For more information, please follow this link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3518647/scientific-technician-2-puget-sound-sampling-unit-5-openings-on-call-non-pe

Salary– $16.46 – $21.27 Hourly

Sample predominantly recreational fisheries for salmon, marine fish and shellfish catch to determine the catch per unit of effort and species composition to obtain valid sport catch estimates for salmon and other marine fish.  Tasks include, but are not limited to: 

  • Interview as many recreational fishery anglers as possible at assigned boat launch facilities.
  • Properly implement interview procedures and sampling protocols, and accurately record data on appropriate electronic or paper forms.
  • Observe, count, and accurately identify all salmon and marine fish species. 
  • Sample all Coho and Chinook salmon with electronic coded-wire tag (CWT) detection devices (wand detectors).
  • Classify, sort, and enumerate marked (adipose fin-clipped) tagged, marked untagged, unmarked tagged, and unmarked untagged salmon.
  • Retrieve CWTs from the snouts of Chinook and Coho salmon to determine stock specific impacts for fisheries modeling.
  • Sample recreational and or commercial salmon catch for biological data including DNA, age (scales), and sex ratios.

Data review and summary, public relations, maintenance duties, other duties as assigned.  Tasks include, but are not limited to:

  • Conduct error checks of sampling data. 
  • Provide sport fishing regulatory information to the public.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

  • Work Setting, including hazards: 
    • Work is primarily conducted in the field and on boats – may encounter adverse weather and sea conditions, standing in confined spaces, slippery surfaces, fish blood/slime, use of knives, biting and stinging insects and transporting agency staff and equipment in agency vehicles.
    • Work includes long periods of squatting, walking, kneeling, climbing in/out of boats, sampling salmon in boats, boating, noises, odors, repetitive movements of hands/fingers, often or rarely (depending on the position) carrying and lifting containers of fish that may weigh up to 40 lbs. unassisted.  
  • Schedule: 
    • On-call – typically, 8 to 10 hours per day between 5:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
    • 24/7 non-scheduled, up to 40 hours per week.
    • Weekend and evening work are required. 
  • Travel Requirements: 
    • Travel within the Puget Sound area – seldom overnight travel.
  • Tools and Equipment: 
    • iPad, electronic sampling equipment (CWT detector), weighing scale, calculator, knives, forceps, head lamp, measuring board, tally counter, tide book, totes/bins, equipment holsters, paper forms, labels, scale cards, pencils, pens, clipboard, and scissors.
    • This position is provided a personal flotation device (PFD), WDFW apparel, gloves, rain gear, and copies of current recreational and commercial sampling manuals.
  • Customer Interactions:
    • Interact with WDFW staff, Tribes, the public, commercial harvesters or fishers, salmon buyers, fish processors, recreational anglers, and shellfishes. 
    • Provide sport fishing regulatory information to the public and a high level of customer service to anglers and the public – some contact with individuals who may be frustrated.  
    • Liaison to regional supervisor and enforcement on fishery violations observed in the field.

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.

Certifications/Licenses: 

  • Valid driver’s license. 
  • First Aid/CPR must be obtained within 6 months of hire. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experience conducting creel (angler surveys) and sampling fisheries in Puget Sound, or a similar area. 
  • Able to identify all salmon species and common Puget Sound marine fish and shellfish species. 
  • Familiar with salmon life history and sport fishing regulations.  
  • Knowledge of commercial and sport fishing methods and gear. 
  • Experience working with members of the public.