Freshwater Mussel – Photo Credit: Todd O’Bryant

Our Aquatic Biodiversity Technicians,

Collect environmental DNA samples: 

• Gather water samples for eDNA following established protocols to ensure high quality, uncontaminated samples. 
• Enters clear and concise data into digital field forms. 

Conducts habitat surveys:  

• Follow established protocols collecting habitat data, including, but not limited to, measuring bankfull width, depth, substrate type, and flow. 
• Enters clear and concise data into digital field forms.

Gather data via snorkeling and other aquatic survey techniques to count and/or collect fish and shellfish: 

• Observes, identifies, and counts freshwater fishes using electrofishing, snorkeling, and other common sampling techniques.
• Observes, identifies, and counts freshwater mussels while snorkeling or with aqua scope. 
• Enters clear and concise data into digital field forms. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:    
  1. The aquatic biodiversity surveys are conducted in multiple watersheds across the state during summer low flow conditions. To access locations, hiking down and up steep slopes while carrying field gear weighing approximately 50 lbs. will frequently be required. 
  2. Collection of biological and habitat data as well as Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling will occur in a field setting. Working long hours in a team setting in dry suits or waders.
  3. Snorkeling will occur in both upstream and downstream directions in moving water. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
  4. Work includes wading or snorkeling in cold, fast-flowing water conditions, walking over rough terrain in varying environmental conditions, and long exposure to adverse weather conditions, such as warm temperatures, is expected.
  5. Frequent bending, kneeling, climbing, and lifting. Frequently lifting and moving heavy objects (50 lbs.) including sampling gear and other equipment. 
  6. Tasks require dexterity and acute vision, especially when collecting biological samples.
  7. Incumbents must be capable of accomplishing the above duties and tasks while maintaining a safe, healthy, and positive work environment and adhering to WDFW workplace safety policies.
• Schedule:   
  1. With the possibility of adverse weather conditions (warm temperatures, rain, and river flows) the work schedule is variable, however we will attempt to maintain a Monday – Thursday 10 hour/day schedule. 
  2. Length of workdays may vary day-to-day.
• Travel Requirements:   
  1. Travel occurs from the office to sampling sites with WDFW vehicles. 
  2. Regional travel, including overnight travel and staying near field sites (e.g., Monday-Thursday), is necessary to access field sites and complete sampling.
  3. May occasionally require overnight camping. 
• Tools and Equipment:   
  1. Safe use of hand tools and power tools is required. Proper use of global positioning units, computer tablets, and other equipment will be required to complete job requirements.
• Customer Interactions:          
  1. Interactions with landowners will occur throughout the season.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

OR

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.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 

• Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft is dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability. 
• WDFW snorkel training and certification, with completion within six (6) months of hire and renewal expected annually.
• Incumbents must have an up to date First AID/CPR. If the incumbent does not have this certification prior to hire, the appropriate training will be provided.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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

Experience: 

• Collecting environmental DNA samples.
• Collecting stream habitat data.
• Using electronic field forms.
• Identifying and handling native freshwater fish and mussel species of the Pacific Northwest.
• Snorkeling.

Ability to: 

• Use handheld GPS units and hand and power tools.
• Manage and maintain computer files and use spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel).
• Use computer tablets for data collection.

Knowledge of: 

Certifications: 

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: Benefits

Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave types. 

Eleven (11) Paid Holidays per year and one (1) personal holiday if the employee is scheduled to be, or has been, continuously employed by the State of Washington for at least four (4) months. 

Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), and an Employee Assistance Program.

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.

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 kaila.daudt@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 kaila.daudt@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

.

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 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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