See full details at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3179110/scientific-technician-2-fish-program-career-seasonal-08173-21

Duties

Perform Puget Sound Sampling. Tasks include:
 

• Conducting angler creel interviews, assisting in establishing sampling protocols, and accurately recording data into appropriate electronic forms.
• Observing, counting, and accurately identifying all salmon, marine fish, and shellfish species. 
• Sampling Chinook and Coho salmon with electronic CWT detection devices.

Conducts spawning ground surveys at Hood Canal Intensively Monitored Watersheds (IMW). Tasks include:
 

• Performing weekly Coho and chum spawning ground surveys on Hood Canal IMW stream complex during the summer/fall season, based on habitat accessibility as a function of stream flow and habitat condition. 
• Record the number of observed live and dead salmon, counting redds, and collecting biological samples from salmon carcasses. 

 Operates and maintenances Big Beef Creek salmon weir. Tasks include:
 

• Checking Big Beef Creek weir daily; identifying, sampling and enumerating salmon before passing them upstream; weir will be checked at a minimum of once a day during low water periods. 
• Entering data legibly and accurately on provided trap check forms and entering data into database. 

Assists with sampling of terminal area tribal fisheries at Puget Sound Sampling/Hood Canal Intensively Monitored Watersheds (IMW). Tasks include:
 

• Working with a team to coordinate with tribal fishers to sample their catch for presence of CWT’s. 
• Recording catch data and coded wire sampling data on provided sampling forms.

Performs other duties as assigned. Tasks include:
 

• Collecting additional catch/biological information for salmon, marine fish, or shellfish for special studies with the Puget Sound Sampling Unit. 
• Performing error checks and editing sampling data accuracy when needed; may beta test electronic sampling platforms.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:    
  • Must follow COVID-19 federal, state and agency protocols.
  • The work is conducted primarily in the field.
  • Possible exposure to adverse weather and sea conditions.
  • Repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, long periods of sitting, squatting, standing, walking; carrying, bending, crawling, climbing, kneeling, heavy lifting up to 50-100 lbs. (e.g., large buckets of water for transporting fish, outboard motors, generators, and pumps) unassisted.
  • Boating for conducting angler interviews and sampling salmon (climbing in and out); exposure to fish blood and slime; use of knives.
  • May encounter slippery surfaces; biting, and stinging insects; thorny/spiny vegetation, and pollen; unstable rocks, large logjams and rotting woody debris; deep pools, and thick stands of vine maple, blackberry brambles, and other riparian vegetation.
  • Safe use of power tools (chain saws, etc.) to clear large woody debris from the traps and to make repairs.
  • Weir operations may occur during nighttime periods and for extended periods of time during high flow, debris, and fish periods.
• Schedule:   
  • Typical work hours are 24/7 (non-scheduled); 8-10 hours per day between 5:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. (40 hours per week).
  • Weekend and evening work required. 
  • Overtime may be required.
• Travel Requirements: 
  • A valid driver’s license is required and must have insurance when using privately owned vehicle for official state business; mileage reimbursement may be granted.
  • Significant driving is required via state, federal, and county roads throughout South Puget Sound and Hood Canal, seldom overnight.
• Tools and Equipment: 
  • iPad, cell phone, electronic sampling device (CWT detector), weighing scale, calculator.
  • Knives, forceps, head lamp, measuring board, tally counter, tide book, canopy for shade, portable table, totes/bins, paper forms, labels, scale cards, pencils, pens, clipboard, and scissors; PFD and first aid kit.
  • WDFW apparel, rubber boots, gloves, and rain gear. 
  • Current recreational and commercial sampling manuals.
  • Pick-up trucks, water pumps, motorboats, chainsaw, coded wire tag wands, and winches.
• Customer Interactions:
  • Interactions with co-workers from WDFW and Tribes, commercial/ recreational anglers, salmon buyers, fish processors, and shell fishers, and the public during data collection.
  • Provides basic information regarding fisheries resources, fishery regulatory information to the public, as well as agency programs and activities. 
  • May occasionally encounter individuals who are angry, distraught, or frustrated. 
  • Acts as liaison to South Sound supervisor, tribal and WDFW staff, and enforcement on fishery violations observed in the field.
  • Occasional interaction with private landowners, interested public and tribal fisherman.

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 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.

 Certifications/Licenses: 

• Valid Driver’s License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 
Hood Canal Intensively Monitored Watersheds (IMW)

• Experience and the ability to identify salmon species, fish, and common marine fish species. 
• Familiar with salmon life histories. 
• Knowledge of commercial and sport fishing methods and gear.
• Previous experience working with adult salmon.
• Previous experience walking spawning ground surveys.
• Experience accurately recording information.

 Puget Sound Sampling Unit

• At least twelve (12) months experience creel sampling recreational and/or commercial fisheries in Puget Sound or a similar area.
• Able to identify all salmon species and common Puget Sound marine fish and shellfish species. 
• Familiar with salmon life history and sport fishing regulations. 
• Knowledge of commercial and sport fishing methods and gear. 
• Experience with proper fish handling techniques. 
• Ability to operate boats up to 18’ in length in adverse weather and sea conditions.

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)