(5) FULL-TIME-NON-PERMANENT, 4-month – Scientific Technician 2 *03398-21

Habitat Program – Science Division

(2) Hood Canal- 9744 Manley Road, Seabeck, WA

(2) Strait of Juan de Fuca-1455 S Forks Ave, Forks, WA

(1) Lower Columbia- 274 E. State route 4, Cathlamet, WA 

Anticipated state date is June 14, 2021 through October 14, 2021. 

Do you want to make a difference by making a positive impact on the environment? If so, then join a great team that shares your interests!

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.

The incumbents will collect data of fish habitat variables from focal research streams in Western Washington State. These positions conduct stream habitat surveys on Intensively Monitored Watersheds (IMW) in Cowlitz, Kitsap and Clallam Counties to support research investigating the response of salmonid populations to stream restoration efforts. Fieldwork comprises approximately 95% of staffs’ work hours.  Duties include working effectively as a member of a team to collect fish habitat data while following standardized sampling protocols; driving on logging roads and navigating complex undeveloped road networks; hiking off-trail through sometimes dense vegetation up and down steep slopes; and care and management of sampling equipment.  Work will require travel to and among sites within the study areas and may require overnight camping during the workweek.

KEY DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Follow standardized sampling protocols to collect fish habitat data from research streams

Tasks include: 

• Utilization of a GPS to navigate off-trail  (through dense vegetation and downed trees which sometimes includes hiking up and down steep slopes or within very steep and/or slippery stream channels comprised of loose gravels, cobbles, boulders, bedrock, mud, sand, and/or hardpan to previously sampled study sites
• Climb on log jams to enumerate large woody debris (LWD).
• Drive on narrow logging roads and navigate complex undeveloped road networks while utilizing a CB radio when required to avoid collisions.
• Carry up to 50 lbs. by hand or with a backpack over difficult terrain as mentioned prior.
• Bending, squatting, and/or crawling is required during transit to, and within sample sites

• Camping within the work areas may be required to achieve sampling goals for multiple IMW complexes (Lower Columbia, Hood Canal and Strait of Juan de Fuca)

Ensure that field data collection forms are complete and deliverable, Plan subsequent sampling activities.

Tasks include: 

• Ensure that data collection forms are complete on a daily basis
• Error check and tabulate field data following standardized protocols
• Ensure that data are delivered to either the supervisor or data manager on a bi-weekly basis

• Reviews field maps and printed directions to study sites to maximize future data collection efficiency

Assist with fish population data collection in focal research streams

Tasks may include: 

• Capture fish using a backpack electrofisher
• Enumerate fish using standardized snorkel survey techniques
• Identify fish (salmonid) species and collect relevant biodata

• Safely navigate to sample sites under the same conditions encountered for habitat surveys

Maintain and care for survey equipment, vehicle, and housing

Tasks include: 

• Care for and maintain assigned survey equipment
• Ensure that vehicle maintenance occurs at prescribed intervals

• Ensure that housing and/or camping locations are kept in good condition, remain undamaged, and are left in the same condition (or better) as when assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Work setting including hazards:

• 95% of the work occurs outside in the field
• Hazards include but are not limited to: normal hazards associated with operating a motor vehicle on developed roads; increased hazards associated with operating a motor vehicle on unimproved logging roads with heavy truck traffic.
• Travel over uneven/unstable terrain (steep and slippery slopes, rocks, and logs) –risk of strains/sprains.
• Exposure to insect bites and stings; contact with vegetation bearing thorns, needles, and/or irritants.
• Unpredictable interactions with wildlife, domestic animals, and private landowners.
• Work will occur in all weather conditions typical of Western WA from June-October (rain, wind, and hot/cold conditions).
• Remoteness of work sites sometimes limits outside communication (e.g. poor cell/radio reception in river canyons).
• Camping within the work areas may be required to achieve sampling goals.

Schedule: 

Travel Requirements: 

Tools and Equipment: 

Customer Interactions:

License:

OR

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:

• Ability to hike, bend, squat, crawl, and carry up to 50 lbs. by hand or within a backpack over difficult terrain.
• Bachelor’s degree involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field
• Knowledge of stream habitat survey methods, primarily the USEPA EMAP methodology for wade able streams
• Ability to identify morphological features and mesohabitats of streams
• Knowledge of the study area (Lower Columbia, Hood Canal and Strait of Juan de Fuca IMW streams)
• Ability to complete work duties as an integral member of a team.

• Willingness and flexibility to travel between IMW complexes and camp for the duration of the workweek (Monday-Thursday)

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.
• 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.

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.
 
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 to activities contributing to the food economy (licensing, managing, and enforcing/licensing commercial fisheries, grazing monitoring, fish screen for ag, fencing associated with grazing, personnel necessary to ensure payments to ag producers)

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.