FULL-TIME- NON-PERMANENT
(2) 3-month – Scientific Technician 2
Fish Program – Salmon Recovery Science Unit
20263 State Route 20
Twisp, WA 98856

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.

This is an awesome opportunity to collaborate with a great team. If you are a passionate team player who wants to have an outsized impact on a diverse and dynamic team, and at the same time have fun! we’d love to hear from you!

Duties

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s mission is to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities. Within the Fish Program – Science Division, the Salmon Recovery Science Unit works to ensure that salmonid recovery metrics are produced using the highest scientific standards. As a member of the Upper Columbia River Basin Team within the unit, this position will conduct data collection activities essential to inform monitoring and evaluation of the productivity and survival of ESA-listed salmon and steelhead within the Methow River basin. Specifically, this position will provide critical support for the Methow River basin juvenile radio telemetry project. This position will be working outdoors conducting field work as part of the team consisting of biologists and technicians. Primary duties include operating a juvenile fish trap, following established protocols, collecting biological samples, accurately recording data, and assisting with database management. Position requires ability to work a flexible schedule, work long hours and meet labor demands.

Juvenile Monitoring

Tasks include: 

Function as a team member performing juvenile salmonid trapping activities (rotary screw trap) to inform juvenile abundance and productivity of target species within the Methow River. Accurately collect and record biological (species identification, length, weight, tags, marks, scales, genetics, etc.) and environmental data (temperature, flow, etc.). Drive work vehicles in inclement weather conditions. Regularly communicate with Project Biologist and other staff to ensure established protocols, procedures, and logistics are being executed. Provide input to maximize project efficiency.

Other duties as assigned

Tasks include: 

Assist in field duties with other projects performed by the Methow Research Office (e.g. adult spawning or carcass surveys, capture-mark-recapture sampling, acoustic telemetry testing and/or PIT tag antenna operation and maintenance). Perform equipment inventory, maintain vehicle fleet, and assist in field office facility maintenance.

Team member

Tasks include: 

Attend and assist in making contributions to Salmon Recovery Team trainings, project development meetings, protocol updates, and safety needs. Assist in performing tasks essential to Team operations and functions.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Work Setting, including hazards:   

• Work in inclement weather conditions during day, night, and some holidays.
• walking up to 6 miles on rugged uneven terrain in remote locations independently.
• Lifting up to 75 lbs.
• Use of standard chemicals for fish anesthesia (MS-222) and sterilization chemicals (alcohol) is required.

Schedule:   

• Ten hour work day schedule with some night, weekend, and on-call shifts will be required.
•  Work more than 40 hours per week is occasionally required to complete field activities.

Travel Requirements: 

Tools and Equipment: 

Customer Interactions:

License:

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• 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 science, or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience provided the course work includes at least six semesters or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.
 
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Science or other similar field of study.
• Familiarity and working knowledge of rotary screw trap, electrofishing and capture-mark-recapture methods and study design.
• Ability to identify juvenile and adult salmonids.
• Familiarity and working knowledge of rotary screw trap operation and maintenance.
• Ability to apply PIT tags and familiarity with tagging software.
• Experience conducting spawning ground and carcass recovery surveys for salmonids.
• Basic computer skills with emphasis on Microsoft Office software.
• Familiarity with electrofishing protocols and other remote capture methods.
• Experience trailering rafts and rowing.

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.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.

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 functions directly related to survival of ESA listed species. Or functions that are legally required or treaty obligated for ESA species.
 
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.