For more information, please follow this link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3561908/ecological-interactions-team-field-technician-scientific-technician-2-career?keywords=07404&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

Salary– $2,864.00 – $3,701.00 Monthly

Field data collection activities associated with Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) and Viable Salmonid Population (VSP) contracted work under the Yakima Klickitat Fisheries Project (YKFP).  Tasks include, but are not limited to:

  • Assist with mark recapture population estimates using backpack and drift boat electrofisher.
  • Collect biological data: scan for PIT tag, length, weight, fin clip for genetic analysis and scales for aging.
  • Identify all species in the Yakima Basin for assemblage data.
  • Collect habitat measurements such as flow, stream widths and thalweg.
  • Assist with Chinook fry sampling using backpack electro fisher for growth comparisons.

Snorkeling – Gather data in rivers via snorkeling to identify, count and/or collect fish.  Rowing raft to study sites along the Yakima river.  Tasks include, but are not limited to: 

  • Snorkel on Spring Chinook redds identifying all fish scene and counting the number of precocious male on each redd.
  • Rowing and maneuvering a raft down river to study sites.

Laboratory Work/ Data entry.  Tasks include, but are not limited to: 

  • Mounting and ageing Rainbow trout scales.
  • Pulling Genetic Stock Samples (GSI) to send to Olympia for parentage.

WORKING CONDITIONS:        

  • Work Setting, including hazards:    
    1. Must frequently carry a 30 lbs. pack and a bucket of water up to 40 pounds while hiking quickly over wet, slippery terrain, and through streams where water temperatures are at times near freezing.
    2. Must be comfortable rowing rafts and snorkeling upstream and downstream in high/swift river conditions.
  • Schedule:   
    1. Typically, Monday – Thursday – 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
    2. This is a non-scheduled position that requires the incumbent to work a variety of shifts that may change on short notice – the standard workday during the field season is ten hours, however, may work at night during portions of the field season.
  • Travel Requirements:   
    1. May be requested to work out of town for extended durations.
  • Tools and Equipment:   
    1. Must be experienced with electrofishing units (Backpack/Drift boat), electro anesthesia units, flow meters and basic hand tools.
  • Customer Interactions:          
    1. This is a field position that generally only interacts with private landowners, peers, other federal, state, tribal, local, and private entities.

Qualifications

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.

Special Requirements: 

  • Must successfully complete WDFW snorkel training, First Aid/CPR, and other state required trainings within the first two (2) weeks of employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Background in fish science.
  • Basic understanding of the Yakima River basin and its tributaries.
  • Knowledge and experience snorkeling.
  • Experience rowing small rafts and drift boats, backpack electrofishing, and Passive Integrated Transponders (PIT) tagging.
  • Ability to identifying all native and non-native fishes of the Yakima basin.
  • Experience in the proper sampling and handling of Endangered Species Act (ESA) listed fish.