Full-Time/Non-permanent
4.5 – Month Scientific Technician 2
Fish Program – Fish Management – Region 4 Office
16018 Mill Creek Blvd., Mill Creek, WA. 98012
 Anticipated start date is February 16, 2021, through June 30, 2021
 *This position is considered essential.

 Are you ready to join hundreds of people just like you who have discovered the joy of working with fish and wildlife?   If so, the Department of Fish and Wildlife offers you unparalleled experiences to conserve the nature of Washington State on some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring lands, lakes and rivers.

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

This position assists with conducting the spawning ground surveys in District 13 waters (Stillaguamish and Snohomish) that are used to estimate salmon and steelhead escapement. These escapement estimates are required to fulfill co-manager obligations agreed to in the North of Falcon process and in state/tribal management plans. This position is therefore essential to the agency’s Mission of sound stewardship of fish resources. Season is from February 16 through June 30.

Primary duties may include but are not limited to:

Spawning ground/stream surveyor, Stock assessment

Tasks include: 

• Collecting and documenting salmon and steelhead spawning and stream survey data from District 13 rivers and streams.
• Identifies and counts live and dead salmon by species. Identifies, counts, and marks waypoints of salmon redds by species.
• Uses discretion in selecting and modifying sampling protocol based on weather and stream conditions.
• Conducts surveys on foot and using rafts or boats. May participates in stream snorkel surveys.

Biological sampling

Tasks include: 

• Collect and document biological samples from live and/or dead salmon and steelhead throughout the watershed including taking DNA, otolith and scale samples for age determination, and sampling for marks and tags for hatchery/natural spawner origin determination.
• Record sampling results for laboratory analysis.

 Data management

Tasks include: 

• Assists with data entry for the spawning ground survey database (SGS), biological sampling database, and redd mapping database.
• Keys data into computer or iPad software files and performs QA/QC of all data entered.

Access maintenance

Tasks include: 

• Assists with maintenance and preparation of index reach access trails and vehicle staging areas by manually clearing brush and debris.
• Employs hand tool and saws to trim vegetation.
• Communicates with survey index landowners (records landowner new contact information).

 Equipment maintenance

Tasks include: 

 Other duties as required

Working Conditions

Work setting, including hazards:  

• Primarily field work in rivers and streams walking up to 10 miles in rugged terrain in and out of the water, floating in rafts or boats in variable flow and weather conditions.
• Proven ability to safely operate a raft/pontoon boat in whitewater conditions 

 Schedule:  

Tools and Equipment:  

 Housing 

 Travel Requirements: 

License:

Customer Interactions:  

• Communication with private landowners and the general public.
• District 13 management and habitat biologist, WDFW and tribal enforcement staff, Tribal fisheries managers, staff from other government agencies, and the recreational fishing community, WDFW hatchery staff.

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.”

Graduation from high school or GED and at least one year of high school science.
 
Preferred/Desired work experience:

• Ability to work well with a wide variety of people.
• Salmon identification skills.
• Good watercraft handling and trailering skills and the ability to operate vessels safely in inclement weather and in a variety of stream flow conditions.
• Knowledge of watersheds of Snohomish County.
• Ability to work safely in remote areas, often without cell reception.

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 detailed cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications for this position.  Please ensure your application reflects this experience.
• A chronological resume profile that includes education and employment history.
• Detailed responses to all supplemental questions.  Please ensure your application reflects the experience.
• Three professional references.

 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.

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

“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 may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.

*Functions directly related to the survival of ESA listed species.  OR

Functions that are legally required or treaty obligated for ESA species.

Follow us on social media: 
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram