Title- Aquatic Invasive Species Technician 

Classification- Scientific Technician 3 (ST3)

Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent

Appointment Length- 8 months – October 16, 2024 – June 30, 2025
WDFW Program- Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Program
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Chum Spawning – Photo Credit: Rachel Blomker

Want to make a difference and help protect the state’s waters and aquatic ecosystems? 

As a senior-level technician in the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Program, you’ll play a critical part in safeguarding Washington’s fish and wildlife by helping manage AIS threats. 

You’ll support the lead decontamination biologist in implementing a new decontamination certification course, conduct AIS hatchery inspections, carry out early detection monitoring for zebra and quagga mussels, and lead rapid response efforts for new AIS detections.

Directly contribute to the health of our waterways by achieving key objectives, such as inspecting hatcheries, conducting site samples, ensuring rapid containment of new invasive species, and maintaining accurate data and equipment. 

If you’re passionate about environmental protection and hands-on fieldwork, this is your chance to make a real impact!

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Aquatic Invasive Species Technician will,

• Assist lead decontamination biologist in implementing WDFW’s new decontamination certification course.
• Survey hatcheries and high-risk water bodies across Washington for AIS using complex protocols and sampling methods, including:
  1. Collect horizontal/vertical water samples with plankton tows.
  2. Monitor artificial substrates.
  3. Conduct visual shoreline surveys.
  4. Measure water quality with Hydrolab and calcium collection.
  5. Collect substrate samples using Petite Ponar grab.
  6. Gather environmental DNA (eDNA) using a filter pump system.
• Conduct early detection monitoring of zebra and quagga mussel. 
• Operate and tow watercraft in a safe and proper manner.
• Rapidly respond to contain, control, and remove new AIS detections under the direction of a senior biologist.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: 

• Approximately 70% field and 30% office.
• Work is performed outdoors on water and land in inclement weather.
• Operate both as a team and independently in remote locations, day, and night.
• Walk up to five (5) miles on uneven terrain.
• Regularly lift up to 75 pounds and pack up to 50 pounds. Safely transport and operate large equipment up to a 20–ft outboard prop watercraft.
• Use chemicals in accordance with labels and handle safely.
• Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

Schedule: Typically, Monday-Friday, 5×8 schedule, but will be required occasionally to exceed these hours. Work may be performed outside of the normal workweek during holidays, weekends and may be required to respond on short notice to rapid response AIS emergencies.  

Travel Requirements: Weekly statewide travel required, with overnight stays up to five (5) days at times. 

Tools and Equipment: Personal computers, laptops, smart phones, electronic tablets, electronic software forms, complex mobile water quality laboratory, environmental DNA backpack water filtration system, non-electronic biological and environmental sampling devices, cargo trailer, watercraft, flatbed trailer, winches, motor vehicles, and complex hot water trailered pressure washers.

Customer Interactions: Interacts with the public on a regular basis while conducting fieldwork. Occasionally confronted by citizens that are non-compliant or not cooperative.

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 science classes.

Experience: 

• Experience and excellent safety record operating vehicles and motorized watercraft at least 15 feet in length in freshwater or marine areas.
• Boat operation knowledge and experience.
• Towing trailers/boats.
• Utilizing Microsoft Windows, smart phones, and laptops.

Valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Obtain State Boater Education Card or equivalent within one (1) month of hire.
• Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft is dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

Working knowledge of:

• Computers and other electronic devices.
• Two-way satellite messengers.

• Watercraft Inspection Training (WIT) Level I/II certification.
• CPR/First Aid/AED certification. 
• WDFW motorboat operator’s certification or equivalent.

Ability to:

• Complete agency qualification process for assigned watercraft.
• Communicate orally and written communications effectively.
• Develop and hold interpersonal relationships based on integrity and honesty.
• Maintain excellent public service and develop partnerships effectively through outreach and education.
• Work independently and manage workload effectively. 

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

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

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.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov.  
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

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.

Request an accommodation: 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.

Technical Difficulties: 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. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2024-11389.

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