Fish Passage Technician - Scientific Technician 3 - Permanent/Non-Permanent - 7 Openings -*01122-24 description image

Fish Passage Technician – Scientific Technician 3

– Permanent/Non-Permanent

– 7 Openings -*01122-24

Salary: $3,883.00 – $5,214.00 Monthly
Location: Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Non-Permanent   (FOUR (4) FULL-TIME/PERMANENT & THREE (3) FULL-TIME/NON-PERMANENT)
Job Number: 2024-01122
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Anticipated Appointment Length:6.25 months: April 1, 2024 – October 7, 2024
Opening Date: 01/25/2024
Closing Date: 02/08/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Category: Environmental Services / Recreation / Natural Resources / Wetlands / Research / Geology/Hydrology / Sciences / Green-Collar/Environmental / Geographic Information Systems
 
 

 

Description

SEVEN (7) OPENINGS
FISH PASSAGE TECHNICIAN
SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN 3 (ST3)
 
Habitat Program
Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
 

Apply for one (1) or both Appointment Types by submitting one (1) application! 

FOUR (4) FULL-TIME/PERMANENT 

THREE (3) FULL-TIME/NON-PERMANENT
Anticipated Appointment Length: 6.25 months
 April 1, 2024 – October 7, 2024

Gain valuable hands-on field experience by assessing access to and evaluating the quality and quantity of fish habitat in Washington State.

Be actively involved in conducting fish passage inventories and identifying potential obstacles for anadromous and resident salmonids within natural and human-made stream features. 

 

Photo of WDFW employee conducting a fish barrier assessment. Employee is crouched and measuring the water feature. Surrounded by a green belt of bushes and plants.

Fish Barrier Assessment – Credit: WDFW 

Picture yourself,

Conducting advanced on-site evaluations statewide for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Fish Passage and Diversion Screening Inventory.

This is an opportunity,

To monitor aquatic habitats and stream crossings, collect data evaluate fish passage and long-term effectiveness of culvert designs.

The optimal applicants, 

Demonstrate dedication, commitment, and professionalism.

We are seeking a candidate, 

Who models WDFW values: Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE).

 

Duties

 

Some of what our Fish Passage Technician will enjoy doing, 

Inventory data collection: 

  • Conduct advanced on-site evaluations statewide for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Fish Passage and Diversion Screening Inventory.
  • Inspect, analyze, and report human-made, in-stream structures such as culverts, dams, fishways, lake outlet screens, and water diversions. 
  • Assess fish utilization and conduct a barrier analysis of identified instream features. 
  • Locate, identify, and assess natural barriers to fish passage such as waterfalls, high gradient stream sections, and subsurface flow.

 

Habitat surveys: 

  • Independently plan, organize and conduct physical habitat evaluations of freshwater streams, including measurement of stream features such as pool-riffle ratios, channel width, water depth, temperature, substrate ratios, stream gradient and estimation of canopy and in-stream cover. 
  • Species’ use potential is considered throughout the stream, spawning and rearing process. Habitat quality is characterized by developing priority index values for barrier correction.

 

Data entry and usage of GIS mapping software:

  • Process physical and biological stream data, using established data conversion and statistical procedures, in Excel spreadsheets and Access databases.  
  • Use GIS software (ArcPro) for creating maps of fish passage features and habitat assessment sites. 
  • Use ArcPro for calculations relating to the analysis of habitat data and Level B Hydraulic Analysis, including stream gradient, stream length, elevations, precipitation, and drainage basin area.

Other duties as assigned: 

  • Provide technical assistance to other Fish Passage Division staff members to inventory and evaluate fish passage barriers and water diversions.
  • Organize and prepare summaries of habitat data, and inventoried barrier features for use in the development of recommendations for barrier corrections and habitat enhancements to benefit both anadromous and resident salmonids.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Work Setting, including hazards:
    • This is primarily a field position with approximately 80% of the work week spent outside. 
    • Will be working long hours in inclement weather conditions, along busy state highways and walk streams through thick vegetation. 
    • Climb over and around log jams and wood debris on uneven terrain and slippery surfaces while carrying up to 30 pounds of field gear daily. 
    • The other 20% of the work week is spent in the office entering data (not telework eligible). This will include working under fluorescent light and long periods of looking at a computer monitor. 
  • Schedule:
    • Typically, Monday – Thursday, 7:00 A.M. – 5:30 P.M. 
    • May include evenings and weekends.
  • Travel Requirements:
    • Travel via state agency vehicle up to 200 miles per day to survey locations. Overnight travel required.
  • Tools and Equipment:
    • Survey equipment includes a laser, auto level, stadia rod, gravel probe, machete for brushing, other pertinent sampling gear as needed for data collection per the protocols found in the Fish Passage Barrier and Surface Water Diversion Screening Assessment and Prioritization Manual.
  • Customer Interactions:
    • Interact with other agencies, state and local government officials, Tribal members and representatives, local entities, the public. Contact landowners before entering private property.

 

Qualifications

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science AND four (4) years of experience as a Scientific Technician.

OR

  • Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science AND four (4) 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 (6) semester or nine (9) quarter hours of natural or environmental science classes.

Certifications/Licenses: 

  • Valid Driver’s License. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

Knowledge of: 

  • WDFW Fish Passage Inventory, Assessment, and Prioritization Manual (2019) protocols.
  • Laser survey equipment, digital cameras, GPS systems, clinometers and stream morphology measuring tools.
  • Resident and anadromous salmonid life histories.
  • Freshwater habitat requirements of resident and anadromous salmonids. 

Competencies:

  • Perform advanced data collection and data analysis techniques in barrier determination of human-made in-stream water features.
  • Proficient in Windows, Word, Excel, Access, ArcGIS, and personal computers.
  • Observe and identify fishes and the various fish species in the freshwater environment.
  • Interpret aerial photographs and topographic maps and the ability to navigate using said resources and accurately measure features on maps.

Skills:

  • Maintain active communication with supervisor and colleagues.
  • Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, other agency staff and the public.

 

Supplemental Information

 

Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification.

 

Experience and education selected, listed, and detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable in the application.

 

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: 

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

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 Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE).

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.

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

VETERAN PREFERENCE NOTICE:

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

  • Email a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter to Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov.
  • Subject line must 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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov.  
  • Subject line must 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. 



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.

                                                    Fish Passage Technician - Scientific Technician 3 - Permanent/Non-Permanent - 7 Openings -*01122-24 description image

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.   Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.  

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone at 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov 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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