FULL-TIME- PERMANENT

8-months

Career Seasonal Scientific Technician 2

Fish Program – Science – Hatchery-Wild Interactions

3515 Chelan HWY 97A

Wenatchee, WA 98801

The position seasonal start and end dates are March 23rd through November 12th each year.

Do you want to contribute to the agency mission by providing maximum recreational fishing opportunities while ensuring the long-term conservation of salmon, steelhead and inland fisheries resources?  Do you want to make a positive impact to the recovery of federal ESA listed anadromous stocks?  If so, then join a great team that shares your interests!

WDFW staff comprise a talented and passionate group of people dedicated to protecting Washington’s natural resources while providing sustainable recreational opportunities for all.

Within the Fish Program – Science Division, the Hatchery/Wild Interactions Unit works to ensure that salmonid hatcheries, and the products produced, are managed using scientific principles within an ecosystem context so that fish populations are protected, restored and enhanced to produce a suite of sustainable conservation and utilization benefits. As a member of the Supplementation Research Team within the unit, this position will conduct data collection activities essential to inform monitoring and evaluation of the hatchery programs in the Wenatchee River basin.

These activities will encompass several large-scale field projects that are critical to ongoing research of salmonids in the area (Aquaculture, Juvenile, and Adult components). Specifically, this position will provide critical support for the Juvenile Monitoring Component of the supplementation Research Team. This position will be working outdoors conducting field work as part of the team consisting of biologists and technicians. Primary duties include operating established fish collection infrastructure, conducting established counts, collecting biological samples, accurately recording data, and assisting with database management. Position requires ability to work a flexible schedule, work long hours and meet labor demands.

KEY DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Juvenile Monitoring

Tasks include:  

• Function as part of a team performing routine monitoring activities (rotary smolt trap and electrofishing) to inform population estimates of target species within the study area.
• Accurately collect and record biological (species identification, length, weight, tags, marks, scales, genetics, etc.) and environmental data (GPS waypoints, temperature, survey time, survey length, etc.).
• Support and adapt to program sub-components (e.g. Wenatchee Basin Thermal Monitoring) by deploying, downloading and maintenance of thermal data loggers. Drive work vehicles in inclement weather conditions.
• Regularly communicate and update Senior Technician and Project Lead to ensure established procedure and logistics are being executed.
• Provide input to maximize project efficiency.

Adult Monitoring

Tasks include: 

• Perform routine monitoring activities to enumerate escapement for steelhead and Chinook (e.g. redd counts and carcass surveys).
• Walk/row long stretches of streams and rivers.
• Assist in the operation of Tumwater Dam Fish Ladder.
• Accurately record biological and environmental data (e.g. GPS waypoints).
• Drive work vehicles while trailering in challenging weather conditions.
• Maintain and operate survey equipment (e.g. rafts and trailers).
• Conduct routine updates with supervisor and crew on field activities and data collection.
• Assist in database entry and data summaries upon request.

Aquaculture Monitoring

Tasks include:  

• Gather and record biological data (e.g. origin, sex) during broodstock collection activities and routine sampling of hatchery origin salmonids.
• Travel to multiple hatchery facilities for run composition assessments, broodstock collection, and pre-release sampling. PIT Tag adult salmonids and work with established software (e.g. P3) to record and upload essential data.
• Ensure effective communication with hatchery staff to maximize established manpower.
• Gather, record, and manage data from multiple species (e.g. Chinook, steelhead) over broad time scales for hatchery evaluation.
• Enter data into established databases and perform quality control checks.
• Assist in data summaries upon request. 

Other duties as assigned 

Tasks include:  

• Assist in field duties with other projects located in the Wenatchee Field Office (e.g. egg to fry studies, radio telemetry, fish ladder operations at Priest Rapids Dam).
• Perform quality control of data collected from various field projects.
• Perform equipment inventory, maintain vehicle fleet, and assist in field office facility management.
• Support monthly and annual reporting upon request.

Team Member 

Tasks include: 

• Attend and assist in making contributions to Supplementation Team trainings, classes, project development meetings, protocol updates, and safety needs.
• Assist in performing tasks essential to Team operations and functions.

WORKING CONDITIONS:  

Work Setting, including hazards:   

• Work in inclement weather at night; walking up to 6 miles on rugged uneven terrain in remote locations independently; lifting to 75 lbs.
• Use of standard chemicals for fish anesthesia (AQUI-S and MS-222) and sterilization chemicals (alcohol) is required.

Schedule: 

• Night, weekend, split, and on-call shifts will be required.
• Work in excess of 40 hours per week is occasionally required to complete field activities.

Travel Requirements: 

Tools and Equipment:  

 Customer Interactions:

License: 

• Graduation from High school or GED, including one year of High school science and two years of experience as a Scientific technician 1.

OR

Note: College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural science, or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the course work includes at least six semesters or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Science or other similar field of study.
• Familiarity and working knowledge of rotary smolt trap, electrofishing and mark-recapture methods and study design.
• Ability to identify juvenile and adult salmonids.
• Familiarity and working knowledge of rotary screw trap operation and maintenance.
• Ability to apply PIT tags and familiarity with tagging software.
• Experience conducting spawning ground and carcass recovery surveys for salmonids.
• Basic computer skills with emphasis on Microsoft Office software.
• Experience trailering rafts and rowing.

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 cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (Generic cover letter will not be accepted).
• A current resume.
• Responded to all of the supplemental questions
• Three professional references.

IMPORTANT NOTE: 
The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s priority during the Covid-19 health crisis is to keep our staff, candidates, and the public safe.  We are hiring and encourage you to apply to open positions.  Many of our staff are currently working from home; we have transitioned to a virtual recruitment process, to include web-based interviews.

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 professionalism, accountability, empathy, integrity, service, and respect.

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.

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 RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
• Subject line should 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 RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov. 
• Subject line should 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. For further information, please contact us at recruitmentteam@dfw.wa.gov
 
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.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status and are encouraged to apply. 
 Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.

This recruitment is essential:  Functions directly related to survival of ESA listed species. Or functions that are legally required or treaty obligated for ESA species.