(Measuring & Tagging Juvenile Steelhead – Photo submitted by Clayton Kinsel, WDFW Staff)

Do you want to become part of a dynamic team that is invested in making a difference in the conservation of Washington State’s salmon and freshwater species?  Do you 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!  

Picture yourself as the lead technician on the Duckabush River downstream-migrant monitoring project and assisting with conducting IMW Hood Canal salmon population monitoring projects and research.

With your experience, you will operate trapping gear, conduct stream surveys, monitor Hood Canal fisheries, assist at trap sites, and compile/organize data.

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.

Duckabush River Downstream Migrant Trapping – duties include but are not limited to:

• Assisting with the installation/removal, maintenance, and operation of floating downstream-migrant trap (rotary “screw” trap) in the mainstem Duckabush River.
• Being responsible for maintaining trap integrity during high flow/heavy debris events, and making repairs if damage occurs due to weather, flows, debris or vandalism.
• Performing Biological Sampling and initiating and conducting mark-release/recapture experiments under varying flows and capture rates to determine trap efficiency for juvenile salmonid population estimates.
• Accurately collecting, compiling, editing and entering data into spreadsheets and/or computer database and begins initial analysis of summarized data.
• Organizing, obtaining, maintaining and tracking all equipment and gear on-site.

Hood Canal IMW (Intensively Monitored Watershed) Salmon Monitoring – duties include but are not limited to:

• Assisting with the operation and maintenance of traps, which monitor and evaluate Hood Canal tributary natural salmon production.
• Identifying fish by species, mark status (origin), sex (upstream-migrants) and age, and detects/recovers coded-wire tags (CWTs) from returning upstream-migrant Coho.
• Conducting weekly Coho and chum spawning ground surveys in each IMW stream during the season, based on habitat accessibility as a function of stream flow and habitat condition.
• Performing operation and maintenance of project vehicles, outboard motorboats, trapping equipment, maintenance and upkeep of trapping facilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Work Setting, including hazards: 
  1. This is a fieldwork position that includes working in rural locations and exposure to adverse/inclement weather conditions, insect bites/stings, thorny/spiny vegetation, pollen and possible wildlife encounters.
  2. Requires walking long distances often on/over slippery, unstable rocks, large logjams, rotting woody debris and through/around deep pools.
  3. Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling, climbing and heavy lifting (50 – 100 lbs.).
• Schedule:
  1. Variable schedule, typically 40 hours per week.
  2. When traps are fishing, they will operate 7 days a week throughout the season, requiring work on the weekends and holidays.
  3. Work will be performed outside the typical schedule due to fish migration, environmental conditions and seasonal demands.
  4. Must be able to work a non-scheduled work week and occasional long irregular hours.
  5. This position is overtime eligible.
• Travel Requirements:
  1. Occasional travel outside the area and overnight stays.
• Tools and Equipment:
  1. Tag injectors, seine nets, electro fishing gear, outboard motors, pumps, generators, chainsaws, power tools, manual and electric winches, screw traps, fence weirs, fan traps, computers, tag readers, tag detectors, large trucks, boats, boat trailers, flat bed trailers, hydraulic lifts, cranes, shovels and post pounders.
• Customer Interactions:
  1. Other state agencies, NOAA, Burlington Northern Railroad, Weyerhaeuser, University of Washington, Skokomish Tribe and Port Gamble Tribe.
  2. Private landowners and the general public when out in the field.

  3. QUALIFICATIONS: 

     REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

     • High School Diploma or GED, including one year of high school science.

     AND 

     • Two (2) years of experience as a Scientific Technician 2.

                OR 

     • Four (4) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a health or safety professional, biologist, chemist, or zoologist.  *College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience.

     AND 

     Professional experience – this can include voluntary, personal, academic or quantifiable experience: 

     • Experience with Juvenile fish trapping.
     • Experience conducting spawning ground surveys.

     Certifications & Licenses: 

     • Valid Driver’s License.
     • Ability to obtain Boater’s Safety Card within 6 months of hire.

     PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

     • Ability to identify salmonid species at all life stages.
     • Knowledge of salmon life history and safe fish-handling techniques.
     • Knowledge of hatchery practices and sport/commercial fishing regulations.
     • Trained in the use of coded-wire tag injector and detection equipment.
     • Experience in downstream-migrant trapping sites on large, mainstem rivers, with nighttime trapping operations.
     • Experience in similar trapping studies and downstream-migrant salmonid trapping with screw trapping gear.
     • Experience safely using a variety of hand tools, power tools and small engine machinery.
     • General construction skills.
     • Experience with small boats and outboard motors.
     • Ability to maintain computer files and use Excel spreadsheets.
     • Familiarity with study area streams.

     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 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

      

     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.   Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities 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.