For more information, please follow this link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3361571/scientific-technician-2-fish-management-program-2-positions-full-time-non

Our Scientific Technician 2,

  • Assesses the ongoing integrity of the inclined plane floating trap, daily inspections for safe operation including adjusting anchor cables with hand tools, maintaining boardwalk, and deck.
  • Raises the inclined plane each hour and removing chum fry from the trap.
  • Transports the fry in four-gallon buckets to the processing table.
  • Assesses and responds to weather and stream flow conditions.
  • Records and reports data for the Salmon Creek trap.
  • Maintains daily datasheets recording number of fish, species, stained recaptures.
  • Calculates and records nightly trapping efficiency which is used to make subsequent adjustments to the incline plane.
  • Reports numbers to field lead each day and maintains the trap log for the other technician.
  • Provides support for the Snow Creek weir in April and May.
  • Assists in the replacement of adult screens (4ft x 5ft aluminum panels) on the weir with smolt screens.
  • Occasional help with processing large numbers of smolts at the weir. Netting, sorting, measuring, and taking scale samples from Coho and steelhead smolts.
  • Occasional trap checks of the upstream box. Visual inspection of the trap box for adult steelhead and notifying field lead of live adult steelhead in the trap.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

  • Work Setting, including hazards:    
    • The Salmon Creek trap site is located at the WDFW Discovery Bay Wildlife Area.  Though the site is somewhat remote and working alone, the trap site lies behind a locked gate and there is cell phone reception.
    • Field lead and supervisor are on call to help with large numbers of fish or to answer questions at any time in the shift. A mobile trailer is stationed at the worksite with electricity, bottled water, sanican, and heat.
    • Outside the trailer, an awning covers the tables where fish are sorted, counted and stained. Outside lighting and headlamps are provided.
    • The trap floats on two pontoons next to the trailer.
    • Though the creek is small water levels do fluctuate and can be swift during high flows. There are handrails and no-slip surfaces, but footing can still be slippery.
    • Most trapping occurs during hours of darkness.
    • Inclement weather can result in wet, cold, icy conditions.
  • Schedule:   
    • Variable, four (4) nights on, four (4) off, contingent on fish migration patterns and weather and stream flows. 12 hour shifts in the early season, decreasing to 11 hour shifts as daylight time increases later in the spring.
    • Schedule floats, advancing a day each week due to the four-on, four off, such that weekends and holidays may coincide with the shifting schedule.
  • Travel Requirements: 
    • Less than a mile occasionally to the Snow Creek weir on the other side of the Wildlife Area.
  • Tools and Equipment: 
    • PFD’s, waders, headlamps, boots, rain gear, various hand tools for installation and maintenance of traps.
  • Customer Interactions:
    • Volunteers and occasional interaction with the local public.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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

OR 

  • Graduation from high school or 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.

Experience in:

  • Experience handling, identifying, and sampling juvenile salmonids

Ability to:

  • Think critically.
  • Collect, record, and compile data.
  • Perform work in a safe manner.
  • Work independently and as part or leader of a team.
  • Accept and provide supervision.
  • Follow prescribed protocols and procedures.
  • Follow oral and written direction.
  • Develop and maintain positive, productive, respectful working relationships with coworkers, collaborators, and local landowners.
  • Make independent judgments in the field.
  • Perform a variety of outdoor work in inclement weather.
  • Tolerate difficult and sometimes tedious work conditions.
  • Abide by all applicable agency policies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Experience with installing and maintaining temporary and permanent fish weirs and traps.

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 current resume. 
  • Three professional references.