectively express ideas and information through spoken word using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience.
6. Accurately read, interpret, and retain information from sampling manuals, WDFW regulations pamphlets, and instructions from Management and Supervisor.
7. Utilizes mathematical techniques to summarize data.

Experience with:

1. Microsoft (MS) Word, MS Excel, MS Teams and MS Windows.

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 Cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (Generic cover letters will not be accepted).
• Current resume. 
• Three Professional References.

IMPORTANT NOTES:  

On Monday August 9, 2021, Governor Inslee enacted Proclamation 21-14 which requires that all employees of all state agencies not headed by an elected official be fully vaccinated with a recommended COVID-19 vaccine by October 18, 2021 as a condition of employment. Fully vaccinated includes the two-week waiting period after the last shot in each series, or single shot, is given. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide verification of COVID vaccination. A list of acceptable documents to provide verification can be reviewed here. Vaccination acceptable documents link 

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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