• Operates and maintains adult migrant trap at Bingham Creek.
• Traps, handles, and enumerates live adult salmonids. 
• Collects relevant environmental & biological information on species composition, sex, age, size, mark status, tag presence, and condition.
• Collects CWT samples, DNA samples, scale samples and applies secondary marks (opercal punch) for later detection in trap recaptures.
• Records and verifies field data for accuracy. 
• Accurately enters data into computer spreadsheets/databases. 
• Maintains and repairs trapping equipment, prepare sites for trap installation and removal. 
• Maintains and repairs associated field gear and equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Work Setting, including hazards: 
  1. Adult salmonid sampling involves standing, bending, lifting, working alone, exposure to inclement weather, cold water, and high river flows for several hours at a time.
  2. Sampling entails handling and relocating non-anesthetized adult salmonids that weigh up to 40 pounds, and frequently performing heavy lifting (50 to 100 pounds).  
  3. The traps have moving parts, including winches for raising and lowering the traps.
• Schedule: 
  1. Schedule, days, and hours may vary – this may occasionally require working nights, weekends, and holidays as needed to complete project objectives.   
  2. Workload demands may require work outside the assigned work hours and adjustment of work schedules – typically, 40 hours per week, Saturday – Sunday.
• Travel Requirements: 
  1. Some local and regional travel is necessary to attend trainings, and to pick up sampling gear. 
  2. Daily travel occurs from the office to the sampling sites – overnight travel is extremely rare.
• Tools and Equipment: 
  1. Wheel barrels, outboard motors, generators, pumps, scissors, knives, scalpels, global positioning units, PIT reader, and coded-wire tag v-detector. 
  2. Safe use of hand tools and power tools (chain saws, etc.) is required to make trap repairs and to clear large woody debris from the trap. 
• Customer Interactions: 
  1. Rare contact with landowners and anglers, including some contact with those who may be frustrated.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from high school/GED, including one year of high school science AND Two (2) years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1. 

     OR 

• Graduation from high school/GED including one year of high school science AND Two (2) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a 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 science classes.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of and ability to operate, maintain, and repair weirs.
• Comfortable using of a variety of hand tools, power tools, and small engine machinery – including generators, pumps, and outboard motors.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Valid first-aid and CPR training card.

Knowledge of: 

• Salmon and trout life histories
• Safe live fish handling techniques.

Ability to: 

• Identify juvenile and adult salmonids, and other incidental catch.
• Collect high quality biological data and complete data entry/summarization into program spreadsheets & databases.

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 letter will not be accepted).
• A 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.