See full job and application details at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3167561/scientific-technician-2-fish-program-two-2-non-permanent-07731-21

Duties

Sample freshwater recreational fisheries for salmon and steelhead to monitor catch, species composition, and mark/unmark encounter rates for salmon and steelhead. If necessary, collect coded-wire tags (CWT) and biological data. Tasks include:

• Collecting data from the freshwater recreational fishery on the Humptulips River through angler interviews by following sampling protocols and accurately recording data on appropriate forms.
• Observing, counting, and accurately identifying all salmon species and steelhead; recording the mark type (presence/absence of an adipose fin) for all coho, Chinook and steelhead sampled.
• Sampling all coho, Chinook, and steelhead with electronic CWT detection wand; removing snouts containing CWTs from coho, Chinook and steelhead to determine stock origin; collecting and recording biological data including scales, sex, and fork length for salmon and steelhead.
• Maintaining regular and professional communication with recreational fishers to facilitate public cooperation in reporting fish encounters and overall fishing effort.
• Performing angler interviews and biologically sampling salmon at public boat launches and on gravel bars used by recreational anglers along the Humptulips River. 

Operates and maintains assigned field gear, vehicles, and other equipment. Tasks include:

• Inspecting all gear, vehicles, and other equipment to ensure proper functionality daily.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:    
  • The primary duties occur in the field – work environment is outdoors and can be demanding physically.
  • During recreational fishery monitoring, work hours are spent standing, walking, bending, traversing boat ramps and slippery riverine gravel bars/surfaces.
  • Lifting, handling, and manipulating items (e.g., equipment and fish) up to and/or greater than 40 pounds.
  • All work includes encountering wet/slippery environments during all weather conditions. 
  • Possible exposure to the COVID-19 virus through public interactions.
• Schedule:   
  • Work hours are variable – can be 10 hours a day, 40 hours per week depending on length of daylight between 6:00 am and 9:00 pm.
  • Hours over 40 per week accrues as compensatory time.
  • Schedule includes weekday, weekend, holiday, and possible evening work.
• Travel Requirements: 
  • Frequent travel to the Humptulips River area.
• Customer Interactions:
  • Communicating in a professional and positive manner with the public (recreational anglers) providing basic information regarding current sport fishing rules and fishery status. 
  • May encounter interactions with angry, distraught, or frustrated public individuals. 
  • Liaise to supervisor on fishery violations observed in the field; and answer basic questions.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) 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 (1) year of high school science AND two (2) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.     

       OR 

• College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences or closely allies 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.

Please note: Experience based on full time equivalency (i.e., 40 or more hours/week). Part time work prorated (e.g., 20 hours/week for 6 years = 3 years of experience). Education does not count toward the experience requirement.

Certifications/Licenses: 

• Valid Driver’s License.

       AND

• Fill out field data forms in an accurate and legible manner is essential.
• Have a flexible work schedule to meet project timelines including working weekends and holidays.
• Sample dead fish regardless of condition.
• Follow oral and written instructions, have good communication skills, and able to interact with the public and coworkers in a positive environment.
• Work independently or with a co-worker.
• Follow all department safety operating procedures and protocols pertaining to the COVID-19.
• Work in all weather conditions.

 
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Background in basic biology and knowledge of salmonid and trout species identification. 
• At least six (6) months experience sampling recreational salmon and steelhead fisheries; familiarity with WA State freshwater sport fishing regulations.
• Strong inter-personal communication skills to work effectively with the public, state, and federal agencies – these skills are necessary to resolve potentially contentious situations involving disgruntled anglers or public where listening, patience, empathy, and self-control skills are vital.
• Effective communication both verbally and in writing; verbal skills are necessary in communicating ideas in technical discussions with biologists over the phone or in person. 
• A commitment to accuracy in detail is important for recording and reviewing field data.

 Analysis/Mathematical Reasoning:

• Reviews information carefully, recognizing when pertinent information is incorrect or missing.
• Familiar and comfortable working with numbers; understands how numbers are related, combined and estimated.
• Accurately performs arithmetical calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Follows logical steps and works carefully to ensure accurate results.
• Basic knowledge of Google Maps and GPS mapping skills beneficial.

 Managing Workloads:

• Devotes time and attention to individual tasks, while remaining focused and working efficiently.

 Safety:

• Follows all department COVID-19 safety operating procedures and protocols; observes and reports potential hazards while in the workplace or in the field.
• Adheres to all relevant policies and procedures.
• Reports accidents or critical incidents to the proper authorities in a timely manner.

Supplemental Information

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.govand 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 NOTES: 
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

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. (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.

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.