We are seeking one (1) highly motivated and experienced Scientific Technician to work alongside a diverse team promoting the conservation of Washington State’s salmonid population.   This opportunity is located in Okanogan County.

Assist with operation and maintenance of two smolt traps in the Methow River basin.  The data acquired from daily trapping activities and mark/recapture experiments are used as the basis for producing productivity estimates for ESA-listed steelhead and spring Chinook Salmon.  A significant portion of the position will also be supporting the district fish biologist in performing creel surveys.

The majority of these angler interviews and effort counts are performed to monitor a popular summer Chinook salmon fishery on the Upper Columbia and Okanogan rivers.  The data we collect is disseminated within WDFW, and to other resource managers and researchers locally and regionally so that management decisions regarding these ESA-listed populations will be based on the best available science.

• Conduct angler interviews and effort counts to evaluate the effects of a sport fishery on fish populations.
• There will be a significant amount of driving involved with this portion of the job.
• Constant interaction with the public can be expected.
• Duties may also include gathering biological data from harvested fish, including lengths, PIT codes, scales, snouts, etc.

Operate rotary screw traps
Tasks include: 

• Ensure proper operation of rotary screw traps including installation and maintenance.
• Collect juvenile salmonid abundance data for estimating basin-wide natural smolt production.
• Duties include proper species identification, conducting mark/recapture trials to estimate trap efficiency, participation in PIT tagging efforts, and collecting biological information from target and non-target species captured during trapping.

Data entry and quality control
Tasks include: 

• Ensure that data is being recorded accurately and entered into established databases in a timely manner.
• Perform quality control on datasets to prepare for inclusion in monthly and annual reports.
• Effectively use computer software such as Microsoft Excel, Access, and Word.

Assist with other hatchery monitoring and evaluation activities
Tasks include: 

• Assist other biologists with collection and spawning of hatchery brood stock, and miscellaneous other duties as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 
Work Setting, including hazards:    

• Must be able to regularly endure long hours of adverse weather and wet conditions with minimal shelter, while maintaining meticulous attention to detail accurately recording collected data.
• Candidates should be comfortable, professional, and confident working amongst professionals from other agencies and the public, some of whom have differing opinions regarding the objectives and activities of WDFW.
• Must be able to occasionally lift weights of up to 75lbs.
• Must be able to perform job duties under adverse conditions with minimal supervision and maintain concentration, manual dexterity and keep meticulous records of data during long work shifts, particularly during night shifts.

Smolt Trapping:

• A variety of working conditions are experienced during smolt trapping activities.  During peak workloads (March-June) night work, highly variable work schedule, overtime, and cold inclement weather can be expected.
• It is required that you can navigate a rope-guided boat across the river to access the smolt traps during periods of high water.
• Smolt traps are floating platforms that experience periods of instability and random movement and can at times be very icy.
• There can be times of frequent noise exposure due to the operation of generators and water pumps.
• The sampling of fish requires the use of anesthesia chemicals (MS-222) as well as concentrated alcohol for sterilization and tissue preservation.
• Lifting and carrying buckets full of water, sometimes up and down ramps, is necessary.
• At times, these duties can be very mentally and physically demanding, particularly in the spring during periods of high fish abundance and high river discharge.

 Creel Surveys:

• A significant portion of this position will be driving to locate anglers or conduct effort counts.
• Most of the work will be done during very hot and sunny summer days.  Constant contact with the public requires a good attitude and friendly interactions.

Schedule:   

• The work schedule is typically 40 hours per week.
• Working weekends is mandatory for this position, and days off will be during the week.
• The night schedule is usually 22:00 to 7:00 for 4 nights followed by a 19:00 to 23:00 shift.
• The daytime schedule can vary based on your assigned duties.
• During peak work periods, working nights, weekends, and holidays will be required.

Travel Requirements: 

• Travel is required to field locations throughout the watershed to accomplish project duties.

Tools and Equipment: 

• Basic hand and power tools, water pumps, generators, computers, GPS units, sampling equipment (CWT detectors, PIT tag readers, etc.).
• Safety equipment such as PFD’s, hearing protection, and hard hats, etc.

Customer Interactions:

• Interacts with supervisors and technicians within unit, as well as professionals from state, federal, county, tribal, and private organizations.
• There may also be frequent interactions with the public during portions of the year.

 License:

• A Valid unrestricted driver’s 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

• 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 QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
• Working knowledge and experience identifying and collecting biological data from migratory Pacific salmonids as well as local non-target taxa.
• Working knowledge of rotary smolt trapping programs.
• Experience conducting creel surveys.
• Competency using Microsoft Excel, Word, and Access.

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.  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.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

VETERAN PREFERENCE NOTICE: 

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• 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

*(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.