WDFW staff comprise a talented and passionate group of people dedicated to protecting Washington’s Fish & Wildlife Resources.  

Become part of a dynamic team that is invested in making a difference in the conservation of Washington State’s amphibians, fish and freshwater mussels. 

Thrive on building collaboration and teamwork while getting your boots dirty working in the field.

If this sounds like the perfect opportunity for you then apply today and join the WDFW Team!  

*(Survey on the Chehalis – Photo Credit: Julie Tyson)

With that in mind, 

Picture yourself, surveying for stream-associated amphibians, fish and Western Toads in the Chehalis Basin.

With your experience, you will collect data that will inform/evaluate habitat restoration, potential impacts of proposed flood control alternatives and watershed plan development in the Chehalis River Basin.

The optimal candidate, takes pride in their work, is motivated, dependable, and hard working.

We are seeking a team player, who respects and values the opinions of others, creating an inclusive team environment where every member feels they contribute value to the project and WDFW. 

(Northwestern Salamander – Contributed By: Alison Hart)

Our Scientific Technician 3, 

• Surveys for stream-associated amphibians, Western Toads in streams and rivers of all sizes, and off-channel wetlands for fish and amphibians.
• Assists with supervising a field crew of 2 to 8 technicians.
• Hikes off-trail through dense vegetation on steep slopes, harvested areas, and wetlands to access sites.
• Conducts rubble-rouse surveys in steep headwater streams.
• Boats and wades in river networks and ponds.
• Safely uses non-motorized crafts while surveying.
• Drives daily via logging roads and navigates complex undeveloped road networks.
• Collects, classifies, and records biotic and habitat data on various devices or paper.
• Uses logic, knowledge of the project area, and established quality control methods.
• Evaluates data for completeness, reasonableness, reliability, accuracy, consistency, and comparability with other data.
• Works respectfully with private landowners while surveying on or near their property.
• Maintains vehicles and equipment (e.g. nets, inflatable boats, waders, electronic equipment).

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Work Setting, including hazards: 
  1. Work is conducted outdoors, in adverse weather conditions, in dense understory vegetation, muddy wetlands, slippery river rocks, steep slopes and clear cuts that contain biting insects.
  2. Fieldwork requires extended time on hands and knees, bending, walking, crawling, and carrying up to 40 pounds in challenging environments.
• Schedule: 
  1. Typically, Monday – Thursday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Travel Requirements: 
  1. Fieldwork occurs in a variety of locations within the Chehalis Basin that may involve overnight stays.
  2. Travel daily in state vehicle to job sites.
• Tools and Equipment: 
  1. Desktop Computers, GIS, GPS, cameras, inflatable boats, and iPads.
• Customer Interactions: 
  1. Tribal employees and members, Weyerhaeuser/Green Diamond employees, private landowners, and Federal entities.
  2. University, County, and State employees will occasionally work with team information sharing and project growth.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

AND 

OR 

Please 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.

Ability To: 

• Conduct field surveys for aquatic species by both visually and audibly identifying and distinguishing biological and physical features.
• Collect genetic tissue samples from captured amphibians and fishes.
• Operate common electronic and scientific equipment to collect data.
• Follow prescribed protocols and procedures, making independent judgments in the field as needed.
• Use critical thinking to collect, record, compile, and summarize data meticulously.
• Effectively practice quality control methods to evaluate data for completeness, reasonableness, reliability, accuracy, consistency, and comparability with other data.
• Work independently as required and supervise as part of a team of 2 – 8 technicians.
• Maintain a professional relationship with coworkers, landowners, and collaborators.
• Think and act in a safe manner.
• Drive 4 Wheel Drive vehicles on logging roads utilizing a CB radio for safety.
• Safely operate non-motorized watercraft in moderate river currents.

Certifications/Licenses: 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Three years professional experience conducting aquatics field research and supervising an aquatics field crew, preferably in the Pacific Northwest.
• Familiarity with lentic (flowing water) and lotic (still water) habitats associated with stream systems, especially those in alluvial (muddy) floodplains.
• Knowledge of principles and procedures of biological research.
• Natural history experience including animals and plants, both locally native and non-native.
• Experience safely and humanely capturing fish and amphibians using varied nets, seines, minnow traps and electrofishing backpacks under standard protocols.
• Familiarity with technology including Windows computers, Microsoft office software, iOS handhelds/apps (iPads), digital cameras, GPS, laser range finders, etc.
• Ability to navigate (by vehicle or foot) throughout the landscape to reach remote study locations using primitive (map/compass) and modern (GPS/navigation apps), and record location data on maps.
• Emotional intelligence and ability to interact positively with entire community, including your crew.
• Knowledge of geography, culture, and history of the Chehalis Basin.

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 current resume.
• A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (Generic cover letter will not be accepted).
• 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.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

VETERAN PREFERENCE NOTICE:

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• 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 contract funded by a combination of federal and local (i.e. capital) funds.

*(Images shown are Pre-COVID, WDFW Staff follow current COVID Safety Protocol including the use of face masks).

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.

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