Anticipated Appointment Length: 3 months
 March 18, 2024 – May 31, 2024 

Provide critical support in estimating natural production of endangered species act (ESA) listed salmonids in rivers of southeastern Washington.  

Envision yourself in the field, engaging in sampling activities including passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging, and collecting biological data on salmonid catch. 

Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) Tagging Juvenile Steelhead – Credit: WDFW

Picture yourself, 

Lifting traps with winches to safely remove obstructions and ensures that rotary screw traps are running smoothly.

This is an opportunity,

To sample juvenile salmonids by safely using MS-222 (anesthesia) to enumerate (count) the number of fish by species and collect length and weight samples.

The optimal applicants, 

Will have previous working experience with identifying juvenile salmonids. 

We are seeking a candidate, 

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

Some of what our Juvenile Salmonid Trap Technician will enjoy doing, 

Assist in the operation of rotary screw traps: 

• Lift traps with winches to safely remove obstructions and ensure that rotary screw traps are running smoothly.

Sample juvenile salmonids to collect biological information: 

• Sample juvenile salmonids by safely using MS-222 (anesthesia) to enumerate (count) the number of fish by species, collect length and weight samples on captured salmonids, and collect scale samples for age analysis.

Passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag salmonids:

Data collection:

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • This position is primarily a field position. Possible conditions include navigating slippery surfaces in/near rivers, loud noises, extreme heat and cold, bites and stings from insects or snakes. 
  • Carry five (5) gallon buckets filled with water and fish for short distances and lift 50 pounds (may include buckets of water/fish daily, and sand bags occasionally).
  • Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations. 
• Schedule:
  • Working hours will vary and will include night shift. 
  • Work during weekends and holidays may be required.  
• Travel Requirements:
  • Will travel to trapping sites (approximately 25 miles one way). 
• Tools and Equipment:
  • Smolt traps, coded-wire tag (CWT) and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag scanning equipment, chain saws, come-alongs, and winches.
• Customer Interactions:
  • Interaction with the public is limited but may occur.

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 (6) semester or nine (9) quarter hours of natural science classes.

Certifications/Licenses: 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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

• Experience in the operation of smolt traps.
• Experience in identifying juvenile salmonids.
• Experience passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging fish.

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 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.

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.

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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