- Description
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PART-TIME-NON-PERMANENT
(2) 2.5-month – Scientific Technician 2 *01956-21
Fish Program – Salmon Recovery Science
Priest Rapids Dam
Desert Aire, WA
Anticipated state date is April 15, 2021 through June 30, 2021.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. - Duties
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KEY DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
- These positions are responsible for conducting adult salmonid sampling. Primary sampling location is the adult fish trapping facility at Priest Rapids Dam.
- These positions are responsible for operating the adult fish trap, following sampling protocol, safe handling of fish, and recording accurate data.
- The data collected provides timely in-season estimates of run size, hatchery/wild composition, and age-class structure.
- In addition, PIT tagging adults randomly sampled throughout the run will allow for estimates of run and spawning escapement to be generated throughout the Upper Columbia River basin.
- Escapement estimates will also be used to evaluate pre-spawn survival of spring Chinook Salmon in major spawning areas throughout the Upper Columbia River basin.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work setting including hazards:- Work is performed almost exclusively outdoors, at adult fish trapping facilities.
- Exposure to extreme weather is expected.
- Standing and lifting heavy loads for full shifts either sampling or operating trapping facilities.
- Use of electronic sampling equipment is required and applicants should be able to lift up to 40 pounds of weight.
Schedule:
- These positions are part-time, working 30-40 hours per week.
- The work schedule is three days a week, typically Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
- Shifts are typically 10+ hours long, and there may be some weeks with additional sampling days.
- April 15, 2021 through June 30, 2021.
Travel Requirements:
- May be required to travel regionally to various fish trapping facilities depending on sampling schedules and workload.
Tools and Equipment:
- Duties require operation of fish trap and associated equipment (valves, hoses, electrical boxes, pneumatic gate controls), standard fish sampling equipment (PIT tag reader, CWT wand, ultrasound) and standard office equipment (e.g., desk, filing cabinet, computer, printer, telephone, copy machine, etc.)
Customer Interactions:
- Infrequent as facility requires a security clearance.
License:
- A valid unrestricted driver’s license required.
- Qualifications
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- Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science and two years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1.
OR
- Graduation from high school or GED including one year of high school science and two years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.
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.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications
- Experience PIT tagging and collecting biological data, including DNA tissue samples and scales from adult and juvenile salmonids.
- Experience operating a portable ultrasound unit to identify sex.
- Operation and maintenance of adult fish trapping facilities.
- Working knowledge of salmonid life history and species identification.
- Ability to perform multiple tasks in tandem regardless of distractions.
- Supplemental Information
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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.
- 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. 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.

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 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 critical functions directly related to the survival of ESA listed species. OR functions that are legally required or treaty obligated for ESA species.
*(Images shown are Pre-COVID, WDFW Staff follow current COVID Safety Protocol including the use of face masks)
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.